How to Make a Cloud Lantern

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Using paper lanterns is used commonly to decorate boring spaces, making a cloud lantern is an inexpensive easy way to bring character and elegance to any day to day room or special event.

Steps

1
Fully expand the paper lantern. You will not be able to expand it any further after you start gluing.
2
Using the hot glue gun, apply glue onto an even layer of polyester fiber stuffing and place on lantern covering the surface leaving the opening of the lantern uncovered.
- This layer should be about 2 inches thick.
- For best results make sure there are no uncovered parts of the lantern surface.
- Allow 7 minutes for the glue to fully dry.
- If you find the glue gun is not dispensing evenly, try expelling the glue by pressing the glue stick extending from the end of the glue gun towards the tip of the glue gun
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3
Glue additional layers of filling on one side of the lantern.
- Keep in mind that the opening of the lantern will be the top of your cloud.
- Repeat on the opposite side of lantern. This will build your cloud horizontally.
- Keep gluing stuffing until you are satisfied with the length.
4
To create the random density of a natural cloud, take chunks of stuffing and glue them sporadically around your whole lantern.
- Keep applying the stuffing until you have reached your desired shape.
- Recommended stuffing depth to be around 5 inches, the depth of your layer will effect how much light will show through.
- While the glue completely dries you may move onto the next step.
5
Turn on your LED battery powered light and drop into the center of your lantern through the top facing hole.
6
Figure out where you want to place your lantern.
- Mark the spot
7
Screw your ceiling hook into the appointed spot.
8
Taking the fishing line, measure the length to which you would like your lantern to hang. When you have decided on the length, add an additional 2-3 inches. This will be for the knots.
9
Cut the fishing line.
10
Tie one end to the fishing line on the center of the top hanging wire of the lantern.
11
To secure the knot and keep it from shifting place a dab of hot glue onto the knot.
12
Tie a loop the opposite end of the fishing line big enough for the ceiling hook to fit through.
- Double knot the loop.
13
Hang your lantern hook the loop onto the ceiling hook.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use a bottle instead of a lantern?

Community Answer

You can use a bottle if you need to, but it will look more like a cloud if you use a lantern.