DIY: Homemade Paper Christmas Star Lanterns

While I lived in India, I discovered that you can tell who is celebrating Christmas by the big, colorful star shaped paper lanterns that are hung outside homes and shops. While Christians only make up 2.3% of the total population, Christmas is becoming more and more widely celebrated.

These stars are really beautiful - they are available in every shape, color and size imaginable! I brought some home with me, however, I recently decided to try making my own. I thought I'd share with anyone who is interested how to make these beautiful lanterns and celebrate Christmas Indian style! Plus... it helps make my husband feel at home when we're far from his home during the holidays! :-)

These stars can be made in all colors, shapes and sizes. Small ones work great for homemade Christmas tree ornaments, while large ones look great hanging from the ceiling or on your front porch! I'll share a pattern and instructions for how to make your own 5-pointed star. If you want different sizes, just enlarge the pattern... (or you could even modify it to add more points to your star - get creative!)

You will need, glue, scissors, paper (your choice of colors, weight), string or ribbon, and a some sort of light to light up the lantern.

1. Download the 3-D Paper Christmas Star pattern here.

2. Cut out 2 identical stars from the pattern.

3. Fold the pattern along all the dotted lines & glue the flaps to the inside wall of the opposite side (leave one flap unglued until you insert your light).

4. While still folded, cut out openings in any design you like for the light to shine through. (similar to how you'd make an old fashioned paper snowflake)

5. Tie a string or ribbon to suspend your lantern.

6. Enjoy your handiwork & allow all your friends to "ooh" and "aah" over your creation!

P.S. You also sometimes see these lanterns (and similar ones) during the Diwali festival in India.