Are you looking for a fun and festive way to decorate your home this holiday season? Why not try making your own parol lantern! Originating in the Philippines, the parol lantern is a traditional Christmas decoration made from bamboo and colorful paper.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to make a parol lantern. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this project is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of holiday cheer to their home. So, grab your materials and let’s get started!
How to make a parol lantern?
Parol lanterns are traditional Filipino lanterns made for Christmas. To make a parol, you will need bamboo sticks, Japanese paper or crepe paper, glue, scissors, and a string. Follow these steps to make a parol lantern:
- Form a five-pointed star with bamboo sticks.
- Cut the paper into diamond shapes and glue them onto the bamboo frame.
- Repeat step 2 for the other side.
- Add a tassel to the bottom point of the star.
- Attach a string to the top point of the star for hanging.
How to Make a Parol Lantern
Parol lanterns are a traditional symbol of Christmas in the Philippines. They are typically made from bamboo sticks and colored paper that form a star-shaped lantern. If you want to create your own parol lantern, follow these simple steps.
Materials You Will Need
To make a parol lantern, you will need the following materials:
- Bamboo sticks
- Scissors
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Colored cellophane paper
- Stapler
- String or ribbon
Make sure you have all the materials before starting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Create the Frame
Start by creating the frame of the parol lantern. Take 6 bamboo sticks and tie them together in the middle with a string or ribbon. Then, spread them out to form a star shape. Each bamboo stick should be equal in length. Cut off any excess string or ribbon.
Next, take another bamboo stick and tie it to the center of the star frame. This will serve as the handle of the lantern. Make sure the handle is long enough for you to hold the lantern comfortably.
Step 2: Attach the Cellophane Paper
Take the colored cellophane paper and cut it into strips that are slightly wider than the bamboo sticks. Then, attach the cellophane paper to the bamboo sticks using a glue gun. Start at one end of the bamboo stick and apply glue to the top. Place the cellophane paper on top and fold it over to the other side of the bamboo stick. Cut off any excess paper.
Repeat this process for every bamboo stick until the entire frame is covered in cellophane paper. You can use different colors of paper to make your parol lantern more colorful and festive.
Step 3: Add Decorations
Now it’s time to add some decorations to your parol lantern. You can use glitter, stickers, or any other embellishments to make your lantern unique. You can even make your own paper flowers and attach them to the lantern.
When you are done decorating, attach a string or ribbon to the handle of the lantern. This will allow you to hang the lantern wherever you like.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Parol Lantern
Your parol lantern is now ready to be displayed. Hang it up in your home or outside to add some festive cheer to your surroundings. You can even make multiple lanterns and create your own parol lantern display.
Benefits of Making a Parol Lantern
Making a parol lantern is a fun and creative activity that can be done with friends and family. It is also a great way to celebrate Filipino culture and tradition. In addition, parol lanterns are eco-friendly and can be made from recycled materials.
Parol Lantern vs. Other Christmas Decorations
Parol lanterns are unique and stand out from other Christmas decorations. They are not only beautiful but also have cultural significance. Unlike other decorations, parol lanterns can be made from sustainable materials and can be reused year after year.
In conclusion, making a parol lantern is a fun and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can create a beautiful and meaningful decoration that will add a festive touch to your home during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how to make a parol lantern with these common questions and answers.
What materials do I need to make a parol lantern?
To make a parol lantern, you will need bamboo sticks, Japanese paper or any translucent paper, glue, scissors, and a string. You can also add some decorations like ribbons, beads, and lights to make it more festive.
You can easily find these materials in a craft store, or you can substitute them with other materials that you have at home. Just make sure that the paper you use is translucent, so the light can shine through it.
How do I assemble the bamboo sticks for the frame of the lantern?
First, gather the bamboo sticks and cut them into equal lengths, depending on the size of the lantern you want to make. Then, tie two sticks together to form a cross shape, and repeat the process with two more sticks.
Next, connect the two cross shapes by tying them together at the center. Secure the joints with glue, and let it dry before moving on to the next step. This will serve as the main frame of your parol lantern.
How do I attach the paper to the bamboo frame of the lantern?
Cut the translucent paper into strips that are slightly bigger than the bamboo frame. Apply glue on one side of the paper and stick it to the bamboo frame. Repeat the process until the entire frame is covered with paper.
You can also add some designs or patterns to the paper with paint or markers to make it more colorful. Let the glue dry completely before adding the decorations and lights.
How do I decorate the parol lantern?
You can decorate the parol lantern by adding ribbons, beads, or any other embellishments that you want. You can also attach lights to make it more festive. You can use LED lights or battery-operated lights for safety.
If you want to make the lantern more personalized, you can add your name or initials to it. Just make sure that the decorations are securely attached to the bamboo frame.
How do I hang the parol lantern?
Attach a string to the top of the bamboo frame, and make sure that it is securely tied. You can hang the lantern on a hook or a tree branch. Just make sure that the lantern is not too heavy for the string, and that it is hanging in a safe and stable position.
You can also make multiple lanterns and hang them together to make a beautiful display. Enjoy your parol lantern and have a happy holiday season!
How To Make A Traditional Filipino Parol
In conclusion, making a parol lantern may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need are a few basic materials and some creativity. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and unique lantern that will light up your home and bring joy to your family and friends.
Remember to start by choosing the right materials for your parol lantern. You can use bamboo sticks, wire frames, or even plastic straws. Then, pick out the decorative elements that will give your lantern its unique personality, such as tissue paper, ribbons, or glitter.
Once you have all your materials, it’s time to get started. Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully, taking care to secure each element firmly in place. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – after all, the beauty of a parol lantern is in its individuality.
In the end, making a parol lantern is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can tackle. With a little patience and creativity, you’ll have a beautiful lantern that will light up your home for years to come. So why not give it a try today?
