How to Make a Tissue Paper Lantern (That Won't Fall Apart)

There's something quietly wonderful about a lantern you've made yourself. A bit of willow, a few sheets of tissue, and an evening's work — and you've got a soft, glowing thing that's somehow far more than the sum of its parts. Whether it's for a garden party, a festival, or a window on a dark December night, a handmade lantern carries a warmth a shop-bought one never quite manages.

The good news is that lanterns are genuinely beginner-friendly. The trickier news — and the reason a lot of first attempts end in a sagging, torn mess — is that the tissue you choose matters more than anything else. Get that right and the rest is straightforward. So let's start there.

Why regular tissue paper won't work

Standard coloured tissue paper is lovely for collage, paper flowers and gift wrap. But the moment you brush paste onto it, it sags, wrinkles and tears. It simply isn't built to be wet.

For a lantern, you want white wet strength tissue paper. It's a specialist tissue that holds together when pasted — it stays strong when wet rather than falling apart, so it keeps its shape across the frame and dries to a smooth, even skin. Held up to the light, it glows with a beautiful soft translucence.

A couple of honest caveats: wet strength tissue is strong when wet, not waterproof, and not impossible to tear — treat it gently and it'll reward you. And it comes in white only. That's part of the appeal, though: white takes paint and dye beautifully, so you can colour it however you like once it's on the frame.

What you'll need

• White wet strength tissue paper (large sheets — ideal for lanterns)
• Willow withies for the frame (around 10 sticks)
• PVA glue, mixed roughly one part glue to five parts water
• Masking tape, scissors and cutting pliers (or secateurs)
• A paste brush or sponge
• An LED flickering tea light (always battery, never a real flame)
• Optional: paint or dye to colour your finished lantern

Short on time? Our Glow Lantern Kit has everything for one complete lantern in a single box.

Step 1: Build your willow frame

Start with the base. Cut 3 withies to the same length — about 40cm is a good beginner size — and tape them into a triangle at each corner.

Now the height: cut 3 more withies to the height you'd like, tape one to each corner of the base, then gather them at the top and bind them together with tape. Trim any excess with your pliers. You'll have a simple triangle-based pyramid — the easiest, sturdiest shape to start with.

Step 2: Paste on the wet strength tissue

Mix your PVA roughly one part glue to five parts water in a tub. Lay a sheet of wet strength tissue flat and brush the paste mix right across it, then lift it onto the frame and smooth it down. Overlap each sheet slightly and work your way around, covering the sides and top — but leave the bottom open so you can place the tea light inside. Don't worry about small wrinkles; they tighten as it dries.

Step 3: Leave it to dry

Patience here pays off. Let the lantern dry fully — at least a couple of hours, ideally overnight — so the tissue tightens and the structure firms up. Rushing this is the most common reason a lantern stays soft and saggy.

Step 4: Colour it (optional)

Because the tissue is white, you've got a blank canvas. Paint it, dye it, or layer on more tissue for depth. Backlighting will show off every layer, so think about how it'll look lit, not just in daylight.

Step 5: Light it up

Pop in an LED flickering tea light, turn the lights down, and there it is. Always use a battery tea light rather than a real flame — paper and open flames don't mix.

Ready to make your own?

Everything in this guide is available at Carnival Papers. The essentials are white wet strength tissue paper (large sheets), willow withies, PVA glue and an LED tea light — or grab the Glow Lantern Kit if you'd rather have it all in one box.

Shop lantern-making supplies →

Made one? Tag us @carnivalpapersuk and show us your glow. 🏮

Willow lantern FAQs

How long does a tissue paper lantern take to dry?
At least two hours, but overnight is best — the longer it dries, the tighter and sturdier the tissue becomes.

Is wet strength tissue paper waterproof?
No. It's strong when wet so it won't fall apart while you paste it, but it isn't waterproof or tear-proof. Keep finished lanterns out of the rain.

What glue is best for a tissue paper lantern?
PVA glue diluted with water (roughly one part glue to five parts water) brushed over the tissue. It dries clear and holds the tissue taut.

Can I use coloured tissue paper instead?
Regular coloured tissue tears when wet, so use white wet strength tissue for the structure, then paint or add colour over the top once it's dry.