Laminate Lanterns
Laminate lanterns are a beautiful craft that combines light, colour, and creativity. Using autumn-coloured cellophane, craft leaves, and clear laminate, children can create glowing lanterns that look especially magical hanging in a window or outdoor space.
The transparent panels allow light to shine through, highlighting the colours and shapes trapped inside.
They make lovely seasonal decorations and give children the opportunity to create something that can be enjoyed long after the activity is finished.
You'll Need
• Thick card or cardstock
• Laminating sheets or self-adhesive laminate
• Autumn-coloured cellophane
• Autumn craft leaves
• Tape or glue
• Paper shreds
• Battery-operated LED candle
• String
• Pipe cleaners
• Scissors
How To
Cut strips of thick card for the top and bottom sections of the lantern.
Attach clear laminate between the card strips to create the lantern walls.
Arrange pieces of autumn-coloured cellophane and craft leaves inside the laminate.
Seal with another layer of laminate to trap the decorations inside.
Join the lantern into a cylinder shape and secure with tape.
Cover the bottom with card.
Add a small amount of paper shred inside the lantern.
Place a battery-operated LED candle inside.
Use a hole punch if needed, then attach string and pipe cleaners to create a handle for hanging.
Display your lantern somewhere safe where the light can shine through the colourful panels.
What It Encourages
This activity supports:
• Creativity and artistic expression
• Fine motor development
• Design and construction skills
• Colour exploration
• Seasonal learning
• Following multi-step instructions
• Pride in creating something decorative
Children enjoy seeing how light changes the appearance of their lantern and brings their design to life.
A Last Note
Always use battery-operated LED candles rather than real flames.
Lanterns look particularly beautiful hanging near a window where sunlight can shine through the colours and create glowing patterns throughout the day.
