lantern

What you will need to make a lantern

To make these lanterns follow the instructions for the Lantern Tutorial   I used four umbrellas for each of my lanterns. First take apart the umbrellas by removing their sticks and cutting off the cardboard struts. The umbrellas are still quite 'springy' so when you apply them wrap cling film tightly around the glass or jar to keep them in place. I think I left them for about 30 minutes then removed the cling film and left them to dry.

I really like this idea of turning teacups into lights. All you do is pop a tea light candle into the base of a cup, so simple. If you don't possess a bone china cup and saucer, It's easy to find the odd cup and saucer in a charity shop or car boot sale. I think a grouping of mismatched china adds more interest than a matching set. The translucent teacups give off a lovely soft warm glow.

On Friday at Hitchin flea market, a stall was selling old crystal chandelier bits. I bought a few pieces not really knowing what I would do with them, but they were pretty and cheap! This morning I had a eureka moment, I'll make my own mini chandelier, sort of. I found a votive glass in the cupboard and using glass glue (glass glue is fantastic - but it only works outside using daylight!) I stuck some of the crystals on to it. I like the way candle light dances, it reflects in the facets of the crystals.

This was going to be a tutorial just for a Valentine's Day votive using a glass, mulberry paper and PVA glue (the instructions for making a votive/lantern are here ). But then I thought what other type of paper could I use, besides mulberry, that was accessible. I had bought some pretty napkins from Paperchase and thought they would be ideal. I deconstructed one so it was only one ply thick. Cut it to the size of the glass. Painted the glass with watered down PVA (50/50). Placed the napkin on to the glass.

When I was at the Knit and Stitch Show I couldn't resist buying a very delicate sheet of Japanese lace paper. This weekend I made lanterns with it. To get the cool effect I layered two blue bands of torn mulberry paper on to the glass. I put a finishing layer of the lace paper on top. I incorporated into one of the designs some snowflake tissue paper.