DIY Project

Paper · Christmas · Adults

Paper bag star lanterns

Big, glowing Scandinavian-style paper stars made from white lunch bags, the cheapest dramatic Christmas decor there is.

Paper bag star lanterns
LevelIntermediate
Time45 minutes per star
Cost$4 to $10

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Use LED lights only, never candles, since paper stars catch fire fast.

  1. Step 1: Glue a T
    1

    Glue a T

    Lay a bag flat, bottom flap up. Glue a line across the flap's edge and a line from there down the middle to the open end. It makes a T.

  2. Step 2: Stack the bags
    2

    Stack the bags

    Press the next bag on top, lined up exactly. Glue another T. Repeat until all 8 are stacked.

  3. Step 3: Draw the point
    3

    Draw the point

    Draw a pointed V or a fancy shape on the open end of the stack. Keep it symmetrical.

  4. Step 4: Cut the stack
    4

    Cut the stack

    Cut through all 8 layers at once. Cut out a few small shapes along the sides for window patterns.

  5. Step 5: Let it dry
    5

    Let it dry

    Wait 15 minutes so the glue holds when you open it.

  6. Step 6: Open the star
    6

    Open the star

    Fan the stack open all the way around. Glue the first bag to the last bag.

  7. Step 7: Hang it
    7

    Hang it

    Punch a hole in one point and hang it with fishing line. Tuck LED lights inside for glow.

Edie's tip

Glue lines must sit in exactly the same spot on every bag. A pencil mark on each one helps.

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