Do It Yourself: Make a Lantern for Saint Martin

"I’m walking with my lantern and my lantern is with me" – St. Martin’s Day is just around the corner, and on November 11th, it’s finally time again. A very special event for young and old alike. Happy children walk through the dark streets, lighting up the whole town with their colorful lanterns. Preparations are in full swing – crafting, cutting, and gluing. Are you still looking for the right instructions? We’ll show you how to easily make a lantern for St. Martin with little effort. Our DIY version with colorful autumn leaves is a real eye-catcher.

Make Your Own Lantern for St. Martin

 For crafting the lantern, you will need the following materials:

• white tracing paper (about 4 sheets)
• small, colorful autumn leaves
• craft glue
• balloon
• needle
• scissors
• string
• lantern stick
• lantern handle

Do It Yourself Instructions: Lantern with Colorful Autumn Leaves

1. First, blow up the balloon. The size of the balloon determines the size of the lantern.
2. Coat the entire balloon, except for the knot, with craft glue.
3. Next, tear the white tracing paper into small pieces and glue them onto the balloon in several layers. Apply more glue as needed.
4. Then add the colorful autumn leaves. Since these are not transparent, leave enough spots free so that light can still shine through later.
5. After that, apply another layer of tracing paper.
6. Then tie the string around the balloon’s knot and hang it up to dry.
7. Once the balloon separates from the lantern, you can pop it with the needle and remove the remains.
8. Finally, cut the opening of the lantern with scissors, poke two holes in the edge with the needle, and attach the lantern handle. Your homemade lantern for St. Martin is ready.

howa Children’s Tool Box – Developing Children’s Motor Skills Through Handicrafts

While crafting the lantern, children can independently take on smaller tasks. The children’s tool box from howa gives little ones the chance to learn how to handle different tools and, in a playful way, improve their motor skills. Whether hammering, screwing, or sawing – these hand activities enhance motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. Small hands can get familiar with new shapes, and children learn how to use their fingers properly. This way, the kids are well prepared for crafting together and can immediately put what they’ve learned into practice. Image rights: ©iStock / terra24