This DIY paper star lantern is inspired by Mexican Tin Star lanterns. Do you ever wish metal working is as easy as folding paper? Today, it is! We will be making a paper star lantern that looks like it’s made out of rusty metal!
Lit with LED fairy lights inside, it is perfect for a covered patio or as table decor! Free paper star template for you to download at the end.
IMPORTANT: only use good quality LED lights near paper. Follow basic safety practices and do not leave lights on unattended.
Materials and tools to make a paper star lantern:
( Some of the helpful resources are affiliate links. Full disclosure here. )
- sturdy 110lb index card stock such as these will work beautifully, not too heavy to cut yet hold its shape nicely.
- micro LED Warm White String Lights are light weight and very bright, perfect for this lantern.
- to cut the designs, use a Silhouette Portrait / Cameo or an X-acto knife, you can also use a star hand punch to cut out the stars!
- clear Bead Cord or fishing line to hang the lanterns
- glue
- free templates which you can download at the end
Step 1: print and cut the paper star template
Print one each of page 1, 2, and 3, and nine of page 4. If you want a white paper star lantern, that’s all for the printing. If you want a rusty “metal” paper star, print the rust texture (included in the downloads ) onto the back side of page 4.
Cut along blue lines, and score along orange lines.
This paper star lantern is made with my favorite super versatile 8.5×11 110lb card stock , which I have used to make this birch forest shadow box
And some watercolor paintings too!
Step 2: Make the paper star tips.
Here’s a really helpful trick when gluing the paper star lantern: fold the piece along the score line in the middle, and press down the glue dotted tab. This is much easier than trying to glue while holding its 3D form!
Also glue the triangles cut from page 4 to all the triangle shapes on page 1-3. If you are making a white star, skip this.
Step 3: glue the paper star parts together
Make the polyhedron first, then glue on all but one of the paper star tips. See why in the next step–>
Step 4: leave opening in the paper star lantern to add LED lights.
The reason we leave one of the paper star lantern tips not glued is because we need a “doorway” to take lights in and out. So we only glue one side of the tab, like in photo below.
The opening is big enough for LED string lights or tea lights.
Step 5: put lights in your new paper star lantern!
To close the star, poke 2 small holes and thread a piece of clear fishing line or bead cord through. Tie a knot to close the star.
See how cool the shadows are? =)
This paper star lantern can sit on a table, or if you want to hang it, just tie some fishing line through the openings on one of the star tips.
Here are the free designs for you to download!
Unzip with Stuffit Expander. If you have trouble downloading, it might be a browser issue, just ask friends to download and email to you!
You may also like:
Cherry blossoms in moonlight: how to paint on black paper
Make magical Dandelion lanterns
Wish you lots of beautiful days and starry nights! =)
Meagan
This is so beautiful! You are very talented. I’d love to try it out myself. We are moving into a new house soon and I need some cute and fun decorations. I’ll have to put this one on my list and try it out when we move.
Carol Cassara
These were all over Europe last December and I coveted them. I wonder if I am crafty enough to make them…
Brynne@TheGatheredHome
Ananda, this is INCREDIBLE! Seriously, so so so good! Fantastic job!
chadmar
your right
Angie
That is adorable, and I had no idea it wasn’t metal until I read on. Great job!
Alison
That is amazing. You make it look so easy. So love this project
Kimberly
This is so great! I love this! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Heather Serra
I love the ambient light from paper stars. This is a great design and your instructions are stellar. I will have to try this!
Diana
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Tamara
I love the star lantern. I may have to see if I have the patience to make one.
Brooke Knipp
This is just the coolest diy I’ve seen in a long time! Love it! How have I never seen your beautiful blog before??
E.
Another quicker tip for the last point closure on the DIY star: glue some magnets (small lightweight ones) to each flap , so that the point can be easily opened and closed when you need to change batteries or l.e.d. bulb, etc.
