These Halloween Paper Mache Lanterns are super fun, inexpensive, and easy to do. Make ghost lanterns, Frankenstein lanterns, Witch lanterns, Black Kitty Cats, Owl lanterns, and of course Jack-O-Lanterns. These are super fun, inexpensive, and easy to do.
Halloween Paper Mache Lanterns
Are you looking for Halloween Crafts? Try some of these ideas out…
You’ll Need:
- An equal mixture of glue, and water paste
- paintbrush
- Assorted tissue paper – colors will depend on your intended design. Cut into squares for the base
- (Assorted) tissue paper cut into shapes for eyes, nose, mouth, etc…. i.e. I cut dark colors into triangles for my Jack-O-Lantern lights
- Latex Balloons are blown up to the size you desire and secured with a knot
- A large Solo Cup to hold your creation
- An LED light – I found mine at the Dollar Tree – It works perfectly
- Scissors
Now, on to the light!:
- Before you begin you will need to put something into the bottom of the cup to give it some weight. I used water, but you can use rocks, marbles, or if you’re really brave sand.
- Set the bottom of the balloon onto the cup – this will help hold your balloon for you
- Paint the glue paste onto a section of the balloon
- Apply the tissue paper to the wet paste – If it is not completely sticking to the balloon surface, dab a little bit of paste over the tissue paper
- The tissue paper should be wet
- Cover the entire balloon in this way with 2 layers of tissue paper
- Add your detail pieces (eyes, mouth, etc…) with the contrasting colors of tissue paper
- Let the balloons dry for about 24 hours
- When they are completely dry, use your scissors to cut the tip-off of the balloon. The balloon will deflate, and pull away from the paper
- *Your paper-mache might start to sink in. Don’t worry – You can push it gently back into the balloon shape it once was
- Cut a level and small circular area out of the bottom of your project. This will help it stand up, and gives you a place to set your light
- Now you can pull the balloon out and if needed reshape your paper-mache by gently pushing the shape out
- When you’re ready, place your paper-mache project over your LED light
- That’s it! Enjoy your spooky lights
~Melissa – KidFriendlyThingsToDo.com – crafts, recipes, fun foods, party ideas, DIY, Home & Garden, and fun things to do with your whole family
