Looking to make a willow lantern? You make amazing willow structures with a few sticks and some wet strength tissue paper, but it can be daunting starting.
So here are some instructions to make a simple square-based pyramid willow and wet strength tissue paper lantern.
Steps to make a Will Lantern
You will need:
- Withies - willow for lantern-making - 10 sticks cut to size
- Masking tape
- Scissors
- Cutting pliers or secateurs
- Carnival Papers Wet strength tissue
- PVA glue and a plastic tub
- Paint brush or sponge
- Electric tealight to illuminate your lantern
Make the frame
- Cut 4 withies of the same length for your base. (About 50cm is a good starting point). Secure with tape on each corner
- Cut 2 longer willow sticks and make a cross, secure in the
centre of the cross with tape. - Place the cross inside the square and secure the cross with tape in the four corners of the square.
- Measure the height you want for your lantern and cut 4 withies to this size. Attach them to the base at each corner.
- Bring the 4 upright sticks together and wrap the tape around the top using tape. Trim any excess willow sticks with pliers.
- Place the cross inside the square and secure the cross with
Instructions for Covering the Structure:
- Make a mix of 1 part PVA glue 5 part water in a plastic tub
- Lay a piece of tissue out flat, using an old sponge or paintbrush
completely cover the tissue paper with the glue water mix - Apply the wet tissue to the withy structure, overlapping the pieces. Cover the base and sides completely.
- Work your way round the structure to cover it in tissue paper completely. Leave the bottom of the lantern open to place a tealight in.
- Leave to dry for at least 2 hrs.
- You can now decorate your lantern with paint, coloured tissue,
glitter & more! For a light-up lantern place an LED Tea Light on the cross
at the base of the lantern and secure it with masking tape.
Click here to download a PDF copy of these instructions
Once you have made one willow lantern you will be addicted. You'll make so many different structures you will be amazed - just with wet strength tissue paper and willow sticks and a bit of imagination!
