Chinese New Year Paper Lantern Craft Tutorial

When I was in fourth grade, I went to a Chinese American school. It was a lot of fun and I learned about the Chinese New Year.  The date varies a little each year but this year the Chinese New Year 2015 falls on February 19th. It is an official public holiday in China. The Chinese lunar calendar is associated with the Chinese zodiac animals and this year is the year of the goat! I remember lots of Chinese paper lanterns and that the children each got a red envelop with a little money it. Anyway, I thought I would share a Chinese New Year paper lantern craft project with you in case you want to help your little ones celebrate. This DIY Chinese paper lantern is super easy to make and only takes a few basic supplies.

Easy Chinese Paper Lantern Craft (Decorative/Unlit Version)

It was a bit hard coming up with something to call this origami paper craft but I think any of these terms will aptly describe this craft: Paper lantern craft, Paper orb, Paper globe, Hanging paper ball and/or, Chinese-style paper lantern (even if it’s not functional). It’s a relaxing, hands-on activity that lets you play with color, shape, and structure. They make eye-catching decor for classrooms, parties, and New Year celebrations.

Chinese Lantern Craft Supplies:

• pipe cleaners
• paper (solid or printed)
• scissors
• ruler
• hole punch

How To Make A Round Chinese Lantern

You have a lot of freedom to customize this easy Chinese paper lantern to your own liking by changing the size of the strips of paper and the pattern of the paper.

I choose to use origami paper cut into strips because I like the beautiful oriental patterns but you could use construction paper or typing paper. Since origami paper is usually 6 inches by 6 inches, I cut it into 6- 1 inch strips.

I chose a total of 9- 1 inch by 6 inch strips to make 1 paper lantern. I hole punched them in the middle about 1/3 of an inch up from the top and bottom.  (See photo above.)

Then cut a pipe cleaner to be 5 inches long and made a small loop at the bottom so that the the paper strips will not fall off.  Load all of the paper strips onto the pipe cleaner with the pattern facing down towards the little loop.  I alternated color strips as I loaded.  (See photo below.)

Next, I loaded the other end of the strips onto the pipe cleaner so that it made an arc shape.  (See below.)

I finished it off with a big loop on top to keep the paper lantern strips on and to give a place to hang the lantern if you so desire.

Then, you just fan the paper strips out and you have a Chinese paper lantern!  It is a very quick and easy craft.  You can make bunches of them and hang them from doorways and window frames on a string.  You can use red paper strips for a more traditional Chinese Lantern Craft if you prefer. Hang in windows or from ceilings.

Conclusion

These paper lantern crafts are a very Kid-Friendly Craft- great for motor skill development, focus, and creativity. Young children will enjoy the simple materials like pipe cleaners and paper. Making paper lanterns is a great intro to different cultures and traditions, especially in East Asian celebrations. It is a perfect activity for family time, classrooms, homeschool projects, or crafting with friends.

Do you think you will try this Chinese New Year Paper Lantern Craft yourself? Share your photos @familyfocusblog!  

More Chinese New Year Celebration Ideas:

You may want to share some ancient Chinese proverbs with your children.  They always have good lessons.

Want to cook up some delicious food to help you celebrate as well? Try this Chinese Dumplings Recipe From Chinese Soul Food

You might want to tell your kids about Chinese Horoscopes and about their belief that the year of your birth may influence your personality traits. What is your Chinese zodiac sign? I’m a dragon!

Do you have any other special crafts or traditions to celebrate the Chinese New Year?