DIY Halloween Jack-o'{paper}-lantern

Wednesday 17 October 2012


I really wanted to decorate a paper lantern to look like Halloween jack-o'-lantern but realized that we don't carry orange paper lanterns. At first I was disappointed and thought that I would just have to come up with another idea. I started looking at the tissue paper pompom kits and it occurred to me that I could use a package of our orange coloured tissue paper to cover a white paper lantern. And so my jack-o'{paper}-lantern project was on!
So here's what I did:
I used a medium sized paper lantern and one package of tissue paper. I cut the tissue paper into 2" wide strips.
My adhesive of choice was gel medium (modge podge or white glue will also work) and I used a foam brush to adhere the 2" tissue paper strips to the paper lantern. As you can see in the photo above, I adhered the tissue paper strips from top to bottom and worked my way around the lantern.
I found it easiest to apply the gel medium directly onto the paper lantern first and then carefully add the tissue paper using the foam brush to make sure that the tissue lays flat. Once each tissue paper strip is in place use the foam brush to apply a top coat of gel medium to the tissue paper.
Tip: I covered one half of the lantern one evening, hung it up to dry and then finished the second half the next morning.
To add the eyes and mouth to create a jack-o'-lantern I used black paint and painted directly on the dry paper lantern. You could use black paper shapes if you don't want to paint and attach the paper with gel medium or tape.
If you are looking for paper lanterns for a wedding or party and cannot find the perfect colours to match your decor -  keep in mind that you can easily change the colour using white paper lanterns, coloured tissue paper and some gel medium.
After making these Halloween paper lanterns, I started thinking about other ways to decorate our paper lanterns. Look for more paper lantern decorating ideas for theme parties to come!!!
Are you still busy working on last minute details for a Halloween party? Then this is a great time to visit our Creative Bag stores! All of our Halloween themed products have been reduced to 50% off! Hurry into any of our three retail locations before everything disappears.

⋅No comments