How To Make Doll-Size Paper Lanterns

Looking for a fun and easy way to add something special to your doll room decorating? I find that I have a lot of things to use as furniture for my dolls, but not a lot of things to use as wall decorations. This is a fun and easy craft you can do to decorate your dolls’ walls, or just to have for parties! I made these with a Valentine’s theme, but they’d do well for so many holidays and occasions. Will you make some with me?

Supplies:

  • Valentine’s themed scrapbook paper (or any holiday/color scheme)
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Tape or glue
  • String or thread
  • Sewing needle
  • 1/8 inch hole punch (optional)

Step 1:  Measure off a couple rectangle sections on the back of each piece of paper. I made mine 2 7/8 inches by 4 inches. Make sure you pay attention to the direction of the design on the other side – you want one of the long sides to be the top. Cut out your rectangles.

Step 2:  Fold each piece of paper in half length wise. 

Step 3:  Now you are going to make several little cuts along the folded edge of each piece. Start about ¼ inch from the short edge, make cuts every 3/16 of an inch or so, and stop about ¼ inch from the other short edge. Make sure you do not cut all the way to the open edges of the folded paper. You want to leave about ¼ inch uncut all the way around the folded paper’s three sides.

Now open the folded paper, and you will see you have cuts in the center of the paper, but that you also have a solid border around the perimeter of the paper.

Step 4:  Bringing the short sides around to meet each other, overlap the ¼ inch borders and tape or glue closed. You now have your paper lantern shape! Give it a little squeeze from top to bottom so the folds stick out a little – so cute!

Step 5: If you have an 1/8 inch hole punch, use it now to punch a hole on either side of the top of each lantern, staying safely within the ¼ inch border. If you don’t have one, you can use a needle and thread to make holes and string the lanterns all in one step. But I do recommend an 1/8 inch punch for many doll-sized craft projects!

Step 6: Now use your string and/or needle and thread to string up your lanterns! I used a very generous piece of string so that I would have options later as to where I could hang them. 

Now decorate your doll room for a doll Valentine’s party, and make sure to invite all your doll friends!

For Pixie Faire, @forofsuch

 

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90 Comments

Cristy Estep
Cristy Estep

February 10, 2021

I love to craft for dolls, so if the craft calls for paper I am a paper crafter. I also scrapbook from time to time!

Charlene T.
Charlene T.

February 10, 2021

I enjoy paper crafts, especially card making. Thanks for the tutorial for the paper lanterns!

Nancy
Nancy

February 10, 2021

I have been a paper crafter for over 50 years! My specialty is quilling which is the art of paper filigree. The more recent introductions of paper punches and cutting dies certainly have simplified many of the special cutting maneuvers. I do believe I have a cutting die for both 1/4 and 1/8 straight cuts that will be perfect for these lanterns!

Lisa Abney
Lisa Abney

February 10, 2021

Not any longer, but I used to.

Lisa M Rainey
Lisa M Rainey

February 10, 2021

I love paper crafts, scrapbooking, card making, and crafts.

Debra Luecke
Debra Luecke

February 10, 2021

I am not a paper crafter but do most others
. Love to sew!!

Theresa
Theresa

February 10, 2021

I’m a scrapbooker. I also love all sorts of paper crafting.

Gracia L Marks
Gracia L Marks

February 10, 2021

I like to make flowers dollhouse size and bookmarks from old calendars. These are much less expensive to make than all my other projects.

Beth P.
Beth P.

February 10, 2021

I am not a paper crafter, but I enjoy all things doll-sized!

Annlee
Annlee

February 10, 2021

I use to do many paper craft with the children cards,quilling,embossing and paper-mache

MARIA L
MARIA L

February 10, 2021

I love doing crafts, so what ever comes to my hands, of course have also something to do while commuting every day to work

Beth C
Beth C

February 10, 2021

I love to scrapbook and make cards!

Dianne
Dianne

February 10, 2021

Yes, I also love to paper craft when I’m not sewing. I make scrapbooks, and I’m currently making a prayer journal.

Sandra
Sandra

February 10, 2021

Most of my paper crafting is done when I get together with my grandchildren. They enjoy creating all kinds of things. They will love making these darling paper lanterns.
Thank you once again for brightening our days with fun activities.

