Paper Lanterns Chinese New Year Decor DIY

Paper lanterns Chinese New Year decorations are so fun to make! And easy enough that my 8 year old son made the lanterns you'll see today.

Chinese New Year {AKA Lunar New Year} is a beautiful celebration timed according to the phases of the moon. It's all about good luck, looking forward to new opportunities, and reveling in the sanctuary of family.

These DIY paper lanterns make great decor to hang around the house or use for the table.

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Paper Chinese Lantern Supplies

You only need a few items to create these fun and festive Chinese paper hanging lanterns.

Simple Paper Lantern Supplies

• Red card stock 12″x12″ 65lb
• (3) Strips 1″x12″ Yellow card stock 65lb
• Pencil
• Straight edge
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Scotch tape

DIY Paper Lantern Chinese New Year Video

This project is quite easy with just a few steps. Watch the video to see just how simple it really is! {Didn't my son do a great job!? #proudmom}

Paper Chinese Lantern Instructions:

1. Fold your red card stock in half keep the fold pointed toward you.
2. Draw a line on the top of the page {the open side} using the width of your ruler as an easy measurement.
3. Then using that top line as a stopping point, use the straight edge to create vertical lines spaced evenly across the page. The strips can be 1-1/2″, 1″, 3/4″ or 1/2″ thick depending on your desired finished look. For younger kids just use the thickness of the ruler as your spacer. It is important that they are evenly spaced.
4. After drawing the vertical lines, use your scissors to cut each line. Start at the folded edge and STOP at the top guide line. Young kids should be supervised for this part. You don't want to cut all the way through.
5. Unfold the paper and roll it into a tube, lining up the folded crease at the center and overlapping the end strips. Use your tape to secure the paper roll on the inside, then secure the flap using tape rolls.
6. Then tape the overlapped strips at the center crease to keep them from separating.
7. Press the top of the lantern down to get a nice full shape.
8. Add the “gold” trim using a glue stick to the top and bottom of the lantern.
9. Finally, using tape rolls on the ends of your final yellow paper strip, attach it to the top of the paper Chinese lantern to create a handle.
10. Use the handle to hang lanterns from the ceiling, light fixtures, or on a string around the room. OR simply set them down on the table as Chinese New Year decorations.
11. BONUS: Add battery operated candles inside the standing lanterns for extra decor points!

Set Your Chinese New Year Table

Chinese New Year celebrates a new zodiac sign, so having this fun zodiac placemat is a great way to start. Find more fun ways to decorate and celebrate in this post: Chinese New Year for Kids.

Paper Lanterns for Chinese New Year

Then finish setting your table with beautiful plates and don't forget the chopsticks! If you're wondering what to serve for dinner you can see my recommendations here with my Chinese New Year Food Tradition Ideas.

These DIY Paper Lanterns for Chinese New Year are a fabulous craft for a classroom, homeschool, children's activity group, or just a fun family night as you learn more about Chinese culture!

If you try a Paper Chinese Lantern {or ten}, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below. And if you share photos, I want to see it too! Please tag us @partieswithacause on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. We love celebrating all your hard work! 

Then join me, as we “celebrate the globe” and explore the world, one country at a time. Grab your free printable passport and join the adventure!

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