DIY Paper Lanterns for a Festive Deepavali Glow

Paper lanterns are an easy, budget-friendly way to brighten your home during the Festival of Lights. They're also a fun craft for kids, classrooms and office celebrations. Here are three styles to try, all using safe LED lights.

Materials You'll Need

• Coloured paper or cardstock (A4 size)
• Patterned or metallic paper for decoration
• Scissors
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• Ruler and pencil
• Hole puncher
• String or ribbon
• Battery-operated LED tea lights or fairy lights
• Decorations: sequins, glitter, stickers, markers

Important: Never use real candles or oil lamps inside paper lanterns. Paper burns easily, so stick to LED lights.

Style 1: The Classic Slit Lantern

1. Fold an A4 sheet in half lengthwise.
2. From the folded edge, cut straight lines about 2 cm apart, stopping 2 cm from the open edge.
3. Unfold the paper and roll it into a cylinder, gluing the short ends together.
4. Press down gently so the slits bulge outward.
5. Add a paper strip handle at the top.
6. Place an LED tea light inside or hang the lantern over a fairy light.

Style 2: The Star Lantern

1. Cut five identical diamond shapes from cardstock.
2. Fold each diamond lengthwise and crosswise to create creases.
3. Glue the diamonds together at their edges to form a star.
4. Punch a hole at one point and thread string through for hanging.
5. Wrap a short fairy light string inside.

Star lanterns are popular in many Indian communities during Diwali and look stunning in windows.

Style 3: The Cut-Out Lamp Lantern

1. Draw lamp, flower or paisley shapes on cardstock.
2. Carefully cut them out (adults should help children with craft knives).
3. Back the cut-outs with coloured tissue paper or translucent paper.
4. Roll the cardstock into a cylinder and glue.
5. Place an LED tea light inside — the light will shine through the shapes.

Decorating Ideas

• Use festive colours like gold, orange, pink, purple and green.
• Draw kolam-inspired patterns on the outside.
• Add "Happy Deepavali" or greetings in Malay, Tamil, English or Mandarin.
• Use mirror stickers to mimic traditional embroidered textiles.

Where to Hang Them

• Window frames
• Balcony ceilings (indoors or sheltered)
• Above dining tables
• Office cubicles and reception areas
• School classrooms

Make It a Group Activity

Lantern-making works brilliantly at school or office celebrations. Set up a craft table with materials and let everyone create their own. It's an inclusive activity that people of every background can enjoy together.

Light Up With Love

Handmade lanterns carry a special charm — imperfect, colourful and full of personality.

Happy Deepavali, and enjoy crafting your own festive glow!