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How to make a paper lantern easy for kids

By Bunnings magazine /

A handmade paper lantern decorated with children’s drawings of flowers, a sun, and a rainbow, sitting on a wooden table alongside coloured pencils and a small dish of shells and trinkets.

Overview

Light up their desk, shelf or bedside table with a gentle glow with this easy to make D.I.Y. paper lantern.

What are fine motor skills?

Fine motor skills are:

  • Coordinated use of small muscles, particularly in hands, fingers and wrists – which is why craft activities for kids are a great way to get those muscles working.
  • Essential for everyday tasks like writing, using utensils, cutting or screwing the lid on a jar.
  • Using the small muscles of the body to grasp, pinch, hold or manipulate small objects, which build on larger gross motor movements.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Steps

  1. 1

    Make the paper lantern structure

    • On a drop sheet, arrange four pop sticks in a square.
    • Ask an adult to dab hot glue on each end of the top and base sticks.
    • Attach the side sticks on top.
    • Repeat to make four frames; leave to set.
    • Cut four squares of baking paper to suit the frame dimensions, here 11.5cm x 11.5cm. Draw pictures on the baking paper with coloured pencils.
    Hands assembling a square frame made of wooden craft sticks, using a hot glue gun on a fabric-covered surface.
  2. 2

    Time to paint 

    • Paint the frames using acrylic paint and a paintbrush.
    • Apply 1-2 coats of paint, leaving to dry after each.
    • Ask an adult to use hot glue to join the frames, creating an open cube.
    • Leave to set.
    • Attach baking paper to the inside of each frame with craft glue, carefully trimming as needed.
    • Position puck light inside.
    Hands wearing black gloves painting a wooden craft-stick frame with peach-coloured paint, with a paint palette in view.
  3. 3

    Keep in mind...

    • When using a hot-glue gun, wear eye protection and a mask, work in a well-ventilated area, then place the appliance on its stand after use and allow it to cool down before storage. Do not leave unattended while in use or directly after use.
    • When choosing indoor plants, always read the label as some can be toxic to children and pets.
    • When painting or spraying sealer, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated. Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
    • Paint colours may vary on application.
  4. 4

    After some more activities to do with kids?

    Check out how to make a D.I.Y. doormat.

    Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

     

    Photo credit: Jonny Valiant, Sami Simper.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.