Note: This was one of the first projects I made when I started my craft column in 2000. This is a weird one. Crumbled paper bags into a lantern? *Sigh.* I honestly do not know what I was thinking! But hey, maybe someone will like it!

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, more trips to the grocery store are inevitable. There are not only daily dinners to keep up with, but also homemade contributions for autumn parties, potlucks and gatherings. Make the most of those market visits by collecting brown paper bags.
It takes only a few rubber stamps and paint to create an original line of wrapping paper, or better yet -- a fancy paper lantern. In this example, I crumpled the bag for an aged, textured effect and then embellished it with patina paints. The variations are endless: Try using a metallic-paint pen to write a poem on each side, or decoupage an image that matches your decor. Most of the supplies are as close as your kitchen pantry, which makes this one easy craft that is definitely "in the bag."
Paper Bag Lantern
Supplies:
* 2 large brown grocery bags
* Scissors
* Handkerchief
* Iron
* Acrylic paints
* Rubber stamps
* Sea sponge
* 8 strips of lightweight cardboard (10 inches by 1 inch)
* 8 strips of lightweight cardboard (8 inches by 1 inch)
* Glue gun
* Hole puncher
* 1 roll of "Wraphia" (raffia for gift wrapping)
Directions: Leaving the paper bags folded, cut off the bottoms and the side panels so you are left with four pieces that measure 9 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches. Vigorously crumple each one until it becomes soft and wrinkled. One by one, lay the papers on a flat surface; cover with a handkerchief and gently iron with a low setting to stiffen the paper. Apply rubber stamp designs, followed by a layered faux finish using paints and sea sponge. Let dry.
Next, lay each paper on flat surface so the painted side is facing down. Rest a cardboard strip at the bottom and sharply fold an edge of the paper over it. Once a straight crease is created, use the glue gun to adhere the strip to the paper. Do the same for the remaining side and the remaining panels.
Punch holes lengthwise on each panel. Cut 1 1/2 yards of Wraphia, double it up and tie a knot at the end. Beginning at the top, thread two panels together by "lacing" (as you would a shoe). Once you reach the end, tie it off. Do not trim excess. Continue to lace all four sides until your lantern is complete. Trim excess Wraphia so all the ends are even. Punch a hole in each side at the bottom to add extra Wraphia.
Cut four pieces of the Wraphia measuring 24 inches each. Loop these through the tops of the lantern holes and tie together at the top for hanging. Bend your lantern to give it shape until it looks balanced. Hang and enjoy.
Tips: Vellum or rice paper may be substituted for paper bags. Add festive trim with the glue gun along the edges of your lantern for a classier touch.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: collage/paper, lights