Get crafty with your kids and create these versatile paper lanterns that are perfect for the Year of the Tiger.

Creating paper lanterns with a tiger theme is the perfect craft for the Chinese New Year. Not only does it add a festive touch to your home, but it also holds cultural significance. The tiger is one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, courage, and good luck. Engaging in such crafts during the Chinese New Year allows children to learn about these traditions while expressing their creativity through colorful and meaningful decorations. It becomes a delightful way to connect with the cultural roots of the celebration.

How to create a tiger paper lantern:

Materials needed:

• Recycled cardboard
• Red patterned paper
• Red paper
• Gold washi tape
• Glue gun and stick
• Black and gold acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Black marker
• Scissors
• Lantern template and measurements
• Tiger head template

Instructions:

• Cut the base of the lantern from cardboard using the downloaded template.
• Paint the base with black paint. Let it dry.
• Using the tiger head template, trace and cut the head from the cardboard.
• Paint the tiger with gold acrylic. Let it dry.
• Draw the tiger’s face and stripes with a black marker.
• Cut a 21.5 cm x 11 cm patterned paper and fold it into small (0.5cm) pleats (accordion fold).
• Attach the tiger head on a 10.5 cm x 8.5 cm red paper.
• Glue the red paper onto the red patterned paper (accordion fold) and attach the patterned paper onto the black cardboard.
• Cut a 8.5 cm x 7 cm size red paper and make a tassel.
• Glue the top of the tassel on the lower back part of the black cardboard.
• Cut strips of the gold washi tape and attach them on the top and bottom of the black cardboard.
• Cut a strip of red paper, bend it, and fasten the bottom with hot glue.
• Glue the handle at the top back of the black cardboard.

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