How To Make Doll-Size Paper Lanterns

Looking for a fun and easy way to add something special to your doll room decorating? I find that I have a lot of things to use as furniture for my dolls, but not a lot of things to use as wall decorations. This is a fun and easy craft you can do to decorate your dolls’ walls, or just to have for parties! I made these with a Valentine’s theme, but they’d do well for so many holidays and occasions. Will you make some with me?

Supplies:

  • Valentine’s themed scrapbook paper (or any holiday/color scheme)
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Tape or glue
  • String or thread
  • Sewing needle
  • 1/8 inch hole punch (optional)

Step 1:  Measure off a couple rectangle sections on the back of each piece of paper. I made mine 2 7/8 inches by 4 inches. Make sure you pay attention to the direction of the design on the other side – you want one of the long sides to be the top. Cut out your rectangles.

Step 2:  Fold each piece of paper in half length wise. 

Step 3:  Now you are going to make several little cuts along the folded edge of each piece. Start about ¼ inch from the short edge, make cuts every 3/16 of an inch or so, and stop about ¼ inch from the other short edge. Make sure you do not cut all the way to the open edges of the folded paper. You want to leave about ¼ inch uncut all the way around the folded paper’s three sides.

Now open the folded paper, and you will see you have cuts in the center of the paper, but that you also have a solid border around the perimeter of the paper.

Step 4:  Bringing the short sides around to meet each other, overlap the ¼ inch borders and tape or glue closed. You now have your paper lantern shape! Give it a little squeeze from top to bottom so the folds stick out a little – so cute!

Step 5: If you have an 1/8 inch hole punch, use it now to punch a hole on either side of the top of each lantern, staying safely within the ¼ inch border. If you don’t have one, you can use a needle and thread to make holes and string the lanterns all in one step. But I do recommend an 1/8 inch punch for many doll-sized craft projects!

Step 6: Now use your string and/or needle and thread to string up your lanterns! I used a very generous piece of string so that I would have options later as to where I could hang them. 

Now decorate your doll room for a doll Valentine’s party, and make sure to invite all your doll friends!

For Pixie Faire, @forofsuch

 

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100 Comments

Lili
Lili

February 15, 2021

I love Scrapbooking :)

Barbara
Barbara

February 15, 2021

Making things for American Girl dolls and doll houses.

Marie
Marie

February 15, 2021

These books are so AWESOME!! I have made paper beads for jewelry. The tiny beads I save out for doll jewelry. I roll the paper triangles on a toothpick glue the end and coat with clear nail polish. I use glossy paper from magazines and junk mail. Recycling!! There are other ways to make these but this way is easiest for me. I roll the beads when I’m on the computer surfing!! These Books will fit right in with the others I have collected. I also saved the tiny books from the American Girl magazine!!

Mary
Mary

February 13, 2021

I like to make cards – it gives a personal touch to your gift!

Kim C
Kim C

February 13, 2021

I am not a paper crafter but would like to try it!

Deb H
Deb H

February 12, 2021

The paper lanterns will be fun to make with my granddaughter. One of my hobbies is paper crafting. I love to make cards. My granddaughter loves to come over and raid my supplies to make her own cards to give out.

Claudia Flinn
Claudia Flinn

February 12, 2021

Not much of a paper crafter, but I think the paper lanterns would be fun to make for my granddaugher

Julie
Julie

February 12, 2021

I don’t do many paper crafts. But my dolls need some of these paper lanterns!

Amy
Amy

February 12, 2021

I like paper crafts for doll sized items Thanks for the lantern ideas!

Fran
Fran

February 12, 2021

I only make paper airplanes!

Bev
Bev

February 12, 2021

My favorites of paper making crafts include DIY doll items: Books, shopping bags, books…. plus scrapbooking, planner pages…. pattern designs… I love paper!!!

Marjory
Marjory

February 12, 2021

I like to make paper ornaments, and these paper lanterns are very cute.

Judy Bellot
Judy Bellot

February 12, 2021

These paper lanterns are so festive! I am a paper crafter and create cards for family and friends!

Kim
Kim

February 12, 2021

As my daughter was growing up she celebrated her birthday parties at home with her friends. Each one was a different theme and I made paper decorations for each one.

Rhonda
Rhonda

February 12, 2021

I love to make little extras for my grandchildren’s dolls.

