These paper lantern crafts are perfect for parties or decorations! Get 25+ unique ideas for embellishing paper lanterns the easy way. These projects are great for both kids and adults.

I’ll never forget the first time I discovered paper lanterns. I believe it was at The Nature Company (remember those mall stores??) when I was in high school. They had a display of printed paper lantern pendant lamps and there was a constellation themed one.
You can bet I wanted that bad boy for my room!
I didn’t get it, though. My only spending money was babysitting dollars, and I couldn’t part with the $30 it would cost to purchase that beautiful lantern (it did come with the light and cord!).
What I didn’t realize back then is that if you want a pretty paper lantern to decorate your home – or for a party – you can make it yourself! Yes I was a crafter at a young age, but it just didn’t register at the time.
It definitely registers now, though.
I’m excited to share these paper lantern crafts with you. Because you don’t have to drool over that paper lantern at The Nature Company. You can make your own!
Grab a pack of white or colored paper lanterns, because they’re pretty cheap to get in bundles. Then get creative with one of these unique ideas. Let me know which one of these you try and what you think in the comments!
Paper Lantern Crafts
Learn how to decorate paper lanterns with one of these fun ideas! You can alter them in so many ways, for both celebration and decorating.
Fabric and Ribbon Party
You get to use paint as well as use fun fabrics and ribbon to decorate these pretty paper lanterns! Customize them for any occasion, but these are great for spring parties.
Rainbow Layered
Can you cut tissue paper into circles? Of course you can! You're going to love this project, which consists of cutting tissue paper circles and then layering on top of a lantern. So easy!
DIY Hot Air Balloons
Learn how to create DIY hot air balloons out of paper lanterns! You’ll also need fabric and Mod Podge. These are pretty easy to make, even for kids.
Colorful Fish
These cute little fish decorations are perfect for an ocean or under the sea party, for decorating a kids’ room, or just to make with your kids for fun, especially during those long summer days.
Napkins and Glitter
This is yet another great way to DIY your next celebration - decorate party lanterns with napkins, glitter, and Mod Podge. So easy!
Ice Cream Cones
These ice cream cones are an easy DIY decoration for a baby shower or ice cream party. If you can't find colorful paper lanterns, you can always paint them.
Flowers or Pom Poms
Do I like the pom poms or flowers best on these lanterns turned pendant lamps? It's hard to choose, so I will have to make them both!
Glitter Disco Ball DIY
When in doubt, glitter it! Completely cover a paper lantern in glitter for a unique holiday idea. This would look so pretty with votives inside!
Scrap Paper Pendant Lamp
It's not very often that you can create a unique pendant lamp just with scraps of paper. This gives such a unique look when it glows!
DIY Surprise Lantern
You can make paper lantern pinatas for any holiday! Just get crepe paper in the desired colors, plus a few other simple supplies.
Paper Lantern Portrait Art
This cute little portrait lantern was made for Mother's Day! I love the egg carton flowers (reminds me of this canvas). Your kids will have a great time making the face of their choice. You know mine would have glasses!
Mini Umbrellas
I haven't had a cocktail with a mini umbrella in it for a long time! But I think they're super cute. This is a fun way to decorate paper lanterns for summer or a pool party.
Washi Tape
I absolutely love washi tape! It's so easy to use, and perfect for decorating lanterns. Pick the patterns of your choice - and there's no mess.
Cherry Blossoms
If you have a little bit of paint, a Sharpie, and some string, you can make these cute cherry blossom lanterns for spring. They are pretty enough to keep up all through summer.
How To Make A Baby Yoda Paper Lantern
Hosting a Mandalorian birthday party or need decorations for a Baby Yoda themed room? Check out this simple Baby Yoda paper lantern craft.
You can also find BB-8 here.
Stained Glass
These round paper lanterns look beautiful in the daylight, but even more stunning when lit up at night. They're super simple to make and great for all ages to get involved.
Gone Fishing
Are you having a fishing themed party? Does your husband or child have a fishing themed room? These bobbers are so cute and easy to make out of paper lanterns.
Faux Florals
Create a bright and colorful summer vignette for the kitchen! Or any other room of your house. These use faux flowers. They would be great for a wedding too.
Jellyfish Night Light
Sometimes paper lanterns take a hit and get ripped. If that happens, you don't have to throw it away! Turn one into this cute jellyfish lantern.
If you enjoyed this version, check out another version here.
Paper Animals
What kinds of animals can you make from paper lanterns? Turns out quite a few of them! Get inspired from Stacey's post and then make a zoo with your kids.
DIY Pumpkin Patch
Turn orange lanterns into pumpkin paper lanterns and create your pumpkin patch! Perfect for decorations or photo props. It is an easy craft for fall.
Fall Inspired
You can use fresh or faux flowers and leaves to make this beautiful autumn lantern! I absolutely love the beautiful color combinations.
Frosty the Snowman
No snow? No problem! Make the cutest paper lantern snowman! This is perfect for Christmas decorating.
Christmas Ornaments
These giant paper lantern christmas ornaments are so easy to put together, only requiring a couple supplies. They make a huge impact wherever you put them.
Santa's Hot Air Balloon Christmas Decor
Learn to make Santa’s hot air balloon for a cute addition to your Christmas decor! This is easy to do with a paper lantern, fabric, and Mod Podge.
Winter Cardinal
If you're looking for Christmas decor that is a bit more "adult," this is a great option! Use a cute cardinal and some florals from the floral section of the craft store.
If you enjoyed these crafts with paper lanterns, I’d love for you to check out these other ideas:
Preethimalie
Wednesday 13th of September 2023
I'm thrilled at seeing this and thank you.
Nancy Bankert
Friday 30th of September 2022
Love these “Do it yourself “paper lantern” great instructions and ideas. Sending them to my clever young granddaughters and their mother for summer fun. AND FOR ME, a copy for me to do some, too🙋♀️❤️❤️❤️
Amy
Friday 30th of September 2022
Yay! Thank you for reading Nancy!