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These DIY Patriotic Paper Lanterns are perfect for your 4th of July Decorations.

I got a late start in getting up some fun 4th of July Decorations (after all Independence Day is next week. EEEk!) Since most of my decorations are in storage, I pulled out my trusty Cricut Explore Air 2, and my Red White and Blue Cardstock and got to work making some.

For my first decorations, I thought it would be fun to make some fun paper lanterns to go on our piano in our living room.  I love lanterns, especially ones with fun designs on them. They look great in the daytime and even better at night when they are all aglow (with those electronic tea lights)

Yield: 3 lanterns

DIY Patriotic Paper Lanterns

Print

These DIY Patriotic Paper Lanterns are perfect for your 4th of July Decorations. They are so easy to make with a Cricut Explore Air 2 (or any Cricut that works with Design Space)

Materials

• Cricut Design Space Patriotic Paper Lanter Canvas 
• 1 (12x12in) Sheet of White Linen Cardstock
• 1 (12x12in) Sheet of Red Linen Cardstock
• 1 (12x12in) Sheet of Navy Blue Linen Cardstock
• 2 (8.5x11in) Sheet of Vellum

Tools

• Cricut Explore Air 2
• Standard and Light Grip Mat
• Fine Point Blade
• Essential Tool Kit
• Glue Stick
• Tea Lights

Instructions

• Open my Cricut Design Space File for the Patriotic Paper Lanterns

• Set Mat Size for the Vellum to 8.5x11
• Set the Cricut Dial to Custom, and Select Vellum from Custom Materials Drop Down

• Place Vellum on Light Grip Mat and Cut out Windows
• Set Cricut Dial to Cardstock and Cut Cardstock Lanterns using Standard Grip Mat **You will need the Score tool from the essential toolkit to score the lantern fold lines. 

• Carefully remove the Cut Lanterns from Mat using the Spatula and weeding tool found in the essential toolkit. **The White Lantern is the hardest to remove from the mat due to the intricate design of the words. Just go slow and be careful. If any of the words tear don't worry for you will be gluing the Vellum to the inside areas.

• Using a glue stick carefully glue the Vellum panels to the inside of the cut Lantern windows. **I use the Scraper from the essential toolkit to carefully press down the vellum.

• Fold on the fold lines and then glue the side tab *Carefully line up the top and bottom edges.
• Fold close the bottom and then place the electronic Tea Light inside.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Cricut Explore Air™ 2, Mint
• 
  Essential Tool Kit
• 
  FIne Point Blade
• 
  Cricut Mats
• 
  Cardstock 12x12 Linnen Cardstock
• 
  Strathmore 59-803 Translucent Vellum Inkjet Paper, 8.5"x11", 20 Sheets
• 
  Realistic LED Tea Lights 12 pack

Like I said the white liberty bell lantern was the hardest just due to the fine detail of the words. However, I was still able to do all three lanterns in less than an hour start to finish.

I have to say that these are probably my favorite lanterns that I have ever made.  What do you think? Which one is your favorite?

If you liked this post, then check out these (Click on the photo to go to the post)