This Chinese New Year lantern craft is perfect for colorful DIY fun with kids. It’s a simple way to boost your celebration and fantastic for building fine motor skills.
This easy and colorful paper plate and torn paper craft is perfect for students – from preschoolers to elementary students. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce them to the traditions of this holiday.
Using only three supplies and these creative ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy frugal project. You can use these lanterns as decorations and as part of a fun learning activity.
I’ve got step-by-step instructions for you and tips for making the most of this creative time.
Your Kids Will Love This Festive Craft
Need a simple and frugal way to get your students excited about Chinese New Year? Looking for a fun way to boost fine motor skills? Perhaps you’d like a creative activity for screen-free fun?
Well, this paper plate Chinese New Year lantern craft is perfect for all of those amazing things and many more!
After sharing our torn paper snowflake craft for kids, I remembered a similar activity that my boys and I enjoyed when they were young. This paper plate lantern craft was a tremendous hit. We used this project as part of our Chinese New Year fun. All of us loved how colorful the final creation was so we often kept it up for a few months in our homeschool room.
I’m so excited to share this recreated version of one our favorite homeschool crafts. I truly hope that your kids (and you!) enjoy it, too.
Recommended Materials for This Chinese New Year Lantern Craft
This paper plate craft for kids has a Chinese New Year theme. You can tweak it to use for other occasions or just because. Some fun ideas to try would be to make lanterns with a different colors for holidays (like 4th of July), birthdays, and rainy day fun. Oh, and a lantern for each season would be sensational!
Make sure you have these supplies ready to go so you’ll be all set for craft fun. I’ll add ideas for additional materials to use to customize the craft, too.
- Paper Plate
- Red and Yellow Construction Paper
- Yellow Ribbon
- Scissors
- Glue
If you really want to take your Chinese New Year lantern craft to the next level, try these supplies:
- tissue paper
- foam stickers
- washi tape (especially with glitter)
- yarn
- sequins
How to Make This Paper Plate Lantern Craft
01
Prepare torn paper
Tear or cut out lots of squares in both colors. It’s easiest to cut long strips and then cut squares from these.
02
Add lantern sections
Draw the lantern sections on the plate. Start with a football shape in the middle, then draw curving lines heading outward for each section.
03
Add red torn paper center
Starting with red, glue paper squares to the innermost section until it’s covered.
04
Finish covering each section
Work outward, alternating torn paper colors for each section (red/yellow/red/yellow).
05
Make lantern top and bottom
Once the whole plate is covered with red and yellow torn paper pieces, cut out two yellow rectangles.
06
Attach lantern top and bottom
Glue the rectangles to the top and bottom of the paper plate.
07
Attach yellow ribbons
Cut several strips of yellow ribbon. Glue the ribbons to the bottom yellow rectangle, on the back.
Option: Hang in a window to let the light shine through.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Chinese New Year Craft
Yes! While the paper plate is a great base for this craft, you can also use cardstock, construction paper, or even a cardboard circle, if you prefer a sturdier option.
This craft is perfect for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to elementary schoolers. Younger kids might need some help with tearing the paper. Older kids can think outside the box and use additional materials to customize.
To make your lantern last longer, consider using glue or Mod Podge to secure the torn paper and give the lantern a more polished, durable finish. You can also add a coat of clear varnish for extra protection.
Easy Ways to Learn About Chinese New Year with Kids
Display your Chinese New Year paper plate lanterns by hanging on a window or from the ceiling. You can also create a bulletin board to showcase a group of lanterns.
Want to take your Chinese New Year fun to the next level? Use books and other resources with Chinese New Year themes. Delightful ways to extend the learning and keep it relaxed!
The Night Before Lunar New YearHappy Chinese New Year!: A Festive Counting StoryHolidays Around the World: Celebrate Chinese New Year: With Fireworks, Dragons, and LanternsLunar New Year: A Celebration of Family and Fun (Big Golden Book)
⭐ How will you make and enjoy this Chinese New Year lantern craft for kids? Let me know if you have any questions about the instructions. Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
