Step 1
Cut a 69” length of 53” wide photo backdrop paper. Project the banner design image horizontally and tape the paper to the wall using painter’s tape. Make sure that the top and bottom of the design line up with the top and bottom of the paper.
Tip: If you cannot project the whole design at once, use the hash marks on the design to realign the projected design as you shift the paper.
Optional: If you’re planning to cut multiple copies of the design to create multiple lanterns and/or banners, cut a 138” (11.5’) piece of the paper and fold it in half. You can trace once and double-cut, then cut apart the banners after Step 3.
Step 2
Trace the design using pencil. Mark the black sections of the design (which will be cut out) with X’s as you go.
Step 3
Cut the design using disposable utility knives, removing the sections you marked with an X. Protect the table or floor while you’re cutting with cutting mats or folded newspaper.
Tip: If your lanterns tear, use a stapler or clear tape to repair. Don’t worry—it won’t be visible from the congregation!
Step 4
With a bit of your extra photo backdrop paper, cut and glue rectangular tabs 2” wide and 10” long to the top of the cut banner. We recommend 6-8 tabs spaced every 8-12” along the top.
Step 5
Curve the tabs over a 22” hoop and staple them to the top of the lantern.
Tip: Let the natural curve of the paper decided which side is outside and which is inside the lantern. You can erase any stray pencil marks from the outside of the lantern, though they won’t be visible from a distance.
Optional: Repeat steps 4 and 5 if you’d like more structure on the bottom of your lantern.
Step 6
Line up the ends of the cut paper, overlapping the repeated parts of the design, and staple.
Step 7
Use small dowel rods to create an X across the top of the lantern. Lash the dowels in place with string.
Step 8
Hang remote control fairy lights from the dowel rods in the middle of the lantern. Hang tulle over the lights, also from the dowel rods.
Step 9
Hang the lantern with string.
Step 10
Use the remote control to turn your lantern on and watch the light shine through!
