Pretty Paper Lantern

Well, I haven't mod podged butterflies onto anything for you lately so I thought I better fix that.

I'm hoping to host a little birthday party in my yard next month so to get ready I've already started making some of the decorations.

 

Here's what you'll need if you want to make your own pretty lanterns:

Supplies:
-purchased paper lantern
-mod podge, sponge brush (not shown)
-scissors and pencil
-paper to make your pattern
-napkins (or lightweight scrapbook paper)
-miscellaneous ribbons, lace, or trim for a hanger (not shown)

Steps:
1) Decide what shape you would like to use for your pattern.  I traced some vinyl adhesive butterflies I had onto to some craft paper to use as templates. ( If I had tried to use the actual vinyls they probably never would've come off the napkins)

Use different sizes to give your design variety~

2) Place your templates on the back of your napkins.  Trace with a pencil and cut out.

3) Most napkins are 3 ply.  Make sure to take off at least one layer before you start gluing.  If you don't do this the paper will naturally separate itself and cause a bit of a mess.  If you go down to 1 ply, printed paper only, you might find that it's too fragile to work with.  For me, two layers of paper worked perfectly.

4) Construct your paper lantern.

You were expecting a globe weren't you??!?

5) Now, you must be very patient and work slowly and very GENTLY on these next few steps.  Apply a layer a mod podge onto the back of your napkin shape.  Make sure to get right to the edges.

6) Place your napkin shape onto your paper lantern and very gently press into all the grooves.

I didn't apply another outside layer of Mod Podge like you do with most decoupage projects but you can if you want a little extra sheen.  I figured I was lucky not to have destroyed the napkins or the lantern so far and I didn't want to press my luck.

7) Cut some ribbon, lace, or whatever you have on hand to use as a hanger.  You can add some more pieces to the bottom too as a sort of tassel decoration.

And there you have it!  Easy Peasy!  A one of a kind gorgeous paper lantern:

Ahhh, the perfect place to relax
after a hard day of crafting~

I can't wait to throw the party and show you what else I have in store!

Until then, keep on crafting!

Here are some pins that inspired this project:

Source,Green Wedding Shoes,GlueArts