by Lin
Paper Lanterns From Furniture Catalogs
A few weeks ago, we received what I thought were multiple copies of telephone books delivered to our door. Turns out, it was a home furnishings giant that went full on cray cray with their catalogs. “WTF?” I thought to myself. “Do something about it!” my alter ego responded.
So I DIY’d.
I first used a paper cutter to cut 1 inch strips of the catalog’s front page (one of the 8 catalogs).
Another easy method is to cut lines within a full sheet. Start by drawing a line 1 inch in from each edge of the sheet (do it on the opposite side), then draw lines about 1/2 inch apart.
I cut 2 pieces of equal (well, almost) size from a toilet roll.
I then glued the strips to each piece.
After the glue dried completely, I compressed the lantern to form a bubble shape.
Ta dah! It takes under an hour if you count drying time for the glue. The actual labor takes about 15 minutes.
Light ’em up!
Obviously, you can use any type of paper to do this. I typically have a preference for bright colors, but I couldn’t NOT use what was sitting in my entryway begging for a transformation.
Catalog faith almost restored.
Obviously, you can use any type of paper to do this. I typically have a preference for bright colors, but I couldn’t NOT use what was sitting in my entryway begging for a transformation.
Catalog faith almost restored.
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2 of 73 comments
![Betty]()
Bettyon Mar 25, 2020I completely forgot about making paper lanterns. We used to do this every summer at the recreation center. We used all kinds of different paper and library paste. I can still smell it. i have to do this with my granddaughter
![Joan]()
Joanon Mar 25, 2020I hit "Go" for the blog post and received this screen: The premium domain name
hotforhouses.comis available for sale!
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Have a question about this project?
How do you get them to keep their shape. Do you use any jars or plastic to hold the shape at all, or is it just glue the ends to a cardboard anchor (of sorts?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cy3y7bBJF4
Are you using a tea candle for the light? I think this is great idea and so easy. Thank you. Alice
Or an LED light
The tp tubes are only used to hold the paper, at the top and bottom, so it's the strips of paper, that decides the height of the lantern.