Camping trips are all about fun and adventure, and nothing adds a touch of magic like crafting your very own camping lantern. Check out the other DIY camping crafts that we have posted – there are some actual functional lanterns you can make!
For today’s lantern craft, we are making a super cute paper bag lantern. This decoration will look great on your camping themed bulletin boards and will fit wonderfully with any camping themed unit you might be working on. It is a simple paper craft and doesn’t require a big list of supplies. Follow this easy tutorial to make your own paper bag lantern craft.
Materials Needed:
- Paper bag
- Construction paper (red, yellow, and white)
- Scissors
- Double-sided tape
- Black Marker
Instructions:
- Cut the Templates:
- Begin by drawing out your paper shapes. Draw shapes similar to ours below on the red and yellow paper. Cut out the shapes. These pieces will form the decorative elements of your lantern.
- Begin by drawing out your paper shapes. Draw shapes similar to ours below on the red and yellow paper. Cut out the shapes. These pieces will form the decorative elements of your lantern.
- Attach the Red Pieces:
- Using double-sided tape, attach the red pieces to the paper bag. Follow the pattern shown in the picture below.
- Using double-sided tape, attach the red pieces to the paper bag. Follow the pattern shown in the picture below.
- Attach the Yellow Piece:
- Using double-sided tape, attach the yellow piece to the paper bag. Follow the pattern shown in the picture below.
- Using double-sided tape, attach the yellow piece to the paper bag. Follow the pattern shown in the picture below.
- Create the Switch:
- For the finishing touch, cut a small circle from the white paper. Draw a line across the circle using the marker to look like a “switch.” Attach this to the lantern with tape.
- For the finishing touch, cut a small circle from the white paper. Draw a line across the circle using the marker to look like a “switch.” Attach this to the lantern with tape.
Tips for a Perfect Lantern:
- Use Bright Colors: Bright orange or yellow construction paper work best to mimic the look of a real lantern flame.
- Be Creative: Feel free to add other decorative elements like glitter, stickers, or even some camping-themed drawings to personalize your lantern.
Fun Variation:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Paint: For an extra magical touch, use glow-in-the-dark paint on the yellow “flame” part of the lantern. This way, your lantern will glow even after the sun sets.
Creating this paper bag camping lantern is not only a fun craft but also a great way to get into the camping spirit. It’s an activity that both kids and adults can enjoy together, and the end result is a cute decoration.
If you decide to give this craft a try, let us know how it turns out! Feel free to tag us on social media if you post a picture of your craft – we’d love to see it!
