Wedding Paper Lantern Sculpture for $1.

Hello gals and guys! I’m getting married!! This October on the 22nd! I’m super excited but also on a strict budget. I wanted a bunch of WOW Factor on the cheap! I found a great deal on paper lanterns last year during the off season and picked them up just in case I might need them. Now that the time has come to start planning décor for the wedding and reception, I noticed how awful the color was on these lanterns! Even without being lit up they were hideous! So I got to thinking of what I wanted to get from them. I love hanging lights and lanterns but we don’t have a big budget. I decided to “trick out” these cheesy paper lanterns with MORE PAPER!! I love the end result and think they will be fabulous hanging in the sea breeze at the reception! I hope you enjoy and if you love it then VOTE for me! I want that honeymoon! Thanks guys!

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Step 1: Supplies..

All you need is:

scrap paper,
pencil,
clear scotch tape,
paper cutter or scissors,
a ruler
a paper lantern (which can be bought for a dollar at most craft stores or dollar stores)
TIME AND PATIENTS!! (This may be the hardest to find... lol)

Tip: You'll notice in my photo's that I have glue and glue dots as part of the "things you need" but I quickly figured out that neither would work for this project. I wanted it to feel like a floating piece of art. The glue was too heavy and the glue dots too constricting. Clear scotch tape was perfect!!

pizzidave says: Aug 15, 2011. 8:41 PM

Made one this weekend!! It took about four hours for a 10 inch lantern and it was totally worth it!!! Thanks and good luck winning that honeymoon!!!

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to pizzidaveAug 17, 2011. 5:23 PM

WOW!! Very beautiful!! Wonderful job and thanks for sharing!!

vincentstockdale says: May 14, 2012. 11:15 PM

how many strips of paper did you end up using for one lantern

hhamilton2 says: Oct 14, 2011. 7:36 PM

What about the acid in the clear tape? Surely there is something acid free that you could use that would let you pass these awesome lights down to your kids..... Thoughts?

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to hhamilton2Dec 1, 2011. 8:35 AM

That's a great idea! Maybe scrapbooking tape of some sort? Thanks!

ArtsyFartsyGirl says: Sep 20, 2011. 12:50 AM

These "lanterns" are beautiful! I just wish I had space in my tiny apartment for 3 or so of these. I'll keep it in mind for when I move. Just gorgeous!

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to ArtsyFartsyGirlOct 6, 2011. 6:24 PM

Thank you soooo much! My family have also fallen inlove with these and have asked me if they could keep a few after the wedding! They are so easy to do and well worth the time put in:)

emababy says: Aug 15, 2011. 8:38 AM

I'm thinking of a total DIY to this one. They should look fabulous also with one of those string balls we see lately. In this way you can have them at different sizes.
I'm thinking of making some small one like this and with pretty colors for my girl's room.
Thank you for the instructable.

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to emababyAug 17, 2011. 5:24 PM

That sounds fantastic! Post a pic if you do! And you're very welcome. It's this community of amazing people that keep me coming back! You all rock!

cloudifornia says: Aug 10, 2011. 7:32 AM

This reminds me of a little cousin IT. I like IT! ;-O)

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to cloudiforniaAug 15, 2011. 7:25 AM

Thanks so much!! I may have to make one Cousin It for Halloween! Fantastic idea!

bajablue says: Aug 5, 2011. 4:27 PM

Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to bajablueAug 8, 2011. 12:06 PM

Thanks so much! I thought so too. I couldn't stop myself from making more than I needed! lol.

juicymoose says: Aug 6, 2011. 9:26 AM

beautiful and congratulations!!

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to juicymooseAug 8, 2011. 12:06 PM

Thanks so much!! Have a great week!

ilpug says: Aug 6, 2011. 8:21 PM

looks great. must make one.

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to ilpugAug 8, 2011. 12:05 PM

Post a pic if you do make one! They turned out so nice! If grouped in varying hights they are majestic!

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sunshiine says: Aug 6, 2011. 11:37 PM

Nice touch!

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to sunshiineAug 8, 2011. 12:04 PM

Thanks so much! I loved it too! Enjoy!

foobear says: Aug 5, 2011. 8:21 AM

that is so beautiful!!

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to foobearAug 5, 2011. 8:47 AM

Thanks! That is so nice of you to say! I enjoy making things that take time and effort so this was a labor of love! lol. Enjoy!

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randofo says: Aug 4, 2011. 4:09 PM

How do they look lit up?

TabbyDeAnne (author) in reply to randofoAug 4, 2011. 6:16 PM

Really nice! I will post a photo soon! It's well worth it but the light needs to be an LED light bulb. You also want to use regular paper and not magazine pages because the magazine pages are too thick and won't shine through. I made one of these out of magazine paper and was not impressed. lol. Have fun and enjoy!