Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Inflate the balloon to the size lantern your desire. Hang it by a string so you can work around it on all sides.
2

Tear your rice paper into strips 1 inch wide and the length of the balloon. The amount of rice paper needed will vary by balloon size.
3

Create a papier-mâché glue solution by mixing equal parts flour and water. Stir the mixture until it has a smooth, batter-like consistency.
4

Dip one strip of rice paper at a time into the glue solution. Remove excess glue by running the strip between two fingers before applying it onto the balloon.
5

Smooth the strip lengthwise against the side of the balloon, making sure there are no wrinkles.
6

Apply additional strips of paper, slightly overlapping their edges until the balloon is covered in one layer of paper.
7

Allow the paper to dry completely before popping the balloon inside with a pin.
8

Cut a small round hole on either end of the lantern using scissors. Remove all pieces of the balloon through the openings.
9

Shape two wire pieces into a circle small enough to fit just inside each hole, and glue a wire circle inside each end with a hot glue gun. This will add support to your lantern. Glue a straight piece of wire across the center of each circle for hanging purposes.
10

Attach thread or string to the top for hanging. Create a tassel to hang off the bottom of the lantern by bunching many same-length pieces of string together.
11

Fill each lantern with a small bunch of white Christmas lights or use a light-bulb hanging fixture.