5 matching craft projects — all using common materials, with clear instructions and safety notes.
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Paper Lantern (Without Candle)
Ages 5–1020 minMediumSeasonal
Adult Preparation
This lantern uses no candle or flame of any kind. Demonstrate the folding and cutting method before the child begins. Pre-fold the paper for younger children.
How to make it
1Decorate the paper before folding if desired.
2Fold the paper in half lengthways.
3Make a series of parallel cuts from the folded edge toward the open edge, stopping about 2 cm from the open edge.
4Unfold the paper.
5Roll the paper into a cylinder and glue or tape the short edges together.
6Attach a paper strip as a handle across the top.
Creative variation
Cut pattern shapes rather than straight lines. Add tissue paper panels over the cut sections for a coloured-light effect — display near (but not with) a daylight lamp.
Display or reuse: Hang as a room decoration. Display in a seasonal arrangement. No flame should ever be placed inside a paper lantern.
You will need
A rectangle of thick paper or card
Scissors (adult handles more complex cuts)
Glue stick or tape
A strip of paper for the handle
Optional extras
Crayons to decorate before folding
Tissue paper for coloured windows
PL(
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Safety note
This lantern must not be used with any candle, flame, or heat source — ever. Adult handles the parallel cuts. Keep the finished lantern away from any heating elements.
Cut one rectangle of card per letter of the name. Punch a hole in the top two corners of each card. Thread string through in advance if the child will not be handling the hole punch.
How to make it
1Write one letter of the name on each card piece — large and bold.
2Decorate around each letter with colours, patterns, or stickers.
3Thread string through the holes in order.
4Hang and adjust spacing.
Creative variation
Spell out a word or message instead of a name. Make a seasonal word banner for a celebration.
Display or reuse: Hang above a bed, a door, or a shelf.
You will need
Card or thick paper
Scissors (adult-handled)
Crayons or pens
String or yarn to hang the banner
A hole punch
Optional extras
Stickers, stamps, or patterned washi tape
DNB
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Safety note
Adult handles hole punching and hanging. Ensure the hanging string is secured at a safe height and not accessible to young children as a strangulation risk.
Cleanup
Collect paper scraps and recycle. Store crayons and pens.
Cut card into triangles in advance. Thread string loosely between two points where the bunting will hang.
How to make it
1Decorate each triangle with colours, patterns, or a letter.
2Fold the top edge over the string and tape it, or punch holes and thread through.
3Adjust spacing along the string.
4Hang at a safe adult-supervised height.
Creative variation
Spell out a word or name across the bunting. Use shaped flags — pennants, circles, or scalloped edges.
Display or reuse: Hang for celebrations, seasonal events, or as a permanent room decoration.
You will need
Triangles of card or thick paper
Crayons or non-toxic paint
A length of string or yarn
Tape or hole punch
Optional extras
Stickers, fabric scraps, or patterned tape
CB
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Safety note
Adult handles hanging. Ensure the string is fixed at a safe height and cannot be reached by very young children. Do not use near open windows or heat sources.
Cleanup
Store flat or rolled. Reuse for future celebrations.
Cut card into shape templates: a sun, a cloud, a raindrop, a snowflake, a lightning bolt. Thread string through each piece — adult handles hole-punching and tying.
How to make it
1Colour and decorate each weather shape.
2Punch a hole at the top of each shape.
3Tie a different length of string to each shape.
4Tie all strings along the twig or dowel at different positions.
5Hang the twig from a central string attached at two points.
Creative variation
Make a season mobile rather than weather — items representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Display or reuse: Hang near a window or from a ceiling hook in a supervised area.
You will need
Card or thick paper
Crayons
Scissors (adult-handled)
String
A straight twig or short wooden dowel for hanging
Hole punch
Optional extras
Cotton wool for clouds
Glitter glue for raindrops (non-toxic)
WM
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Safety note
Adult handles hole-punching, tying, and hanging. Ensure the mobile is hung safely out of reach of very young children. Check the twig is smooth and free of sharp protrusions.