Flying lanterns are lanterns made of paper and wire frames equipped with fuel. When the fuel is ignited, the lantern will fill with air and float to the top. Initially, flying lanterns were used by the ancient Chinese military, but now they are often used in festivals, weddings, and other celebrations around the world. You can easily make your own flying lanterns using a few simple ingredients. However, make sure flying lanterns are allowed where you are and light them in a safe place outside your home.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Making a Paper Outline
Step 1. Purchase wax paper in rolls
Wax paper is a thin, smooth paper commonly used for cooking and arts and crafts. This paper is very suitable to be used as flying lanterns because it is light and transparent. Purchase a roll of waxed paper that is at least 4.5 meters long. The length of the paper is usually listed on the packaging.
Step 2. Unroll it and cut 2 sheets of wax paper of the same size
Make cuts that are more than 60 cm long so that the lanterns have a rather large size. Remember, the longer the piece, the bigger the resulting lantern.
Be careful when cutting so that the paper does not tear
Step 3. Glue two strips of paper along one of the long edges
Place 2 strips of wax paper on a flat surface so that one edge of the paper rests on top of the other. Next, glue the two papers together with glue. When you're done, you'll have one large sheet of paper.
Step 4. Glue the two short ends of the paper together to create a cylinder
Hold one end of the paper, then bend it to the other end and stick it there. Apply glue to one edge of the paper and stick it to the other. Now you will get a large paper cylinder.
Step 5. Cut a square sheet of paper slightly larger than the cylindrical hole
This square paper will be the top of the lantern. Make sure the paper is large enough to cover one of the cylinder bores, and give it a little extra.
Step 6. Glue the square paper to one end of the cylinder
Spread the square paper next to one of the holes in the paper cylinder. Next, apply glue to the edges of the square paper, then attach the paper to the end of the cylinder to cover the hole.
Part 2 of 4: Creating the Frame
Step 1. Purchase metal wire to frame the flying lanterns
The metal wire bends easily and holds its shape, making it perfect for a flying lantern frame.
Metal wire can be purchased at a hardware store or online
Step 2. Make a loop of wire the same size as the hole in the paper cylinder
To find the circumference of the cylinder bore, place the cylinder on a flat surface so that the bore is completely flat. Next, measure the length of the cylinder bore using a tape measure and multiply the two lengths to get the circumference of the cylinder bore. Once the circumference of the cylinder is known, measure and cut the metal wire with an additional 3 inches longer. Shape the wire into a circle and twist the two ends together.
Step 3. Place 2 pieces of wire crosswise in the center of the circle
This piece of wire serves as a place for the fuel used to light and fly the lanterns. Twist the ends of the two pieces of wire in the loop of wire to keep them from shifting.
Step 4. Attach the wire ring to the open end of the paper cylinder
Take a paper cylinder and place the open end on top. Next insert the wire ring into the cylinder until it reaches a distance of about 1.5 cm from the edge of the cylinder. Around the ring, bend the edges of the paper to cover the ring and secure it with glue to keep the ring from sliding out of position.
Part 3 of 4: Preparing the Fuel
Step 1. Melt the wax in a hot pot on the stove
The candles will be used as fuel for flying lanterns. Let the melted wax stay on the burner until it's ready to use. This is to prevent the wax from hardening.
Step 2. Dip a piece of cloth in the melted wax until the entire cloth is covered with wax
You can use any type of fabric. Use a cloth that is about 30 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. Once the cloth is waxed, remove it from the pan using tongs. Let the cloth dry for about 2 minutes.
Step 3. Tie the waxed fabric in the center of the wire frame
Turn the flying lantern over so that the wire frame is on top. Next, wrap the fabric in the center of the wire frame, then tie it in a few knots. Continue knotting until all of the fabric is together and turns into a circle in the center of the frame, with no pieces of fabric sticking out.
Part 4 of 4: Lighting the Flying Lanterns
Step 1. Turn on the flying lanterns outdoors in a safe place
Flying lanterns can cause fires if ignited in an unsafe place with unfavorable conditions. Never turn on flying lanterns indoors, and be sure to check the weather before lighting them. If it's windy and it's about to rain, postpone it and turn on the lanterns for another day.
Do not light lanterns near tall buildings or trees
Step 2. Hold the lantern by the wire, then light the wax-coated cloth
Place the flame under the cloth until it burns. Continue to hold the lantern even though the cloth is already lit. The lantern is not ready to be removed at this point.
Step 3. Continue to hold the lantern until you feel it lift up
The flame on the waxed fabric takes a few seconds to fill the air in the paper cylinder. If it is full of air, the lantern will begin to rise upwards.
Step 4. Remove the lantern
Once you feel the lantern starting to lift up, it means you are ready to take it off. Slowly release the lantern and watch as the lantern floats in the air.