Annlee
Annlee

February 10, 2021

I have done a lot of paper craft over the years. but have not done any lately.

kathy m
kathy m

February 10, 2021

no Iam not a paper basic more with fabric : bags clothes for me sometimes making doll clothes and shoes etc

Ele
Ele

February 10, 2021

I don’t generally make many paper crafts, though I do enjoy creating them. Doll-sized books are some of my favourites to create, as well as mini lanterns!

Frances Leiter
Frances Leiter

February 10, 2021

No, paper crafts are not my “thing” but I have done a few things from time to time for special occassions or with children.

Piroska
Piroska

February 10, 2021

I just started making paper crafts, and love making toys and cards.

Tammy
Tammy

February 10, 2021

I love to make crafts of all kinds with paper. It is such a versatile and inexpensive media that can be used in so many ways. I love to make cards and miniatures for the dollhouse.

Donna
Donna

February 10, 2021

I used to do scrapbooking and stamping, but when I downsized, I gave away all the materials I had to focus on sewing for dolls!

Sharon B.
Sharon B.

February 10, 2021

I am not really a paper crafter, but this sure looks like a fun and easy project!

Gwen Moore
Gwen Moore

February 10, 2021

My daughter is the paper crafter, making greeting cards and treasured notes for her young daughter. My granddaughter and I “quilt” by making designs with stock paper of colors and designs.

auschick
auschick

February 10, 2021

This is so cute! I’ll make this with my daughter on Friday for our Valentine’s projects!

Sophie T
Sophie T

February 10, 2021

I love this simple paper lantern idea! Great to decorate any doll room, indoor or outdoor!

I love scrapbooking and card making… so relaxing and fun to play with paper and all kinds of embellishments!

Terry
Terry

February 10, 2021

Scrapbooking is a great way to really go back and remember something while deciding what to put on the page. I also like pop-up cards and origami. Thanks for the lantern tutorial.

Dorothy
Dorothy

February 10, 2021

I am not often a paper crafter, but I do like to draw on paper. My most common use for it is to make applique shapes for sewing.

kathy
kathy

February 10, 2021

Love this tutorial. I am not really much of a paper crafter.

Kathleen Rowley
Kathleen Rowley

February 10, 2021

Yes,I scrapbook and make cards! Super cute idea with the paper lanterns! Would love to win gift card. Thanks again ,you guys are awesome!

Marilyn
Marilyn

February 10, 2021

I like to make bookmarks.
Marilyn

Dawn Sellers
Dawn Sellers

February 10, 2021

Cute lanterns not a paper crafter

Kathleen Rowley
Kathleen Rowley

February 10, 2021

Yes,I scrapbook and make cards! Super cute idea with the paper lanterns! Would love to win gift card. Thanks again ,you guys are awesome!

Sue
Sue

February 10, 2021

I am a paper crafter and make greeting cards.

Dena M
Dena M

February 10, 2021

I like to make things for my daughter’s and my 18 inch dolls out of paper. Books, magazines, and school supplies are my daughter’s favorites.

Jackie Pitts
Jackie Pitts

February 10, 2021

Paper projects can give my dolls a past.: travels real or imagenary. interest, letters and keepsakes.

Jackie Pitts
Jackie Pitts

February 10, 2021

I love making paper crafts especially for my dolls. They like to send little post cards [tucked into snail mail], read little books and play with little games and toys. Origami boxes are a favorite.

Candice Lacy
Candice Lacy

February 10, 2021

I am a paper crafter- my favorite thing to make is doll-sized accessories, such as ID cards, books, school supplies, writing supplies…basically anything my dolls could use!

Ann
Ann

February 10, 2021

Yes, I am a paper crafter. I love to make greeting cards and origami.

Loretta
Loretta

February 10, 2021

I am an avid scrapbooker.

Sherry Campbell
Sherry Campbell

February 10, 2021

My granddaughter loves the items I sew abd craft for her Anerican Girl and Wellie Dolls. The knitted sweaters and balket barres wete a huge hit. This site is a great resource.

Mae Lynn Beck
Mae Lynn Beck

February 10, 2021

I love paper crafts but I do not do scrapbooking. I love making paper flowers, ornaments, origami.

Jeri
Jeri

February 10, 2021

Yes, I am a paper crafter. I enjoy making and sending greeting cards to family, friends and to the Veterans Hospital.

