This pack is designed to help you create hand made lanterns. Starting with a framework of willow sticks (withies), the basic shape is covered with tissue paper soaked in glue and lit internally by a candle. The lantern can be carried on a bamboo stick outdoors, as part of a procession. If you have not made a lantern before, we would strongly urge you to try some of the simple shapes first, before embarking on anything more ambitious. Lanterns designed for display or indoor use must be lit electrically – either battery or mains, maybe with a loom of small bulbs wired up.

Inside you will find a list of all the materials you will need, and detailed instructions on how to make a lantern. We also show you how to create and manage a lantern procession, including suggestions of themes you might use.

Colour needs to be carefully thought about. A mass of simple forms looks lovely with just the natural amber glow of the flame. The simplest way to add colour is to make a collage of coloured tissue paper. Specialist paints can be used but they are expensive and can lead to complications. They must be translucent; not all pigments are, so you must be sure to do your own tests. Silhouettes from cut paper are an effective and cheap way of adding detail. Emulsion paint is hopeless; when the lantern is lit it will look black.

Once you are familiar with making simple lanterns, you can try more ambitious sculptural forms, using bamboo for strength. Large lanterns may be carried on a framework by two or four people, and lit by hurricane lamps. Joints should be drilled and wired, then bound with strong tape or strips of cloth and glue. White cloth (natural fibre) makes a stronger covering. Fabric dyes can be sprayed or painted on.

Figurative lanterns can be constructed on a “back pack” – an old rucksack frame will do – and worn by a robust person! Remember, triangles are vital for stability in construction, foam rubber padding for comfort.

Step 1
Making Your Lantern

 TO MAKE A SIMPLE PYRAMID:
2. Cut 4 withies the same length for the base.
3. Join them at the corners with masking tape.
4. Add 2 diagonals.

5. Measure the vertical to the height you want, cut 4.

6. Join them at each corner and firmly together at the top.

7. Decorate and strengthen the sides.

8. Use a variety of designs – remember they will show up in silhouette.

9. Make a door the same shape as one of your sections – either in the base or
low down on one side.

10. Fix it on with wire hinges

Step 2
11. Make a simple wire hook to close the door.

TO MAKE A CANDLE HOLDER:
12. Use one piece of wire (approx. 1 metre long). First, twist one end of the wire round the candle……..
13. and loop it back on itself.

14. Fix it onto a bottle top.

15. Bend the rest of the wire into 4 arms . . .

16. and attach them very firmly with gaffer tape to the base. THERE
MUST BE AT LEAST 12” CLEAR ABOVE THE FLAME
WORKING WITH CIRCLES:

17. Attach 2 withies thick end to thin end; tape them in a few places.

18. Make a circle and tape it together.

19. Make 2 more identical circles. Join them to form a sphere. (Layering and
overlapping more withies will enable you to make larger circles).


20. Add 2 smaller circles top and bottom.

21. This is a very strong sphere which you can turn into a face, an animal, a bird…….by adding features. (If necessary add diagonals near the bottom to support the candle holder). REMEMBER THERE MUST BE 12” CLEAR ABOVE THE FLAME.
OTHER SIMPLE SHAPES:
22. Make a sheaf of 6 withies. Tape at the bottom and near the top.
23. Add a circle and it becomes a fish. Work the thin end into a tail.

24. 4 withies and a semi-circle becomes a boat.

COVERING THE LANTERN

25. A washable synthetic surface is best to work on, or cover your table with plastic. Mix PVA with water until it runs off the stick. Tear the tissue paper (remember it must be “wet strength”) into manageable pieces. Working on the table , spread PVA over the whole piece of paper with the sponge, or foam rubber.

26. Apply the wet tissue to the lantern, overlapping each piece as you go.

27. Cover the door separately so it still opens.

28. Cover the base and the sides LEAVING A GAP AT THE TOP (ABOVE
THE FLAME) TO LET THE HEAT OUT. A final coating of PVA will Strengthen the whole lantern.


29. Add a wire loop above the candle, and you will need a pole with a hook
gaffer taped on for carrying your lantern.

WARNING: DON’T WEAR A SHELL SUIT OR NYLON ANORAK

Lanterns 5

Materials

Withies – Willow Sticks
Sold in large bundles by weight, various lengths, but 6ft. is probably the most the most useful. Available from:

J Burdekins Ltd.
Flushdyke,
Nr. Wakefield
West Yorkshire
WF5 9AQ
Tel: 01924 273103
Fax: 01924 265921
E-mail: sales@jburdekin.co.uk

P.H Coate & Sons
Mare Green, North Curry
Somerset
TA3 6HY
Tel: 01823 490249
Fax: 01823 490814
E-mail: phcoate@globalnet.co.uk

Strong Tissue Paper – “Wet Strength”
Richards and Appleby
Unit 3, Heads of the Valley
Industrial estate
Rhymney, Gwent
NP2 5RL
Tel: 01685 843384
Fax 01685 842466

All the following are available from D.I.Y or hardware stores:

• PVA Glue – White woodworkers’ glue, waterbased
• Gaffer Tape – Wide duct tape, usually silver or black
• Masking Tape
• Thin Wire
• Candles
• Sponges
• Garden Canes – used as carrying poles