Paper Lantern Tutorial

The photograph above is a paper lantern that I made. I was inspired to make this after seeing some Henna Paper Lanterns on the amazing Khadija's blog http://creativemind-zeshuregi.blogspot.com/ here is her link to the lantern post:Paper Lanterns Below is a photograph of the lanterns she made that I took my inspiration from.

Khadija hand designs these using Henna but I used a template and used normal colouring pens.  My children were so impressed that they were also inspired to make some lanterns too!

Paper Lanterns Tutorial

Step1: Find a design and print out onto A4 Paper  - I used watermark print so it doesn't leave dark ink! Photo below shows the design (because it is watermark it very hard to see on the photo - Sorry!)

Step 2: Colour the design as you wish - I used pens but you could use different materials!
Step 3: Fold the A4 paper to make a cuboid shape - Leave a flap for tape. (Khadija sometimes makes these as a cylinder!)
Step 4: Place double sided tape on the flap and secure to other end of paper to make the cuboid.
Step 5: Find a candle and place the lantern over (Warning - make sure the flame is not touching the paper!)

The photo collage below shows the steps of how I made my Lantern.

The photo collage below shows the lanterns that my three children made using the same technique. Number 1 was designed by my 4 year old. Number 2 was designed by my 9 year old. Number 3 was designed by my 13 year old.

The last photo collage below shows my 3 children at the table designing their lanterns.

My children loved making these lanterns. This is a great kids craft project that is really easy to do. Maybe we might try and make some in different shapes another time.

This week you might find me linking this post with some or all of the following link parties / blog hops:

  

Quick Envelope Cushion Tutorial

10 Minute Cushion Cover

This is a quick 10 minute Cushion Cover Tutorial - it is an envelope cushion cover I made for my sister.  I made her some curtains recently with the same matching fabric and also made some cushion covers with the remnants.

All you need is one rectangle piece of fabric! (and of course needle and thread). Below is a photograph of the fabric I used. You can see where I ironed the fabric where I was going to fold the fabric - this can make it easier for sewing.

I have tried to explain by using 'Picnik' to show diagrams of how to do this - I hope this works!

Step 1: Measure the size of the cushion you wish to make a cover for. Add 2 inches to the length (1 inch for each hem). Double the size of the width and and add 8 inches for the overlapped opening
Step 2: Cut out the fabric to the size you need.

Step 3: Sew a hem on both the short sides.
Step 4: Fold the shorter sides to the centre (fabric pattern inside touching) making an overlap so the square should be the width of the original cushion.
Step5: Sew along the top and then along the bottom.
Step 6: Turn the cushion inside out (correct side).

YOU NOW HAVE YOUR CUSHION!

This is an extremely easy project and by sewing machine done in less than 10 minutes! This can even be done by hand but would take a little longer. You are only sewing 4 straight lines to make this cushion!

Below is a photograph my sister sent me of the cushions beside the curtains that I made for her (for the nursery) using the same fabric. Here is the link to that post: blackout curtains

This week you might find me linking this post with some or all of the following link parties / blog hops: