Paper Pumpkin Lanterns
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Make your own paper pumpkin lanterns to decorate the home or classroom using a few simple craft supplies, including a tea light!
Pumpkins are an absolute must in the fall. They come in all shapes and sizes, kids love painting and carving them, and adults love decorating with them. We created cute paper pumpkin lanterns to decorate our home this year, and you can too. They were super simple, and we even added little tea lights to the center, so they glow at night! The kids love that aspect.
You can make your own paper pumpkin lanterns by following the directions below or watching the HOW-TO Video. Keep reading to see how simple it is!
Craft Supplies to Make Paper Pumpkin Lanterns
What’s awesome about this craft is that you may already have these items lying around your house if you do crafting with your littles. If you don’t, head over to your local supercenter and find everything you need. You can also order your items online.
- Orange and green cardstock paper.
- Brown Pom Poms (I used the medium size)
- Paper fasteners
- Battery-operated tea light candles
You will also need hot glue to attach the brown pom pom at the end!
How Do You Make a Paper Pumpkin Lantern
- First, cut 10 strips of orange paper. My strips were 1 inch wide by 8 inches long. Try to make straight lines, but if they curve a little, it’s ok!
- Next, use a hole punch to place a hole on both ends of the paper. Insert a paper fastener through all the holes on one end of the paper.
- Repeat the above step with the other end of the paper. Form into a pumpkin shape.
- Add a green paper leaf to the top of the pumpkin.
- Glue a brown Pom Pom on top.
- Finally, insert a tea light candle. Be sure to use a flameless candle that won’t cause a fire. You can find these flameless tea light candles at craft stores, Walmart, and even Dollar Tree.
These cute paper pumpkins make a great party display or piece of decoration for the center of the table. Try making them all in different sizes, and you will have your own little pumpkin patch decorating the house.
Paper Pumpkin Lantern
Supplies
- construction/cardstock paper orange and green
- small brown pom pom
- paper fastener
- scissors
- hole punch
Instructions
- First, cut 10 strips of orange paper. My strips were 1 inch wide by 8 inches long. Try to make straight lines, but if they curve a little, it’s ok!
- Next, use a hole punch to place a hole on both ends of the paper. Insert a paper fastener through all the holes on one end of the paper.
- Repeat the above step with the other end of the paper. Form into a pumpkin shape.
- Add a green paper leaf to the top of the pumpkin.
- Glue a brown Pom Pom on top.
- Finally, insert a tea light candle. Be sure to use a flameless candle that won’t cause a fire. You can find these flameless tea light candles at craft stores, Walmart, and even Dollar Tree.
Video
What Kind of Paper is Used for Paper Lanterns?
Depending on how sturdy you want your lanterns to be, people often use regular weight paper like construction paper but I prefer a craft cardstock that is a little more durable and allows the pumpkin to stand upright easier.
How Do You Make a Lantern for Halloween?
These pumpkin lanterns are a great fall craft activity, but they can easily be turned into a Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween crafts. Just use a black marker or crayon to draw on triangle eyes and a silly mouth. There will be gaps in the face because of the thin strips of paper that make the lantern, but you will still be able to see the pumpkin face. The flameless tea light will make it look just like a Jack-O-Lantern at night during a Halloween party!
Pumpkin Crafts for Kids
As you plan your fall crafts or need inspiration, try some of these fun ideas! They are all simple to complete, don’t require many craft supplies, and can be done by both younger and older children.
- Easy Jack-O-Lantern Craft – This is a simple craft that kids of all ages can create at home or in the classroom for Halloween and fall.
- Paper Plate Pumpkins – We love making things out of paper plates, so check out this fun activity.
- Pumpkin Suncatchers – Hang these sweet crafts in the window and watch the sun bring pretty colors into your home.
- Toilet Paper Pumpkins – These are fun decorations for coffee tables, end tables, and dining room tables.
I hope you enjoy creating this beautiful paper pumpkin lantern with your little ones. They make adorable decorations for the holiday season, and older kids will enjoy helping you make them yearly! Have fun crafting!
