It is quite common to see lanterns floating in the sky in many Asian countries. Although their shape may seem complex, you can learn how to build them yourself. Make a wish, light the lantern and let it fly high into the sky.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Create the Candle
Step 1. Tie the fabric with a tight knot
Cut the edges of the knot so that they are approximately 2.5 cm long. These will become the wicks of the candle that will make the Chinese lantern rise in the air like a flame feeds a hot air balloon.
Step 2. Place the two florist threads (60cm) in the middle of the knot
The two strands should be perpendicular, and their center point should be over the top of the knot.
Step 3. Wrap the threads around the knot, and tighten them tightly to secure them
The four end flaps should be approximately 23-25cm long so that you can comfortably reach the bamboo structure of the lantern. Drop them on the sides.
Step 4. Put the candle on a lighter or other open flame until the wax melts
You could also place a plate or tray under the candle to catch the melted wax.
Step 5. Place the knot in the hot liquid bowl and let it soak for three to five minutes
Step 6. Remove the new wick from the wax
As it cools, the wax will solidify.
Step 7. Wrap aluminum foil around the wick knot
Roll the end of the aluminum foil around the threads so that they are completely covered.
Method 2 of 6: Build the Bamboo Frame and Place the Candle
Step 1. Cut three bamboo straws in half lengthwise using a utility knife
Pass the cut straws over a candle flame while gently bending them; in this way it will be easier to fold them and you will be able to give the shape of a circle in less than five minutes.
Step 2. Line up the bamboo straws on a table to form a single long strip
The final part of a straw should overlap the initial part of another straw by about 2.5 cm.
Step 3. Secure the places where the straws join with non-flammable tape
- Join the two ends of the strip. Again, overlap them on top of each other for about 2.5 cm.
- Use non-flammable tape to secure the two ends and form a circle.
Step 4. Tape the wrapped aluminum strands hanging from the wick on opposite sides of the bamboo frame
- The threads should be attached to the circle so that it divides it into four equal parts. The candle goes to the center and supported by the threads attached to the bamboo structure.
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Wrap the threads around the frame. Secure them with duct tape for extra hold.
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Method 3 of 6: Fireproof the paper
Step 1. Spread 16-20 pieces of kitchen paper (or half if using paper tissues) on a clothesline using clothespins
Step 2. Place a plastic tarp or rags under the paper to absorb any drips
Step 3. Spray both sides of each piece of paper generously with the fire retardant spray
- Do not spray it where the clothespins hold the paper in place, or it will tear.
- Allow the paper to dry before continuing to work.
Method 4 of 6: Create a design for the lantern
Step 1. Draw a vertical line of about 1m in the center of the brown hand paper
Use a tape measure or ruler to measure it accurately.
Step 2. Draw a 30 cm horizontal line at the base of the vertical one
The line should be perpendicular to the vertical one, and the latter should divide it exactly in half, so as to have two parts of 15 cm each.
Step 3. Draw a second horizontal line about half a meter to two thirds of the vertical one
The second horizontal line must be parallel to the first and the vertical one should cut it in half so as to have two parts of about 28 cm each.
Step 4. Connect the two horizontal lines by drawing a third that curves slightly inwards before touching the vertical one
This line should start from the right end of the first horizontal line (the one at the base) and arrive at the right end of the second horizontal line.
Step 5. Draw a second line that is mirrored to the first one connecting the left ends of the horizontal lines
Step 6. Draw mirror lines connecting each end of the horizontal ones to the top tip of the vertical line
In this you will finalize the shape of your lantern, which should look like the tip of a tropical ceiling paddle fan.
Step 7. Cut the shape you drew with scissors
It will be what the shape of your Chinese lantern will become.
Method 5 of 6: Finish the Lantern
Step 1. Spread the 16-20 sheets of flame retardant paper on a flat surface
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Form two lines with the kitchen paper sheets or paper tissues.
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The two narrow ends of the sheets of paper you lined up in two lines should be touching.
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Overlap the ends of the sheets of paper about an inch so you can glue them together.
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Step 2. Use non-flammable glue for this step
Let the paper dry by leaving it on a flat surface. When you paste it, spread it evenly, without lumps. In this way there will be no glue marks on the paper, furthermore the lumps can decrease the strength of the glue.
Step 3. Lay out a two-piece paper board that you previously glued onto the hand-drawn paper lantern project
Position it so that it is in the center of the design and then cut it out with scissors following the shape of the project.
Step 4. Repeat this step with all other paper panels
Step 5. Join the tips of the paper panels
Glue them together so that they sit tightly, leaving the base open to create a large enough bag.
Method 6 of 6: Complete the Flying Lantern
Step 1. Attach the open part of the paper bag to the bamboo frame
Return the structure about 2.5 cm into the opening of the bag.
Step 2. Fold the end of the paper bag up to cover the lantern structure
- Glue the folded end inside the lantern to fix it to the structure.
- Let the glue dry completely before throwing the lantern.
Step 3. Bring the lantern outside at night or at dusk
Light the wick and hold the lantern in your hand for a few seconds until the wick has completely caught fire.
Make a wish. Then, let go of the lantern
Advice
- While you can make the lantern frame with regular straws instead of bamboo ones, they may not be strong enough to hold the weight of the candle.
- You can replace the candle with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Wrap it in florist's wire to secure it on the supporting cross wires. Then, light the cotton ball to make the lantern fly up.
- Once you have mastered the basic circular shape of the Chinese lantern, you can try your hand at more complex shapes. Search online for new ideas.
Warnings
- When using the fire retardant spray, you must wear protective clothing such as gloves and sleeves and long pants, as the spray could burn you.
- Chinese lanterns can be dangerous because they involve paper and fire. Make sure you throw it into a large, open space. In addition, only fly it after it has rained or snowed, so that the earth is wet and therefore less likely to catch fire. Do not let the lantern fly in dry areas.
- For most of the year, flying these lanterns is a crime in Australia (as well as being stupid). Take some time to think about where the lanterns might land and what would happen if they caught fire. Consider the idea of tying the lantern with an inconspicuous thread.
