4th of July Paper Lantern

USE MY FREE SVG FILE TO MAKE YOUR OWN 4TH OF JULY PAPER LANTERN.

I can’t believe the Fourth of July is just around the corner.  It felt like just yesterday that we were having Christmas and New Years.  The older I get, the faster time flies.  And I’m never prepared enough ahead of time to decorate for holidays.  I’m hoping to change that and be prepared with handmade decorations well in advance.  I’m starting off with this 4th of July paper lantern.

 

Let me show you how to make your own!  This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Material needed to make a 4th of July Paper Lantern

Cutting out the 4th of July Paper Lantern Design

Step 1. Download the cut file

Download the free svg file to your computer, unzip the file, and upload the file into Cricut Design Space.

Step 2. Change your layers appropriately

The score lines are set to cut by default when you load the file into Cricut Design Space.  Make sure you change the score lines from “cut” to “score”.  They will change from a solid line to a dashed line.  Then select all of your layers and attach them together.  This will make sure your score lines score in the correct place.

 

Step 3. Cut your project

Now you can send your project to your Cricut machine.  Choose the correct material settings based on the type of paper you’re using.  I also used the blue light grip mat, so that the delicate letters would be less likely to rip off.

Assembling the paper lantern

Step 1. Remove your project

Remove your mat from your machine, and remove your paper lantern from your mat.  Be careful with the words since they are attached delicately.  I used my Cricut spatula tool to help them off the mat.

TIP: Lay the project side of your mat down on the table and peel the mat off your paper, instead of peeling your paper off your mat.  When you peel the paper off your mat, it curls the paper.  If you peel the mat off the paper, it will stay flat.

Then take out all the extra little pieces that you don’t need.

Step 2. Fold your lantern

Fold your lantern on the score lines.  Make sure you fold it the right way so the words will read properly when you look at it.  The first time I folded it, I folded it the wrong way.

Step 3. Add adhesive spray

Take your lantern to the garage or outside and place on top of scrap paper.  Spray evenly with the adhesive spray and let dry while you cut your tissue paper.

Step 4. Add tissue paper

I used tissue paper for my lantern but you can use some other transparent material like vellum, parchment paper, cellophane, etc. Cut your tissue paper slightly bigger than your lantern.  I did not, and it was too short.  Your adhesive spray is dry now.  Place your chosen transparent paper centered on your paper lantern.  I started in the middle and used my hand to smoothed it across the paper lantern. Trim any excess tissue paper from around your paper lantern.

Step 5. Tape lantern shut and add tea light

Refold your lantern on the score lines and use small pieces of tape to tape it shut on the open edges. Now you just need to add a tea light inside and you’re all done!

These would look great on a fireplace mantle, on your front porch, along your garage, etc.  I hope you enjoy making these.  I would love for you to send me some pictures of the ones you made.

GET MY FREE SVG CUT FILES TO MAKE YOUR OWN 4TH OF JULY PAPER LANTERN.

WANT TO REMEMBER THIS FOR LATER? PIN THIS 4TH OF JULY PAPER LANTERN TUTORIAL TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

You might also like:

Make a Grandma shirt with grandkids names

How to make wood signs with vinyl lettering