Fran R.
Fran R.

February 12, 2021

I love scrapbooking and was a Creative Memories consultant for 10 years and I have taken up card making and am now a Stampin’ Up consultant. I love papercrafting as well as sewing.

Kris
Kris

February 12, 2021

I love scrapbooking and making cards. Unfortunately, I stay so busy with other things – like crafting for my dolls – that I don’t do the paper stuff very often!

Diane
Diane

February 12, 2021

I’d love to be able to make cards but mostly I make Christmas ornaments.

Monica
Monica

February 12, 2021

I do enjoy paper crafting. I have lots of scraps from scrapbooks and gift cards. These little lanterns are the perfect opportunity to use those little bits! THANK YOU!!

Gail
Gail

February 12, 2021

I prefer needle and thread to scissors and glue, but these lanterns are cute.

D. West
D. West

February 12, 2021

When I have time (not often enough) I like to make my own greeting cards to send to family & friends. I used to do scrapbooking, but I no longer have adequate space to set up a worktable.

Krynne
Krynne

February 12, 2021

I’ve loved doing paper crafts since I was a little girl. My very first big project was creating a set of “futuristic” cloths for my barbie dolls from the silver/gold foil found inside my dad’s cigarette packs and scotch tape. I’d peeled the paper so I could use both colours, then made one outfit in silver, the other in gold… I’d even made fancy shoes! It was very delicate, but I did manage to keep them for display for a few years before they finally were too ripped to salvage. I only wish I’d been able to get a picture of them, but we didn’t have a camera at the time. It was so fun to make!

Laura
Laura

February 12, 2021

I like making cards and 3D party things.

Kari L. Bjorklund
Kari L. Bjorklund

February 12, 2021

Iris paper folding cards! They turn out beautiful!

A
A

February 12, 2021

Paper crafting is SO much fun! We usually make cards!

Lisa
Lisa

February 12, 2021

I love making accessories for my granddaughter’s 18" doll, grocery store items game pieces, etc.

Ma
Ma

February 12, 2021

Yes, I love paper crafting. I can see and create things I can’t do by drawing or painting. It almost feels like cheating at art.

Bonny
Bonny

February 12, 2021

I’m not really a “paper” crafter though I do a little scrap booking and used to do some holiday paper crafts, plus many other crafts. I love this paper lantern project and will use it to make lanterns for the lunar New Year as my grandchildren are half Asian.

Frances
Frances

February 12, 2021

I am indeed a paper crafter – I’ve loved the cutting and gluing since I was tiny. What I love best to make with and for my dolls is books, real bound books with lots of pages, every page filled with words and illustrations. Sometimes I like making blank books for my dolls to fill in, as diaries of their daily doings, or as art journals painting and drawing (and cutting and pasting) whatever they feel like. Of course they make and keep albums, to glue their art works into… and cutting tiny paper stars and snowflakes… so your lanterns fit in just right with our activities here!

Patti
Patti

February 12, 2021

I would not consider myself as a paper crafter, although I have done a couple paper crafts found on Pinterest. With all of the fabric around my craft area, I really don’t want to get started in paper crafting to take up space I’m using for fabric & sewing items. I will do this craft though.

Susan
Susan

February 12, 2021

I like making gift tags for presents.

Doris
Doris

February 12, 2021

Contests are so much fun!!!

I Ladd
I Ladd

February 12, 2021

I used to make cards and scrapbooking. I never thought to make small enough paper designs for AN Dolls. I think I will try this!

Karen
Karen

February 12, 2021

I am a paper crafter. I love making cards and special milestone birthday badges. Have done some travel scrapbooks and a lot of rubber stamping too. These little lanterns are really cute. Will try them! Thanks!

Leah
Leah

February 12, 2021

Very cute and something to try with my granddaughter! She’ll love it!

Amy White
Amy White

February 12, 2021

I love all types of paper crafting, however, my favorite paper crafting is watching what my daughter can make with paper, a little tape, and her imagination. She creates so many wonderful games and decorations for her dolls, including tiny doll sized paper snowflakes!

Melody
Melody

February 12, 2021

I used to like scrapbooking with my mother. I haven’t done it in years. Now that my children are older. I am able to have more “me time”.