Also, those battery operated fairy light strands…I’ve seen those for $2 each on ebay with free shipping. It comes directly from China. I actually just ordered one 🙂
Stephanie
Thank you. I have wanted a star template for several years, but had not found one until now.
Bakırköy Pedagog
I love the ambient light from paper stars. This is a great design and your instructions are stellar. I will have to try this!
e-fatura
These were all over Europe last December and I coveted them. I wonder if I am crafty enough to make them… 😀
jynne
i can’t download the template, I’ve asked my friends to help but it doesn’t work. do i have to wait for it to be sent to me email or?
ananda
yes there should be an email with the downloads, check junk folder! =)
Petra Bertling
Lovely Ideas! Thank You for sharing! <3
Petra Bertling
ramak kala kutusu
I love the ambient light from paper stars. This is a great design and your instructions are stellar. I will have to try this!…
Kris
This is amazing!!! I LOVE these stars and have always wanted one! And to be able to MAKE one, and affordably! HOORAY! Two questions, though: 1.) How did you score the paper before folding? I know that heavy card stock doesn’t fold “cleanly.” 2.) Glue that works best for the paper? THANK YOU!
ananda
hi kris, you can score the paper using a ruler and a craft knife, just don’t cut through! elmer’s or any craft glue will work! =)
Chelly
What a gorgeous project! Unfortunately I am unable to attempt it as the download link doesn’t work on either firefox or chrome. Is there something I need to do beforehand or is the project no longer available?
ananda
hi chelly, did you click on the link in the email we sent? and could you give more details on what happened? it is being downloaded by others as of today.
Cindy
Beautiful star! I would love to use this pattern but the link won’t open. Is there another way I can get the pattern?
ananda
hi cindy, are you referring to the links in the download emails automatically sent to you?
Kelly
Hi,
I’ve just discovered your site and love your downloads – but I can’t access them! Every time I click on the link it just reloads the page. It’s happened for two calendars and this lantern, in both Firefox and Chrome.
Would really love to get them!
Kelly.
ananda
hi kelly, please let me know if you did not get our download in your inbox or junk folder! =)
Kelly
Hi Ananda,
It’s working now. The pop-up wasn’t appearing for me last week. Thankyou!
Kelly.
Heidi Smith
would love to make this, thank you for sharing but I am unable to get to the download. Nothing in email, and the link just sits there on a blank page.
Thanks
ananda
hi heidi, maybe try email the post to a friend? it is working as i checked it yesterday. i am also creating a subscriber page this month with all the downloads. you will be able to get a password to the page in a few weeks! 🙂
Nicole
I found it in my spam folder! Thanks!
Evan
Hello, I wanted to make this for my wife, but after signing up I hav not been able to find download anywhere in my email. Also contact form isn’t working either.
ananda
is it in promotions or spam folder?
if not, here you go! http://www.apieceofrainbow.com/creative-fun/
MICHELLE KELLEY
I have a cameo and would like to cut on that, however, how would I convert the files to a cutting file for the machine?
ananda
hi! i think most machines have a trace pdf function which will create the cut lines. =)
jody
I do not see the link to download the pattern and wonder if you might send it again?
Thank you. I have done the candles and love them and the lantern is absolutely beautiful
ananda
hi jody! link to all the downloads are in each weekly newsletter at the bottom. one just went out thursday! 🙂
SHEAN
Thanks for sharing these, Looks like a lot of great ideas…I’ll have to come back & look more closely very soon!:)
Kenneth Gladman
With the sun going down so early this time of year, I really want to get more lanterns. This one is really interesting in the shape and color. The star pattern would be fun to use outdoors on a patio.
Tami
Ahhhh’some articles, projects and crafts, Ananda! <3 Unfortunately, I still have not received my confirmation email…and I've checked my spam folder. I also searched "rainbow", to no avail. I was hoping to make one of these beautiful star lanterns for Christmas, but am unable to get the template download. Blessed day, Ananda! <3
ananda
thank you tami! =) i sent you the download page link. merry christmas!!