Looking to add a touch of handmade magic to your next celebration or just want to brighten up your space with some DIY charm? You're in the right place! This collection is all about transforming simple paper into stunning lanterns and lamps.
They're perfect for adding a festive glow to parties, holidays, or everyday decor without breaking the bank.
Get ready to explore some seriously creative ideas that are both budget-friendly and beautifully unique!.
Table of Contents
Glitter Disco Ball Lantern
Bring the sparkle to any event with this dazzling DIY glitter lantern! It’s a fantastic way to add a festive, disco-ball-like effect to your decorations.
You can customize the colors to match your party theme or create a vibrant cascade of color.
It’s super easy to make and creates a real wow factor, whether hung individually or in groups..
Pro Tip: Use a spray adhesive for more even glitter coverage, and consider using different glitter sizes for added texture.
See the full tutorial: Glitter Disco Ball Lantern
Thumb Tack Pattern Paper Lantern
Create intricate and beautiful light patterns with this clever thumb tack lantern project.
By carefully punching holes in cardstock, you can design your own unique perforations that cast lovely shadows when lit.
It’s a wonderfully tactile craft that’s perfect for a cozy evening in, and the results are so elegant you’d think they were store-bought..
Pro Tip: Experiment with different gauge thumb tacks or even sewing needles for varied hole sizes and patterns.
See the full tutorial: Thumb Tack Pattern Paper Lantern
Bunting Wrapped Lantern
Add a cheerful and colorful touch to your party decor with this charming bunting-wrapped lantern.
It’s a simple yet effective way to personalize a plain paper lantern by adding layers of fabric or paper bunting.
This project is fantastic for baby showers, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a celebratory vibe, and it’s incredibly versatile in terms of color and style..
Pro Tip: Use pinking shears for the edges of your bunting to prevent fraying and add a decorative touch.
See the full tutorial: Bunting Wrapped Lantern
Cupcake Liner Lantern
Transform ordinary cupcake liners into delightful little lanterns with this adorable DIY.
It’s a fantastic way to use up craft supplies and create a whimsical lighting display.
These mini lanterns are perfect for adding a playful touch to a child’s room, a garden party, or even as part of a larger lighting installation..
Pro Tip: Layer different colored or patterned cupcake liners for a richer, more complex visual effect.
See the full tutorial: Cupcake Liner Lantern
Embellished Paper Lantern
Elevate a basic paper lantern into a work of art with custom embellishments.
This project invites you to get creative with various materials like fabric scraps, ribbon, or even painted designs.
It’s a wonderful way to personalize your decor and make a statement piece that truly reflects your style, perfect for adding a unique flair to any room..
Pro Tip: Consider using heat-embossing powders for a metallic or textured raised design on your lantern.
See the full tutorial: Embellished Paper Lantern
Paper Doily Lantern
Achieve a delicate, lace-like effect with these charming doily lanterns.
By attaching paper doilies to a paper lantern, you create a beautifully intricate and airy design that casts a soft, diffused light.
These are perfect for vintage-inspired decor, weddings, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of whimsical elegance..
Pro Tip: Trim the doilies to fit around the top and bottom edges of the lantern for a cleaner, more professional finish.
See the full tutorial: Paper Doily Lantern
Wax Paper Capiz Shell Chandelier
Channel a bohemian, coastal vibe with this DIY chandelier made from wax paper and crafted to resemble capiz shells.
It’s a creative way to bring a touch of natural elegance indoors, offering a soft, diffused light that creates a serene atmosphere.
This project is ideal for adding a unique focal point to a dining area or living room..
Pro Tip: Use a light, neutral-colored paper lantern as the base to best showcase the 'shell' effect.
See the full tutorial: Wax Paper Capiz Shell Chandelier
Jellyfish Lamp
Bring an enchanting underwater feel to your space with this creative jellyfish lamp.
By attaching streamers or strips of translucent material to a paper lantern, you can mimic the graceful flow of jellyfish tentacles.
It’s a wonderfully whimsical project, especially fun for kids’ rooms or themed parties, and it creates a truly magical lighting effect..
Pro Tip: Use iridescent or metallic ribbons for the tentacles to add an extra shimmer and movement.
See the full tutorial: Jellyfish Lamp
Chinese New Year Paper Lanterns
Celebrate with vibrant color and tradition by making these classic Chinese New Year-style paper lanterns.
These are a fantastic way to bring festive cheer to cultural celebrations or any event needing a splash of red and gold.
They’re relatively simple to construct, offering a satisfying project that results in a beautiful, traditional decoration..
Pro Tip: Add tassels or Chinese knots to the bottom of the lantern for an authentic and festive touch.
See the full tutorial: Chinese New Year Paper Lanterns
Rainbow Paper Lantern
Brighten any room with the joyful colors of the rainbow using this DIY paper lantern project.
By layering or attaching colorful paper strips or panels, you can create a vibrant, multicolored lantern that radiates positivity.
It’s a cheerful addition to a child’s bedroom, a playroom, or any space that could use a pop of cheerful light..
Pro Tip: Consider using tissue paper in a gradient of colors for a softer, more blended rainbow effect.
See the full tutorial: Rainbow Paper Lantern
Scrap Paper Lamp
Give new life to your paper scraps with this resourceful DIY lamp project.
It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover paper, magazines, or even old maps to create a unique and textured light fixture.
This project is perfect for adding a personalized, eco-conscious touch to your home decor, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind piece..
Pro Tip: Seal the finished lamp with a clear sealant spray to protect the paper and make it more durable.
See the full tutorial: Scrap Paper Lamp
Recycled Newspaper Tube Lamp
Get creative with recycling by transforming newspaper tubes into a stylish and modern lamp.
This project involves rolling newspaper into tight tubes and then assembling them into a unique shade or base.
It’s an eco-friendly and surprisingly chic way to craft a statement lighting piece for your home, showcasing how everyday materials can become art..
Pro Tip: Paint the rolled newspaper tubes before assembling for a more uniform and vibrant color finish.
See the full tutorial: Recycled Newspaper Tube Lamp