Lanterns ready for the festival of light in a few weeks

Our creations from the community centre were dry and ready to finish today! The boys were very excited to pop the tissue-and-glue coated balloons to reveal their thin lanterns today. We used gardening wire to make handles (Mumma attached the handles so that no one would cry if he inadvertantly ripped his lantern).

We're all set for the evening walk planned for August 22 in a nearby neighbourhood. A few other mums I know are planning to take their children and we'll meet for a picnic and then the magical summer evening walk with the little ones proudly toting their lighted lanterns (using glow sticks for safety!) on long sticks. I can't wait.

Here are the directions we got from the community centre workers:

Balloon Lantern for Wildlights Festival

NOTE: This lantern requires at least one day of drying before it is ready to use.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

- a round balloon

- a tin can

- a sponge paint brush

- white glue made a little bit thinner (so it spreads better) with a few drops of water

- white tissue paper, cut into strips

- assorted bits of coloured tissue paper torn or cut into different shapes

- wire for the handle

- a stick to hang the lantern from for the walk

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Inflate the balloon and balance it right side up in the tin can. Secure with tape where the balloon rests in the tin can.

2. Coat the balloon with the glue mixture gently so that the tissue paper covered part looks like a large bowl. Leave several inches from the bottom of the baloon (the part near the can) uncovered.

3. Cover the balloon with at least three layers of white tissue paper strips, being sure to make sure it is nice and thick near the tin can as that will be the top of your lantern where the wire handle will be secured. Lay the strips of white tissue paper on the glue and add more glue as needed. It's a good idea to really coat the tissue paper with the glue mixture so that the tissue paper is smoothed down and not bumpy and hanging off.

4. After you have completed the three layers of white tissue paper, make a design using the coloured pieces of tissue. Remember that you are making your design upside down (the bottom of your lantern is the rounded top of the balloon). Have fun and be creative! The light will shine more through lighter colours or white spots.

5. Let the lantern dry overnight. When you are sure that the tissue and glue have dried completely, gently pop the balloon and remove it from the lantern.

6. Make two holes in the lantern, one on either side of the open part, and thread through a wire handle.

7. Attach the wire handle to a small stick handle. Use a glow stick to illuminate your lantern for a lovely evening walk!