How to Making a Simple Goldfish Lantern, How Crochet A Blanket

How to Making a Simple Goldfish Lantern.

Goldfish are a classic fish, and very popular when it comes to decorating a party or room with an underwater theme. Instead of using paper cutouts of goldfish, why not make 3D goldfish out of paper lanterns? They are lightweight, colorful, and very easy to make! You can make a simple goldfish by adding some eyes and fins out of construction paper, or you can get fancier with tissue paper instead!

Steps.

1. Get a solid-colored paper lantern and open it up. Most goldfish are orange, but yours can be any color you want.

2. Draw a tail fin shape onto a sheet of construction paper, then cut it out with a pair of scissors. Make the base of the tail straight so that you can attach it to the lantern. Be sure to draw the tail ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters) longer than you want it to be.

Choose a color that closely matches the color of your lantern.

3. Make the base of the tail. Fold the base of the tail down by ½ to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.54 centimeters) to make a flap. Cut a slit into the middle of the flap, all the way down to the folded edge to create two flaps. Leave one of the flaps the way it is, and fold the other one to the back of the fin. You will now have two flaps, with each one pointing in a different direction. This will not only allow the tail to flap about, but also make it easier to glue on.

4. Attach the fin to the lantern. Turn the lantern so that one of the holes is facing up. Use a hot glue gun or double-sided tape to attach the tail to the side of the lantern.

5. Draw two side fin shapes, then cut them out. To make the fins even, stack two sheets of construction paper one on top of the other first, draw your fin shape, then cut it out. You don't need to make the base of the fins flat or straight.

6. Attach the fins to the side of the lantern. Find the middle of the lantern, then attach the bottom tip of the fin with a drop of glue or a small piece of double-sided tape. Repeat this step for the other side of the fish with the other fin.

Don't glue the entire fin down. You want it to stick out.

7. Cut two circles out of white construction paper, and two circles out of black construction paper to make the eyes. Make sure that the black circles are smaller. You can also use printer paper and cardstock for this.

Another alternative would be to use large googly eyes; make sure that they are proportionate to your fish!

8. Attach the eyes to the fish. Position them in front of the side fins and just above them. You can attach them using double-sided tape or a hot glue gun. If you are using googly eyes, however, a hot glue might be the better option.

9. Thread some string through the top of the fish so that you can hang it. Thread a piece of string through the bar in the top hole of your lantern, then tie it into a loop.

If your lantern doesn't have a bar, poke two small holes in the top of the lantern, just below the ring opening.

10. Hang the loop from a hook wherever you want. These lanterns make great decorations for underwater themed parties and rooms. Be careful not to get them wet, however!

Tips

Create a goldfish family and purchase paper lanterns in a variety of sizes.

Paint designs or scales onto your lantern using acrylic paint or glitter glue.

For a more organic look, paint your own paper with acrylic or watercolor paint, and use that instead of the construction paper.

Instead of tissue paper, try organza or tulle! Use hot glue to attach it to the lantern.



Things You'll Need.

Paper lantern.

Cardstock or construction paper (matching lantern color).

Black and white paper (or large googly eyes).

Scissors.

Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks or double-sided tape.

String.