Winter Solstice Lanterns

  
Winter has come and its beauty is stunning.  
We have been out in it.

 
And in from it. 

Tonight we celebrated the winter solstice with friends by taking a lantern walk in the snow, eating dinner by candlelight, and singing carols.  Now the days begin to lengthen so that even in the depths of winter, there is the promise of longer, sun-filled days.

We learned to make these lanterns at our children's preschool, Acorn Hill.  They give off a beautiful warm glow that would light up any holiday.  If you'd like to make your own, you'll need:

- a large sheet of water color paper.  If you want to make a lantern to carry, it is best to use a sheet 14 or more inches long so that the candle will not get too close to the sides when it is carried.
- watercolor paint
- scissors or an exacto knife
- tissue paper
- glue
- cardboard
- lid from a jar or milk bottle
- votive candle

If you'd like to make the lantern to carry, you will also need:
- hole punch
- dowel
- wire

To make the lantern:

1.  Paint a large piece of watercolor paper the color(s) of your choice and let it dry. 
 
2.  Fold up the long edge of one side of the paper and cut a fringe along it up to the fold.  This will be the bottom of the lantern.
 
3.  On the unpainted side, draw a pattern or design for the lantern.  Cut it out using scissors or an exacto knife.  An exacto knife makes cutting intricate shapes much easier.
 
4.  Glue tissue paper over the cut out shapes.  Let the tissue dry for a few minutes before proceeding.
 
5.  Roll the lantern into a cylinder and staple it to itself to form the shape of the lantern.  On the bottom side, make sure that the staple is above the fringe.
 
6.  Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the bottom of the lantern.  Glue it to the outside of the bottom of the lantern.
 
7.  Turn the lantern over and glue a jar lid into the bottom of the inside of the lantern.  After the glue has set, put the candle in the lantern.
 
8.  If you would like to carry your lantern, punch holes in opposite sides of the top of the lantern.  String a wire through the holes and around the dowel to make a handle.
9.  Light.  Bask in the glow.
  
 

Comments

[Fatou Coulibaly]

What a nice way to keep these kids busy on snowy days!
Thank you for sharing!
Fatou