January 26, 2009

How to Make a Lantern for Chinese New Year

Traditionally speaking, Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days. On the 15th day there is a lantern festival, which marks the end of the celebrations. The lanterns are hung up to symbolize a fresh start to the new year.

Using red envelopes, (a traditional envelope used for giving money gifts), you can make your own lantern to hang. You will need 30 red envelopes of the same size. If you don't have red envelopes, you can use red card stock and decorate.


Using clear adhesive tape, tape 6 envelopes together, top to bottom to form a long train. Tape both sides.

Using another 6, tape an envelope to each of the seams to form flaps.


Once you have 6 flaps, tape together the two outer envelopes of the train to make a circle.

Tape the center flaps together and pinch the outer corners to form a hexagon. Set aside.

Line up another 6 envelopes. This time tape the sides of the envelopes together.

Create flaps like before, taping both sides again.

Once you have the 6 outer envelopes and 6 flaps, tape and enclose like above to create a second hexagon.

Take another envelope, roll up length-wise and secure to make round tubes.

You will need 6 tubes.

Secure tubes on the outer corners of the larger hexagon.

Using red string or ribbon, create a loop through opposite triangles of the larger hexagon an tie a knot on both ends.

Using a second length of ribbon, loop through opposite triangles of the smaller hexagon, then tie a knot to secure.

Ta da!

You can create variations of this simple lantern. For instance if you want a larger lantern, just create an extra larger hexagon and attach to the bottom of the smaller. Or you can find a fish charm (to signify abundance) or Chinese knot to add to the bottom to fancy it up!

by Lisa
http://fubabee.com

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I love it! I got a bunch of free envelopes last week. Now I know what I'll do with them!

Thanks!

Simone said...

That is so cool. Gong Xi Fa Cai!!! (Hong Bao Nai Lai!!)

MaryAnne LoVerme said...

sooooooooo cool!

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Wow, that is so cool! I'll be adding this link to my Chinese New Year Roundup, I love it!

May Luk Ceramics said...

Kung Hay Fat Choi!!!

merrymaker said...

this is so cool!! how easy and fun it is!

Ikyoto said...

Such a cool idea...I already crumpled my envelopes from this year, but I'll save them next time.

fadingflowers said...

I made a tutorial how to make the other the version.

Here's the image:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fadingflowers/2247440826/

Alison Du Bois said...

What a cool post, I love it! Thanks :)

Paperelle said...

How cool! Too bad my closest Chinese friend just got married, and doesn't receive envelopes anymore. I'll send her the link just in case she has spares.

alexlady said...

what a great tutorial!! gung hay fat choy!

Anonymous said...

thank you very much!!! very creative... very genius!!! muah muah!!!