Egg Carton Lanterns

These easy Egg Carton Lanterns are the perfect way to get in the festive mood for Lunar New Year!

During the Lunar New Year, hanging lanterns are said to be lucky charms that scare away the Nian monster, a legendary fierce beast with sharp teeth and horns that would eat animals and people. (Source: Metro.co.uk)

STEP 1

Take 2 egg cartons. Use scissors to cut the lid off each one and place these to the side. Cut each of the lidless egg cartons in half so they each have 6 wells. Supervision is recommended when using scissors. Put one of the halves to the side with the lids so that 3 halves remain.

TIP: The leftover pieces of egg carton can be used to create more lanterns or used up in a different craft project.

STEP 2

Lay the 3 halves side by side with the uncut edge at the top as shown. Use pieces of sticky tape to join the egg cartons together. The tape is stuck over the well sections as indicated by the grey boxes on the image. Press the tape firmly onto the egg carton for a secure hold. This tape will act like a hinge.

STEP 3

Bring the egg cartons on each side upwards and together so you get a triangle shape at the top as shown. This will be your basic lantern shape. If the edges won’t come together flat due to the inside ‘spikes’ of egg carton, simply give them a trim. Once it’s sitting correctly, secure in place using tape.

STEP 4

Paint the egg carton white, allow to dry and then paint it red. The white layer isn’t completely necessary but will give you a more vibrant red. Allow to dry.

STEP 5

Turn the lantern on its side so you can view the bottom. Use tape or glue to join the ‘spikes’ together in the centre as shown. Allow to dry if needed.

STEP 6

Use glue and glitter to add a touch of sparkle to the lantern. You can decorate however you wish. Allow to dry.

STEP 7

Use the hole punch to create a hole in the top, centre of each of the egg cartons. These will be used for hanging.
Cut 3 x 50cm pieces of metallic gold yarn and tie one to each of the holes you have just created in the top of the lantern. Bring the yarn together in a bundle, fold over and tie onto itself to create a hanger.

STEP 8

Use the hole punch to create 2 holes at the bottom of the lantern. Take a tassel and cut its hanger loop so there are 2 ends. Thread these through the holes and tie together to fasten the tassel at the bottom of the lantern.