Today, on Dec 7, 2025, Free the Fern held two free public lantern making sessions – Globe (Balloon) Lantern Making & Milk Carton Lantern Making! These were led by Executive Director Grace Nombrado.
Globe Lanterns
12 local community members came together to learn how to transform a balloon into a lantern.
Steps:
- Rip 2 sheets of white tissue paper into small pieces
- Blow up a balloon
- Using watered down white glue and a foam brush, stick the white tissue paper pieces in one layer on the balloon. Leave an area of no tissue around where you tied the balloon opening.
- Place a circle of cotton rope around the edge of the tissue paper and cover in a layer of tissue paper
- Add leaves or coloured tissue to the balloon
- Add a final layer of white tissue over the whole balloon.
- After 5 days and the balloon fully drying: pop & remove the balloon, add a wire hanger, insert a tart tin and tea light into the lantern!
- All done your lantern!
Milk Carton Lanterns
18 participants joined us to learn how to transform milk cartons into lanterns!
Steps:
- Cut the top off a milk carton and paint the outside black using acrylic paint
- Punch 2 holes on the left and right top edge of the milk carton
- Using an exacto knife cut an “X” on each side of the milk carton
- Using scissors cut out an opening on each side of the milk carton, leaving an edge/frame
- Fold wax paper over and cut out to be the same size as one side of the milk carton
- Inside the folded wax paper add pressed leaves
- Place a cloth of the wax paper and iron for approximately 30 seconds
- Add a line of white glue around the edge of the wax paper and stick inside the milk carton
- Repeat steps 5-8 for all sides of the milk carton
- Add a cotton rope for a handle
- Add additional decorations with coloured tissue if you wish
- All done your lantern!