Marilyn
Marilyn

February 12, 2021

I do just about any craft and will be giving those lanterns a try. Right now I am concentrating on knitting and sewing which are both my passions.

G
G

February 12, 2021

I like making doll size Swedish hearts and stars out of paper, or anything 3d like little houses.

Jo
Jo

February 12, 2021

I don’t do scrapbooking, but I’ve done other paper crafts. I especially LOVED making the dolll-sized paper books designed by Jinjia Mixed Goods. https://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/jinjia-mixed-goods

Linda Turner
Linda Turner

February 12, 2021

Cute idea! I love paper crafts and this one will be one that involves grandchildren! They will love it for their dolls! Thanks!

Sandra M Lyons
Sandra M Lyons

February 12, 2021

Yes I do paper crafting of all kinds and have done so for decades. I have so much paper, and this is after I downsized, that I could open a small shop. You name it and I’ve done it. Scrapbooking, cards, mixed media, etc.
These are adorable and would be so cute to do for Chinese New Years with the right paper.

Janet
Janet

February 12, 2021

I love paper crafting – quilling, origami, scrapbooking, card making & right now I am taking a paper doll on line class.

Maureen
Maureen

February 12, 2021

I’ve made a few cards. The lanterns will be fun to make with my granddaughter!

Laurie
Laurie

February 12, 2021

I make cards for family & friends.

Rhonda
Rhonda

February 12, 2021

I remember making these lanterns as a child! I love crafting of any kind.

Patricia
Patricia

February 12, 2021

I do paper crafting, mostly scrapbooking but I do paper crafts with my granddaughter for her American Girl Dolls.

Cheryl
Cheryl

February 12, 2021

I’ve done a little bit of paper crafting, but not much. Mostly random things like these paper lanterns to use as doll props.

Dawn Alello
Dawn Alello

February 12, 2021

I enjoy doing paper crafting! Scrapbooking is my choice and also making framed shadow boxes!

Lauren
Lauren

February 12, 2021

I love papercrafting photo albums, picture frames, boxes, ornaments, bunting……..everything!

Kathy
Kathy

February 12, 2021

I’ve done some paper crafting. These lanterns are just too cute! This is going to be a FUN project to do with my Granddaughters!!

amy williams
amy williams

February 12, 2021

I lived to scrapbook and to use my cricket

Kathy
Kathy

February 12, 2021

I’ve done some paper crafting. These lanterns are just too cute! This is going to be a FUN project to do with my Granddaughters!!

Jeanne
Jeanne

February 12, 2021

Oh I’m a paper crafter I have paper all over my house in different setups or I’m still thinking of ways to do different things with it.

Victoria Faudree
Victoria Faudree

February 11, 2021

I don’t consider myself a paper crafter, but my grandkids and I are making the “Sparrow Post” mailboxes and Valentines from Tasha Tudor. Loving it!

Allison C
Allison C

February 11, 2021

Yes! I like making cards and my daughter and I are just starting to make miniature items for her dolls!

Jackie
Jackie

February 11, 2021

I love to do paper crafts. I scrapbook and for the last few Christmases, my daughter (who is the artist) and myself have made our own Christmas cards.

Donna Cutting
Donna Cutting

February 11, 2021

I am not a paper crafter. As a child I did love making paper lanterns, brings back memories.
I work with fabric and lots of other crafts.

Heidi Brown
Heidi Brown

February 11, 2021

I love paper crafting. Scrapbooking was my very favorite. It is in the past tense since all I do is sew doll clothes now!

Marichu
Marichu

February 11, 2021

I love papercrafting! I enjoy making cards, scrapbooking, and more. I’ll be making the paper laterns with my granddaughter to celebrate her doll’s birthday!

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

February 11, 2021

Those paper lanterns are adorable! I haven’t done too much paper crafting, just some cards and a few doll crafts such as doll sized books.

Ruth Ann
Ruth Ann

February 11, 2021

I’ve done a little origami, but not much other paper crafting.

Rebekah
Rebekah

February 11, 2021

I used to make a lot of cards, but haven’t done so many since my card-making buddies quit getting together. I guess it’s harder to get motivated on my own!

Sharon
Sharon

February 11, 2021

I am a very eclectic paper crafter. I like to do all kinds: Cards, Origami, Children’s Crafts with my little girl, etc.

Regan
Regan

February 11, 2021

Cards

Connie L.
Connie L.

