DIY - Bird Cage Lanterns

DIY - Bird Cage Lanterns

What You'll Need:

An assortment of patterned and colored card stockString or crochet threadDouble-sided tape Plastic lids (ice cream pint lids work great!) Small brads Small hole punch Paper cutter or straight edge and X-acto knifeScissors

Instructions: 1. Begin by cutting 12" x 1/4" strips of paper  with your paper cutter or straight edge and X-acto knife.  You will need four strips per bird cage.  (see image A) 2. In the center of each paper strip, punch a tiny hole with your hole punch. Set aside.  (see image B)

3.  Download your bird template and print it out on heavy card stock.   Cut out the bird, and trace around it on one of papers.  Cut out your bird, and punch a hole in the center of it's back.  (see image C)....Click HERE to download your template.   4.  Cut a 14" length of string.   Tie your bird to the end of the string, and the tie a not in the string 1.5" above the bird.  (see image D) 5.  Thread the string through the holes in your  four paper strips.  Slide them down the string until they meet the knot.  (see image E)  6.  Secure the strips together (just above the knot)  by running a small brad through the holes.  (see image F)

7.  Run a strip of double-faced tape around the edge of the lid.   (see image G) 8.  Take your bundled strips, and fan them out like a starburst.  Stick the ends of the strips to the edge of the lid,  keeping them evenly spaced.   (see images H, I and J)  9.  Cut a strip of card stock 1.5 inches wide and long enough to wrap around the lid diameter.  If your lid diameter is greater than the width of your paper, cut two strips.

10.  Wrap the strip around the tape-coverd edge of the lid.  Press down and smooth with your fingers. (see image K)

Create several lanterns to  display. Hang them in a tree or from large branches in a vase.

You can also string several together and create a garland.