Easy Chinese Lantern Template To Make With Kids

It’s lovely to have a few crafts up your sleeves. As a mum who did ALL the crafts when our boys were little, I know it’s all about quick gratification. Something quick, ready to make that inspires creative little minds without promoting boredom! This Easy Paper Chinese Lantern Template png/svg is perfect for crafting with kids. To keep them active and leave them with something they can admire afterwards.

This fun activity makes really cute table decorations and wedding decorations, simply use with balloon lights for a twinkle affect and create beautiful shadows and your own mini lantern festival. (Although never leaver unattended)

Our boys used to always be so proud of their crafts, and for that little moment in time when they were occupied, it was glorious! Additionally what’s better than a seasonal paper lantern crafts for spring and summer, or indeed to celebrate the Lunar New Year or Easter? Thus I have cut little egg patterns into the top rim of the lanterns ( It probably would have shown better on plain card stock, but I so wanted a pretty patten.) and a pretty grass edge.

How To Make A Chinese Lantern With My Free Template (Step by Step Instructions)

You Will Need 

• Cricut Maker ( Or scissors) Cricut Explore or can also be used on Silhouette Cameo.
• Cricut Design Space
• Blue Cutting Mat
• Patterned Cardstock paper or Glitter Card or coloured or white paper. (The paper in the post is from B&M Bargains)
• Brayer and weeding tools
• Glue Or Double Sided Tape
• Led candles or Led Balloon Lights
• You can also use a staple gun

How To Add Our Free Chinese Lantern Template To Cricut Design Space.

Firstly click upload at the bottom of the left hand bar and find your lantern and handle strips files, you will have to upload them one at a time. You now have the option to remove the background, however I have done this for you.

The first option you will see is the image below, choose moderately complex. You will then be taken to the select top page, this is where you can remove any background. I am using an image with an image from my dinosaur egg holder, but the principle is the same.

Now choose to save your Easter Lantern as a print and cut or cut file, before uploading to design space. This can be changed in Cricut Design Space. Don’t worry if the image looks grainy, as soon as it’s in design space it will be fine.

Sizing Your Cut Files

It depends on how big you want your lanterns to be? I made mine 10inches wide which made nice big lanterns, however they could have been much smaller. I sized the handle so that it fit the length of the base of my lantern. You can see on the image that this ensures the handle is in proportion.

If you don’t want the egg patterns simply click contour on the bottom right corner and remove the contours. You could also choose different themed papers to make you Chinese Lantern more seasonal with Chinese themed paper with zodiac animals and patterns to create a Chinese New Year Craft, or Christmas themed paper for a Christmas themed lantern.

Cutting Your Lantern Templates

When you send your Lantern Cut File to your Cricut to cut, ensure you use your brayer to roll the paper, vinyl or card to adhere to the mat. Movement will affect the cut. If your cutting mat looses its stickiness this will affect the quality of cut. Also make sure your mat is in good condition, it is vital for cutting intricate cuts.

Additionally, make sure you set the material and cut pressure correctly to match whatever Cricut materials you’re cutting to get a clean cut. For this patterned paper I use the heavy card stock setting set the pressure to more.

Also If you have any problems cutting check the mat, pressure and material settings as generally this is where the problem will lie.

Assembling Your Lantern Template

I glued my lantern with hot glue, however if you are easter crating with kids it may be an idea to use strong double sided sticky tape, or get an adult to use a stapler gun, however the principle is the same.

Start by glueing along the long edge of the lantern with a hot glue gun, you have to be quick as the glue dried quickly.

Once glued quickly fold around and meet up with the other edge, I start at the bottom edge on the inside of the lantern with a small amount of glue. Stick it together to position then add the rest of the glue. Hold together the edges but so you don’t burn yourself with the hot glue.

Now you can add the handles, glue the edges one at a time and pop onto the inside of your Chinese Lantern.

Lastly, Create The Lantern Shape

Gently press down the lantern to create a gentle fold half way down the sliced areas. This will create your lantern shape.

You Can Also Convert These Chinese Lanterns To Easter Baskets

If you create a base and cut an inside tube, you can also convert your lantern to easter baskets, The inside tube will prevent your eggs from falling out.

Also I know this is obvious but must mention just in case that these lanterns are for decoration and fun only and not for candles. However are perfect for making baskets and filling with eggs.