The Mid-Autumn Festival brings with it glowing streets, mooncakes, and family reunions. Among the most iconic sights? Lanterns. If you’re spending the season at home with your children or students, DIY lantern-making turns tradition into hands-on creativity. Below are five lantern projects that balance simplicity with visual charm, using affordable materials and giving children a chance to work alongside adults. Each idea encourages tactile learning, patience, and festive storytelling.
1. Paper Cup Bunny Lantern
Best for: Preschoolers and early primary school kids
Time required: 30 minutes
Materials:
- 1 white paper cup
- Pink construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Googly eyes
- Cotton ball
- LED tealight
Instructions:
- Cut two bunny ears out of white paper, adding pink centers with construction paper. Glue to the inside rim of the cup.
- Stick googly eyes to the front, draw a nose and mouth with marker, and glue a cotton ball tail at the back.
- Flip the cup upside down and place an LED tealight underneath.
- Optional: Punch two holes at the top and tie a string for hanging.
Why it works: The bunny symbolizes the Jade Rabbit of the moon legend. This project lets children learn folklore through craft.
2. Recycled Jar Lantern with Tissue Paper
Best for: Ages 6+
Time required: 45 minutes
Materials:
- Clean glass jar (jam or pasta sauce jar)
- Assorted tissue paper
- PVA glue or Mod Podge
- Paintbrush
- Ribbon or wire
- LED tealight
Instructions:
- Tear tissue paper into small pieces.
- Use a paintbrush to apply glue onto the jar surface.
- Layer tissue paper over the glue, brushing over each piece until the jar is fully covered.
- Let dry for at least 30 minutes.
- Add a ribbon or wire handle if you want to hang it. Place the LED tealight inside.
Why it works: It promotes sustainability by reusing materials. No sharp tools are required, and the jar provides structure and safety.
3. Accordion Fold Paper Lantern
Best for: Quick classroom activities
Time required: 20 minutes
Materials:
- A4 colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick or stapler
- Hole punch
- String or pipe cleaner
- Stickers or glitter pens (optional)
Instructions:
- Fold the paper lengthwise in half.
- From the folded edge, cut slits evenly spaced about 1–2 cm apart, stopping 2 cm from the opposite edge.
- Unfold the paper and roll it into a tube, with slits facing outward.
- Secure the ends with glue or a stapler.
- Punch two holes near the top and insert a string or pipe cleaner for carrying. Decorate if desired.
Why it works: Ideal for large groups. Requires minimal prep. Folding introduces pattern recognition and motor control.
4. Cupcake Liner Flower Lantern
Best for: Kids who enjoy fine detailing
Time required: 1 hour
Materials:
- 10–12 paper cupcake liners
- String lights (battery-operated)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun (used by adults)
Instructions:
- Flatten each cupcake liner and cut petal shapes along the edges.
- Stack two liners together to form each flower.
- Using a hot glue gun, carefully attach each flower to a light on the string.
- Repeat for each light.
- Once complete, hang the lights or place them in a transparent container.
Why it works: This activity creates soft floral illumination and transforms everyday items into festive decoration.
5. Origami Lotus Lantern
Best for: Older children and teens
Time required: 60–90 minutes
Materials:
- Colored origami paper (green and red or pink)
- Craft glue
- LED tealight
- Patience
Instructions:
- Fold individual petal units (at least 8–12) using square paper.
- Connect petals in a circular pattern, gluing at the base for support.
- Fold green leaves and glue underneath to finish the lotus base.
- Set an LED tealight at the center.
Why it works: The lotus symbolizes purity and peace. This detailed craft sharpens focus and celebrates precision.
Tips for Successful Lantern-Making with Children
- Pre-cut templates help young children participate without the risk of scissors.
- LED lights only—no candles—to ensure safety during indoor display or school events.
- Encourage storytelling as they build: “Why is the bunny on the moon?” or “What would you wish for with your lantern?”
- Incorporate Mid-Autumn Festival tales and snacks after the craft to create a full experience.
Lantern-making isn’t just an art project. It’s a way to pass down values—patience, togetherness, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, each fold and glue spot builds more than just light—it builds connection.
