Decorations for Christmas

Christmas Lanterns 

We are all getting busy with the run up to Christmas so my posts are less frequent, but here is one for you to add to your decorations 

This is not my own idea I got it surfing the net one day and decided to have a go, and i really liked the finished project, so I bought some tassels to finish them . 

For this project you will need:

1 piece of wire approx 8” 

Some beads

Paper to cut 9 pieces 10” x 3/4”  and 2 x 2cm  circles. This is best about 100-160gsm and heavier and it becomes difficult to shape.

Ribbon for top loop and tassel (optional)

Cut your pieces of paper and then cut each one in half so that you have 18 pieces 5” x 3/4”

Next make a hole in each end about 1cm from the end and half way in.

Cut 2 x 2cm circles and add a hole punch to the centre

Next take your wire and thread onto the wire your top bead or decoration then one of the 2cm circles with the pattern facing up. Bend the top over to make the loop and wind around the wire to finish smoothly

With 6 strips of paper at a time thread them onto the wire below the circle, then add another 6 and the last 6.

Once all the strips are threaded on with the top circle curl them around and thread the bottom hole onto the wire. The papers will curve to allow the wire through and once all the strips are threaded top and bottom add your second circle face down this time .

Add any bottom beads before bending the wire into a loop and securing it. With this process there will be a natural bending of the papers and shortening of the sphere as the wire and beads push up. You can determine the size of your circle before securing the beads.

If you want to add a tassel it can be threaded into the base loop before securing or added with some thread afterwards.

When this is all done you will have a bunch of papers. Gently slide them around to form the lantern.

You can make these out of classic papers, Christmas colours and glittery papers or silver and gold. I have chosen gold matt prints for a classic look then brightened them with the red tassel. I can use them to decorate the tree or hang in the room. 

As you can see I have decorated the lanterns with a large pearl bead at the top and 3 graduated ones at the base.

Happy Crafting 

Dee