Carol
Carol

February 10, 2021

I love papercrafting, especially making cards for friends. It is also fun to do paper decor that adds a lot without costing a lot!

ES
ES

February 10, 2021

I do origami!

Denise Darby
Denise Darby

February 10, 2021

i like to make things out of paper. Such as books and cards and scrapbooks.

Monya
Monya

February 10, 2021

I’m more of a sewing person but if I see something really cute using paper or other materials I’m always willing to give it a try!

Kathleen
Kathleen

February 10, 2021

These are adorable

Rose Sadzewicz
Rose Sadzewicz

February 10, 2021

I Love this craft. So cute and easy. Just recently bought a cricut maker and anxious to learn how to use it.

Anne Marie
Anne Marie

February 10, 2021

I am not a big paper crafter but do enjoy making greeting cards.

Laurie
Laurie

February 10, 2021

I like to make cards once in awhile. I remember making adult sized lanterns a long time ago. Thanks for the chance to win!

Becky
Becky

February 10, 2021

I’m not much of a paper crafter but if it makes my grandchildren happy I am always willing to try.

Suzi
Suzi

February 10, 2021

I am not a paper crafter at all but my 11 yr old GD is and she makes anything and everything!

Candy
Candy

February 10, 2021

Yes I do paper crafts. II like to make miniature items like boxes of foods, doll size books. Paper minis is the name of the items. I also make some oragami items. I make doll size paper accessories, like cups, candy boxes, plates, doll houses, small village buildings etc.

Holly
Holly

February 10, 2021

I’m more of a sewing and fiber arts girl but every now and then I’ll see a project that lures me in. No Cricut or any such luxuries so it has to be worth hand-cutting.

Barbara H Peart
Barbara H Peart

February 10, 2021

Great paper crafting idea. Will come in handy when the weather breaks for outside entertaining. The paper lanterns have an oriental theme!

Connie Tkach
Connie Tkach

February 10, 2021

OMGosh how cut are those@@ Now to dig out some of my papers and play later today!! THANKS

Sonja
Sonja

February 10, 2021

I love to make cards and backgrounds for pictures and also christmas decorations, often using my cricut to help out. All the digital paper you can get your hands on for free makes it really fun. My daughter has become a real expert on putting cards together. This tutorial will be a lot of fun for us, because we love to make up “photo” scenes with our dolls.

Connie M
Connie M

February 10, 2021

The only paper crafting I do is to cut out patterns. LOL

Leanna
Leanna

February 10, 2021

I love to make things out of paper! From greeting cards to doll scrapbooks…

Betsey
Betsey

February 10, 2021

Yes, I am a long time paper crafter. I have been using hand and digital cutting machines for many years (before Cricut) and making my own files for over a 14 years. I am going to make a SVG file of the paper lantern pattern so I can cut several to assemble with my grandkids. Thanks for the tutorial.

Debra
Debra

February 10, 2021

New to paper crafting – if cricuting counts – I got a cricut machine and cricut press for Christmas and have made a few paper projects so far.

Kristen
Kristen

February 10, 2021

I used to do paper crafts and always loved origami growing up, but it has been a while since I did that. These lanterns are super cute!

Dori
Dori

February 10, 2021

I’m not much of a pape crafter—I do make an occasional simple card. Too many other crafts in the works—mostly sewing and quilting.

Helen
Helen

February 10, 2021

I love to paper craft almost as much as I like to sew. I like to see how I can use unusual papers that come for free in packaging or just whatever I have around . The supplies are low/no cost and you can do amazing things with a few folds and embellishments. I’m into making cards now, too.

Jo
Jo

February 10, 2021

I do not paper craft I do know crochet sew and embroider there is no more space to store everything

Jo
Jo

February 10, 2021

I do not paper craft I do know crochet sew and embroider there is no more space to store everything

Lorraine M
Lorraine M

February 10, 2021

I do not do many paper crafts, but I did make large tissue paper flowers last Spring and put them in my window to cheer up neighbours due to COVID. I did a lot of paper crafts with my students when I was teaching in public schools. We had Art once a week and my students always enjoyed it! We would cut 2 large hearts from tissue paper and glue them together leaving an opening to stuff them with scraps of tissue paper so they looked like pillows! They were decorated with scalloped edges, fringed edges, long streamers from the bottom tip of the heart, etc. We hung them from the lights in the ceiling for Valentine’s Day. Our classroom was beautiful! I have so many memories of all the things we made!

