Summer Lanterns
Warm your days with moving colour.
The Set Up
Paper lanterns already feel like a celebration, don't they! The best news is that any paper lantern that you can source is absolutely fine. We’ve used ones from IKEA, Kmart, Bunnings, and our local party shops over the years. Thicker paper obviously holds up slightly better but most lanterns can handle a lot if you don’t soak them all at once.
Before you start, decide how the lanterns will sit in the space during the creating. Hanging them makes the process much easier, especially for little hands. They can spin gently as artists work (my most favourite part!). At Smudge, we often use our PVC pendulum frame, but a long dowel, decorating rod, or even string stretched across the room works just as well. Lanterns can also sit on the table if needed. Just encourage artists to turn them as they go.
For these Summer lantern materials, curate a range of warm colours. Oil pastels and paint sticks are a great place to begin, followed by watercolour, glitter paint, and liquid watercolour in spray bottles. The paper soaks up colour beautifully and layering gives depth.
The Making
Work straight onto the lantern using oil pastels and paint sticks first. These 'dry' materials give the paper a base and feel good on the curved surface. And then you can bring in watercolour palettes once there’s colour down. Brush it on, let it move, turn the lantern as you go. Hanging lanterns make this easy and oh so fun!
Liquid watercolour in spray bottles is a favourite. A light mist of colour travels across the paper and layers beautifully, plus glitter paint can come in anywhere.
Once the lantern is dry, finish with a simple wire handle and beads, or leave them as they are. Ready to hang, cluster together, or use as the most gorgeous Summer lampshade.
Variations
Include tissue paper and glue for collage options
Create a large-scale version using extra-large lanterns for an installation focus.
Switch up the colour palette (this works for all Seasons!)
Materials
Paper lanterns (any size)
Oil pastels
Paint sticks
Watercolour paints
Glitter paint
Liquid watercolour
Spray bottles
Brushes
Water containers
Drop sheets
String, dowel, decorating rod, or frame for hanging
Wire and beads for handles (optional)
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Summer Lanterns
Warm your days with moving colour.
Bookmark
Sculpture
The Set Up
Paper lanterns already feel like a celebration, don't they! The best news is that any paper lantern that you can source is absolutely fine. We’ve used ones from IKEA, Kmart, Bunnings, and our local party shops over the years. Thicker paper obviously holds up slightly better but most lanterns can handle a lot if you don’t soak them all at once.
Before you start, decide how the lanterns will sit in the space during the creating. Hanging them makes the process much easier, especially for little hands. They can spin gently as artists work (my most favourite part!). At Smudge, we often use our PVC pendulum frame, but a long dowel, decorating rod, or even string stretched across the room works just as well. Lanterns can also sit on the table if needed. Just encourage artists to turn them as they go.
For these Summer lantern materials, curate a range of warm colours. Oil pastels and paint sticks are a great place to begin, followed by watercolour, glitter paint, and liquid watercolour in spray bottles. The paper soaks up colour beautifully and layering gives depth.
The Making
Work straight onto the lantern using oil pastels and paint sticks first. These 'dry' materials give the paper a base and feel good on the curved surface. And then you can bring in watercolour palettes once there’s colour down. Brush it on, let it move, turn the lantern as you go. Hanging lanterns make this easy and oh so fun!
Liquid watercolour in spray bottles is a favourite. A light mist of colour travels across the paper and layers beautifully, plus glitter paint can come in anywhere.
Once the lantern is dry, finish with a simple wire handle and beads, or leave them as they are. Ready to hang, cluster together, or use as the most gorgeous Summer lampshade.
Variations
Include tissue paper and glue for collage options
Create a large-scale version using extra-large lanterns for an installation focus.
Switch up the colour palette (this works for all Seasons!)
Materials
Paper lanterns (any size)
Oil pastels
Paint sticks
Watercolour paints
Glitter paint
Liquid watercolour
Spray bottles
Brushes
Water containers
Drop sheets
String, dowel, decorating rod, or frame for hanging
Wire and beads for handles (optional)
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
