Wax Paper Lanterns with Botanical Inclusions
Join us for a fun and creative Wax Paper Lantern family art workshop where imagination lights the way! Perfect for all ages, this hands-on activity guides participants in designing and assembling glowing lanterns using wax paper, botanicals, and/or colorful tissue paper. Learn simple techniques to create stunning translucent designs that come to life when illuminated. Whether crafting as a family or on your own, this workshop is an excellent opportunity to explore your artistic side and leave with a unique, handmade lantern to brighten your home.
Materials:
- Wax Paper
- Evergreen Clippings
- Tissue Paper
- Construction/Scrapbook Paper
- Iron
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Popsicle sticks
- Hot Glue
- Flameless Candles
Instructions:
Step 1: Create the frame for your lantern. Make five frames that will be assembled to create a square. Choose four popsicle sticks. Arrange them in a square on your work surface. It is recommended to place two sticks vertically and then place two sticks horizontally on top. Glue these in place. Repeat this process until you have five frames.
Step 2: Cut four rectangular pieces of wax paper that are 5.5” x 11”. Create a crease by folding them in half on the short side. This will create a square that is 5.5” x 5.5”. Once again, open the square to be a rectangle.
Step 3: Use botanicals, colored tissue paper, and/or scrapbook paper to create a design on one side of the rectangle.
Step 4: Once your design is complete, fold the rectangle in half to encapsulate the design. Use a warm iron to press the two sides together. The heat will slightly melt the wax coating and cause the two sides to adhere.
Step 5: Repeat this process of designing and ironing with all four rectangles.
Step 6: Use hot glue to glue each wax paper design to one side of four of your frames.
Step 7: Assemble your frames into a lantern. Place the frame that does not have a wax paper design flat on your work surface. Use hot glue to connect the remaining four frames vertically with the wax paper designs to the base frame.
Step 8: Add a battery-powered tea light candle inside the lantern and enjoy its luminous glow.
Ways to take your Paper Lantern to the next level:
- Experiment with alcohol inks or watercolor paints on the wax paper for a more sophisticated look.
- Before assembling the frames, paint or stain the popsicle sticks in colors that complement your design.
- Experiment with hexagonal or triangular frames for unique geometric lanterns.
Further Learning and Discussion Questions:
- Discussion Questions for Reflection
a.) What inspired your design choices, and how do the materials you selected (botanicals, tissue paper, etc.) contribute to the overall aesthetic of your lantern?
b.) How does the choice of materials, such as wax paper and popsicle sticks, influence the functionality and durability of the lantern? What might you change to make it more versatile or long-lasting?
c.) What challenges did you encounter during the project, such as assembling the frames or adhering the wax paper, and how did you overcome them? - Further Learning
a.) Isamu Noguchi’s Akari Light Sculptures: Renowned artist Isamu Noguchi’s work with paper lanterns, known as “Akari,” blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design. Learn more about his contributions:
i. https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-noguchi-sculptures-inspired-paper-lamps
ii. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/why-isamu-noguchis-lanterns-are-so-beloved?utm_source=chatgpt.com
b.) Children’s Literature Featuring Paper Lanterns: “Playing with Lanterns” by Wang Yage, illustrated by Zhu Chengliang: This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Zhao Di and her friends celebrating Chinese New Year with colorful paper lanterns, offering insights into cultural traditions and the joy of festivities. Click the link below to watch and listen to this story.
i. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olk85WAlj4Q