Lorraine M
Lorraine M

February 10, 2021

I do not do many paper crafts, but I did make large tissue paper flowers last Spring and put them in my window to cheer up neighbours due to COVID. I did a lot of paper crafts with my students when I was teaching in public schools. We had Art once a week and my students always enjoyed it! We would cut 2 large hearts from tissue paper and glue them together leaving an opening to stuff them with scraps of tissue paper so they looked like pillows! They were decorated with scalloped edges, fringed edges, long streamers from the bottom tip of the heart, etc. We hung them from the lights in the ceiling for Valentine’s Day. Our classroom was beautiful! I have so many memories of all the things we made!

Jo
Jo

February 10, 2021

I do not paper craft I do know crochet sew and embroider there is no more space to store everything

sharon
sharon

February 10, 2021

yes, i love paper crafting.

Katberine
Katberine

February 10, 2021

I do not make paper crafts often as I am getting more mature and fingers do not work correctly all the time. This does look like it would easy to make. Also a cute decorating item for the dolls.

Marlene
Marlene

February 10, 2021

I am not a paper crafter but I will love making these lanterns! Cute, cute, cute!!

J.J. Goody
J.J. Goody

February 10, 2021

I like origami. When my church used to have paper bulletins, I would often fold them into flowers while listening to the sermon.
Yesterday, at Bible Club, we tried making Valentine’s with the kids but I forgot that the church’s glue sticks hadn’t been used for a year. So we just used ribbon to tie the papers together.

Tara
Tara

February 10, 2021

I like scrapbooking! I’m not great at it though. I’m going to make these paper lanterns for my dolls though! They’ll be so happy!

Jackie
Jackie

February 10, 2021

I am a paper crafter. I love scrapbooking and making cards even though I do not think I am very good at either. My daughter (who is the artist ) and I used to make our own Christmas cards until she got married.

Regina
Regina

February 10, 2021

Such a pretty craft idea! :) I do a bit of paper crafting but not much. This is something I could do. :) Thank you for the idea. :)

Deb Fischer
Deb Fischer

February 10, 2021

My favorite paper craft is photo scrapbooking. Your paper lanterns are super cute though and I WILL be making some! Thank you!!

Sue
Sue

February 10, 2021

Is manipulating paper sewing pattern pieces considered paper crafting? If so then I do a lot of that!! Thanks for the tutorial, they look very cute.

Heidi
Heidi

February 10, 2021

I am not a paper crafter although I have attempted a few paper crafts.

Sandra Nixon
Sandra Nixon

February 10, 2021

I am not a paper crafter but this craft would be fun to make with a child or grandchild.
Sandra

Carrie P
Carrie P

February 10, 2021

I love paper crafts. My favorite thing is probably cards. Love this craft for Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year!

Stephanie G
Stephanie G

February 10, 2021

I love to scrapbook and make cards!

Linda
Linda

February 10, 2021

Love paper crafting! These look adorable. Thanks for sharing.

Suzan
Suzan

February 10, 2021

Will definitely do this with my daughter to decorate her fort for Valentine’s day :-) Thanks for the Lovely ideas

Karin
Karin

February 10, 2021

Cute paper lanterns! The girls will enjoy these at an upcoming party. Thanks!

Shawn Tater
Shawn Tater

February 10, 2021

Love both paper and fabric creativity! Favorite is when I combine them both with some odd pieces- old earrings, trims, beads, buttons- even doll house or Barbie items. So fun to let the imagination go.
Favorite quote- “Creativity is the brain having fun! “

Jayne
Jayne

February 10, 2021

Thank you, @forofsuch! Great tutorial!

Florence
Florence

February 10, 2021

I’m a very basic paper crafter. I can make a simple card or garland, cut outs, flowers but I don’t really enjoy more complicated things! I love the paper lantern decorations! Thank you, I may give it a try because it’s so cute!

Connie
Connie

February 10, 2021

I am not a paper crafter but these look simple and fun.

Leighanne K
Leighanne K

February 10, 2021

I love this, so simple, and yet, adds that little bit of charm to your holiday party, whatever the occasion! Thanks for the craft, @forandsuch!

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