If you've been reading here long, then you may know that crafts don't come naturally to me. So you might be surprised to see this post's title on Steady Mom.
But this project uses such simple materials and comes together so easily (& beautifully), that I thought you might enjoy it as well. It's a craft that can keep your little ones happily busy and also make a pretty Thanksgiving centerpiece.
We adapted this project after listening to the instructions in an audio story from Sparkle Stories--one of our newest online discoveries! The kids and I are loving the audio adventures we're downloading there each week.
Here's what you'll need to make your own lanterns:
- Pint-sized Mason jars
- White glue
- Paintbrush
- Tissue paper
- Pipe cleaners
- Masking tape (or other tape)
- Tea light candles
What to Do
1. Pour a bit of white glue in a little cup. Add a little water and stir until it makes a watery paste.
2. Have your child tear or cut tissue paper into smallish size pieces until they have a large enough pile to cover the entire jar.
3. Take your paintbrush and spread some of the glue onto a section of the jar, then take pieces of tissue paper and stick them on. Continue one section at a time, until the entire jar is covered. Children can add as many layers of tissue paper as they like.
4. Put a bit of masking tape on the bottom of your tealight and insert it in the jar, pressing down gently so the candle won't move around.
5. Use your pipe cleaners to make a handle for your lantern: One should twist around the mouth of the jar, then the other can go up and over to make the handle. Tuck under the first pipe cleaner and twist to keep it in place.
6. Light your candles when it's dark and go for a lantern walk!
"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." ~ Plato