February 11, 2021

These are the cutest things! Going on the to do list!

Jen
Jen

February 11, 2021

These are so cute. I’m making some today :)

Anne C-E
Anne C-E

February 11, 2021

I love to make doll sized paper things. These lanterns will make a perfect addition to my collection of doll sized crafts..

Elaine
Elaine

February 11, 2021

I love to make cards! I remember making these lanterns as a little girl. Can’t wait to do them again.

Sparkle
Sparkle

February 11, 2021

I’m not a paper-crafter but have been known to take on new projects especially if my graddaughters are interested. Thanks for the tutorial.

Michelle
Michelle

February 11, 2021

I love Spring, so Easter is my most favorite holiday! Bunnies, Eggs, and Chicks! All the sweet growing things resurrected!!

Joanne
Joanne

February 11, 2021

I’m not a paper crafter. It would require me to collect more stuff. I have enough yarn and fabric for dolls! But you are sharing some really cute projects! Thanks for the contest!

Angela
Angela

February 11, 2021

I do some origami, but other than that I don’t do a lot with paper. These are so cute, though!

Meg
Meg

February 11, 2021

I’m not a paper crafter, but this one looks fun.

S
S

February 11, 2021

I make paper crafts for the dolls.

Bettyann Laidlaw
Bettyann Laidlaw

February 11, 2021

Not a paper crafter usually.
Since being home and spe more time in my sewing room, I’ve been housecleaning…found a package of cards with oval cutouts. Thought of doing some Christmas cards. Really ahead of the game.lol
Always love sewing.

Lindsay
Lindsay

February 11, 2021

Any and all! I love all crafting I can’t really pick a favorite because they all are really!

S.C.
S.C.

February 10, 2021

I was a paper crafter before I even learned how to sew! I like making cards ♥️ but I made more before than I do now. Once and a while i still make letters though ☺️

Cassie
Cassie

February 10, 2021

I do so many paper crafts, pretty much all of them. Also so many fiber crafts… Pretty much any crafts, really 😂

Stephanie Sheridan
Stephanie Sheridan

February 10, 2021

My favorite paper crafting is painting and making cards.

velda holt
velda holt

February 10, 2021

I like all kind of crafts.

Marjorie Mickelson
Marjorie Mickelson

February 10, 2021

I scrapbook but I have mainly been making cards.

Gail Beam
Gail Beam

February 10, 2021

I like making mini things for our granddaughter’s dolls

Heidi
Heidi

February 10, 2021

Sometimes.

Summer
Summer

February 10, 2021

Yes, I do scrapbooks and cards

Amy
Amy

February 10, 2021

Yes,some.

Shasta
Shasta

February 10, 2021

Yes, cards and scrapbooks

Cindy
Cindy

February 10, 2021

No I am not.

Bridgette
Bridgette

February 10, 2021

Yes, I make cards.

Bridgette Shippy
Bridgette Shippy

February 10, 2021

I make cards and I have made scrapbooks.

Julia
Julia

February 10, 2021

I enjoy Quilling

Charissa Deuser
Charissa Deuser

February 10, 2021

We definitely enjoy paper crafts. Not sure we have favorite but we have made paper flowers recently

Charissa Deuser
Charissa Deuser

February 10, 2021

My daughter and I are enjoying all the wonderful outfits we are making with our PF patterns💕

Carrie J.
Carrie J.

February 10, 2021

These would be so cute as decor for my daughters doll house! Also, they look like fun to make in a larger size for our kids birthday parties! I scrapbook but that is it for paper crafting although I think this is a project that my daughter and I can do together!

Virginia
Virginia

February 10, 2021

I love making miniature things for dolls – especially games.

Charlotte
Charlotte

February 10, 2021

I love paper crafts for both myself and doll size, this is such a cute project!

Dotti G
Dotti G

February 10, 2021

Though I am not a paper crafter, I did do some quilling many years ago and enjoyed that. I like the lantern idea and will probably try it.

Diane R
Diane R

February 10, 2021

No, I do not do paper crafts.

Nancy
Nancy

February 10, 2021

I love to make cards, scrapbook embellishments, paper flowers and sometimes use fabric and paper for the cards.

Shirley
Shirley

February 10, 2021

When I taught children at church I used some paper crafts for them. It was a good time.

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