Guide: Make lanterns as window decorations

Required materials

• Birthday candles with candle holder for cake or other solid-colored candles made of colored wax

• white paper (A6 size)

• black construction paper (A6 size or slightly larger)

• thin ribbon

• craft mat

• scissors

• pencil

• ruler

• glue

for parents:

• lighter or matches

Tips for parents

This craft idea is suitable for children from about 5 years old and can be implemented easily with a little help from parents. However, you should observe a few important points: Stay with your child at all times and point out the dangers of open flames. Explain that the candle should be held a little distance above the paper. The flame must not get too close to the paper. Do not leave your child unattended with candles, a lighter or matches, and point out that the child should only touch the wax after a few seconds when it has cooled down.

Craft instructions

Place a white sheet of paper on the craft mat. Choose a candle, put the candle holder on as a finger guard and have a parent light it. Now you must hold the candle at a slight angle a short distance above the paper and let the wax drip onto it.

You can blow out the candle after five to ten drops and change the color. You may need to trim the wick in between so the candle doesn't smoke or burn too strongly.

When the wax drops have dried after a few seconds, you can hold the picture up to the light or window as a test. It will look something like this:

This is how you can drip different colors onto the window pictures:

Now the window pictures need a frame so they look like lanterns. Measure about 1.5 cm inward from each side and connect the measured points with lines.

Then cut out the inner area (it is hatched in the photo). This will create a frame:

Place the frame on the craft mat and apply the glue. Now you can glue the window picture on. Which side will be visible later (the front with the wax drops or the back) is up to you. Both look nice.

Now all that's missing is the thin ribbon for hanging. Stick that on from the back as well. Then you can hang the finished lanterns on your window.