Chinese Lantern

For this craft project you will need:
1 piece heavy red paper, such as construction paper
Ruler
Scissors
Pencil
Stapler

1. Use a pencil and ruler to draw a straight line across the short edge of the paper, about 3/4" to 1" from the edge. Cut the strip off this line; this piece of paper will be the handle for your lantern.

2. Fold the paper in half lengthwise, a hot dog fold. Make sure all the edges line up straight. The side that will be on the inside of your lantern will be on the outside of the fold right now.

3. Use your ruler and pencil again to mark a line about 3/4 to 1 inch in from the open edge of the paper, just like the line for the handle, except on the long side this time.

4. Use your scissors to start cutting strips from the folded edge to the line you just drew. Each strip should be about 3/4 to 1 inch. These strips will not fall apart; the paper should still be attached along the far edge.  

5. Unfold the paper and refold it lengthwise, but inside out, so the line you drew on the paper will not show on the outside of the lantern.

6. Unfold your paper again, and roll it into a tube, so the edges just overlap. Staple the edges together. When it is assembled and you stand the lantern up, the strips you cut should be vertical.

7. Now, using the first strip you cut, staple one edge of the strip to the top edge of the lantern and staple the other end of the strip to the opposite side of the lantern. Your lantern now has a handle.

8. To finish you lantern press down on the top of the lantern so the cut strips balloon out at the fold.

You can hang up your finished lantern or even make a few and turn them into a garland for your New Year celebrations.

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