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DIY Geometric Lanterns

by Jenny Batt

Geometrics aren’t going anywhere soon, why not include them in your party decor?  I saw a tissue paper lantern in a vintage party book and it looks so current in monochromatic hues. Change it into any shade you want by choosing from the array of tissue papers available.

Materials Needed: tissue paper (a variety of shades can be found here), double stick tape, scissors, needle, fishing line

Unfold your tissue paper and take two sheets. Fold in half length-wise. Accordion fold the tissue paper in three quarter of an inch increments. Note: to make shorter lanterns and vary the sizes, trim the open edges shorter. The center fold line should face down, as shown. Unfold and open while keeping the two sheets layered on each other. Pinch one end back together accordion style.

Cut a strip of fishing line about 12 inches long and use it to thread a medium sized needle. Push the needle through the entire accordion gather and tie both ends together to make a circle. Play with the folds to make them evenly dispersed before knotting permanently. Repeat on the other end.  Use a piece of double stick tape to layer the two edges together in the center. Press gently with your fingers to crisp up any deflated crease lines.

Repeat and make many, many more; these look great en masse. Hang and enjoy. Oh, and those cute little streamers? Just the scraps left over from making the shorter lanterns. How do you make party decorations stand out from the usual stand-by?

  1. Lindsey

    August 15, 2012

    These are so fun! They’d look great in so many different colours.

    -Lindsey
    Et tu, tutu?

  2. Elisabeth

    August 15, 2012

    wow that looks so beautiful!!
    so easy 😀

    thanks
    -muabi.dk

  3. Evani G

    August 15, 2012

    I swear, just when I think Oh Happy Day couldn’t possibly make another awesome thing, you guys crank one out! This is definitely on my to do list!

    Evani
    http://www.simplyevani.com

  4. Dottie

    August 15, 2012

    Unbelievable! These are just stunning! Well done!

  5. Tina Ramchandani

    August 15, 2012

    The shape is perfect and it looks really easy to do make, for those of any skill level 🙂 I like that the paper lantern is taking another shape. Although I adore the rounds I think they are overused at this point.

  6. bettijo @ PagingSupermom.com

    August 15, 2012

    How cute are these babies? Thanks for sharing!

  7. Jackie

    August 15, 2012

    I LOVE these. I was getting super bored of the tissue pom pom or flowers. They have been overdone and seem to Gorky for parties for my boys. These are such a great alternative and take much less tissue paper!!

  8. Megan

    August 15, 2012

    Excellent new take for tissue paper! Love it!

  9. keithtwin

    August 15, 2012

    I think these little tissue lanterns would make a wonderful Christmas display for the window if placed to frame the Christmas Tree. Such a lovely idea.

  10. rachael

    August 15, 2012

    these are sweet! too bad i am too lazy ;P

  11. Nati Veneziani

    August 16, 2012

    These are very cute!

  12. Jillian in Italy

    August 16, 2012

    This is a great new twist on the tissue paper lanterns. And I love the colours you chose to do them in.

  13. Stacey

    August 16, 2012

    I’m so thrilled you posted this! Just in time in fact for me! I was just thinking of purchasing some lanterns, but now I will make my own! Thank you! They look great!

  14. Becca

    August 16, 2012

    Excellent! It seems very easy to do. Making this is also a good extra income and post
    on Etsy site.

  15. chiara

    August 16, 2012

    these are great! I want to make little mini ones for my Christmas tree this year!

  16. Pysselbolaget

    August 16, 2012

    They are lovely! We have to try this soon! Would it work with thicker paper, you think?

  17. how2home

    August 16, 2012

    This is such a fabulous tutorial, looks fun to make too. Colors are beautiful!

  18. Trish

    August 16, 2012

    What a cute idea for a party! I actually bought some like this recently and MAN were they expensive. I’ll definitely be making my own next time. 🙂
    Thanks!
    Trish

    http://www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com

  19. Judit & Corina @WineDineDaily

    August 16, 2012

    Thank you for the fabulous idea!!!

  20. Erika @Sausage Jar

    August 17, 2012

    This is so amazing! Colourful diamonds! :3

  21. Melissa - Keith Pitts Photography

    August 17, 2012

    Really, really cute! I can’t wait to give these a try with the kids! Thanks for sharing!

  22. Laura

    August 18, 2012

    Love them! I smiled when I realized what they reminded me of (anyone remember the Sims?)

  23. Anne

    August 18, 2012

  24. snyggsnag

    August 19, 2012

    Oh that looks so perfect … thanky for the instruction …

  25. Lara

    August 19, 2012

    Thank you for sharing these gorgeous lanterns! you always surprise me

  26. jenny holiday

    August 20, 2012

    Oh my goodness! I ‘m grinning ear to ear!! Love them to bits and bits!! 🙂

    xo

  27. Mandy

    August 24, 2012

    I love this so much I featured it on my blog today!

    xomando
    http://www.mandatorycreations.blogspot.com

  28. Kolly

    August 27, 2012

    The sims!

Comments are Closed

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