How to Make Your Own Patio Lights
Lighting is one of the most important elements of a patio. The right lighting can add the right ambience and romance to the most boring of settings. Lighting also gives you the opportunity to make your own patio lights to create the environment of your liking.
Among lighting accessories it is the traditional lanterns which can give a new look to your patio. Lanterns have been used in the past to not only to light up dark spaces but also to provide atmosphere. At the same time these lanterns are not difficult to make at home
How to make a Chinese lantern
You can make many types of lanterns using cheap materials. Among the most common are the Chinese lanterns. What you will require to make a Chinese lantern are the following.
8.5”x 11” kraft paper of various colors. One sheet will be used for one lantern.
Assorted markers
Scissors
Tape
String of colored or white lights
Now carry out the steps outlined below
* Draw an image or a design of your choice on one side of each kraft paper. While making the design, remember that the lantern will hang vertically.
* Next fold the paper in half length wise. Then make around ½” cuts along the folded side at around ½” intervals.
* Now unfold the paper and roll in to a tube. To secure the tube tape the top and bottom ends of the tube.
* Next cut strips of paper 6” long and 2” wide. Stick the ends of this strip to the top of tube to provide a lantern handle.
* Lantern making is now complete. Hang each lantern on top of each bulb of the string of lights.