How to Make Goldfish Paper Lanterns

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Get a solid-colored paper lantern and open it up.

   Most goldfish are orange, but yours can be any color you want.
2. 2

   Step 2: Draw a tail fin shape onto a sheet of construction paper

   Make the base of the tail straight so that you can attach it to the lantern.
   
   Be sure to draw the tail ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to
   2.54 centimeters) longer than you want it to be.
   
   Choose a color that closely matches the color of your lantern. , Fold the base of the tail down by ½ to 1 inch (1.25 to
   2.54 centimeters) to make a flap.
   
   Cut a slit into the middle of the flap, all the way down to the folded edge to create two flaps.
   
   Leave one of the flaps the way it is, and fold the other one to the back of the fin.
   
   You will now have two flaps, with each one pointing in a different direction.
   
   This will not only allow the tail to flap about, but also make it easier to glue on., Turn the lantern so that one of the holes is facing up.
   
   Use a hot glue gun or double-sided tape to attach the tail to the side of the lantern. , To make the fins even, stack two sheets of construction paper one on top of the other first, draw your fin shape, then cut it out.
   
   You don't need to make the base of the fins flat or straight. , Find the middle of the lantern, then attach the bottom tip of the fin with a drop of glue or a small piece of double-sided tape.
   
   Repeat this step for the other side of the fish with the other fin.
   
   Don't glue the entire fin down.
   
   You want it to stick out. , Make sure that the black circles are smaller.
   
   You can also use printer paper and cardstock for this.
   
   Another alternative would be to use large googly eyes; make sure that they are proportionate to your fish!, Position them in front of the side fins and just above them.
   
   You can attach them using double-sided tape or a hot glue gun.
   
   If you are using googly eyes, however, a hot glue might be the better option. , Thread a piece of string through the bar in the top hole of your lantern, then tie it into a loop.
   
   If your lantern doesn't have a bar, poke two small holes in the top of the lantern, just below the ring opening. , These lanterns make great decorations for underwater themed parties and rooms.
   
   Be careful not to get them wet, however! , The smaller your lantern is, the easier it will be to work with.
   
   Look for something that is about 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) in diameter.
   
   Most goldfish are orange, but you can make your goldfish any color you want. , Choose a different color than your lantern.
   
   It can be lighter, darker, or even a contrasting color.
   
   Make the circle as even as you can.
   
   If possible, use a pencil to trace around to smaller opening of the lantern.
   
   If both of the openings are the same size, simply choose one of them. , How much space you leave between the two circles depends on the size of you lantern.
   
   The bigger your lantern is, the more space you will need.
   
   Start with ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) and go from there. , Discard the inner circle, or save it for another project. , This will create an open mouth for the goldfish.
   
   If you have any excess tissue paper hanging over the opening, you can trim it off with a pair of scissors, or fold it into the lantern and secure it with more glue., If you don't have any white tissue paper, you can use white printer paper instead. , Glue the white circles above the "mouth" and slightly to the side. , Stack two sheets of tissue paper, then cut a fin shape out; this way, you will end up with two matching fins.
   
   Use a color that matches your lantern.
   
   Most top fins will be long and somewhat skinny.
   
   Make sure that yours is at least 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) tall. , Use a pair of scissors to trim of any overhanging tissue paper.
   
   The double tissue paper layer will help the top fin stand up., Place a strip of double-sided tape to each flap, then place the fin on top of the fish.
   
   Run your finger across the top of each flap to seal the tape. , You can use a glue stick or double-sides tape for this.
   
   Make sure that you are only gluing the bottom edge so that the fins can flap around.
   
   You don't have to create double layers for these or fold any flaps.
   
   The side fins can be as long and flowing as you'd like. , Stack two sheets of tissue paper, then cut a tail fin out; you will end up with two identical shapes.
   
   You will be fitting the tail over the back hole on your lantern, so be sure to add ½ of the hole's width, plus an additional ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to
   2.54 centimeters). , How much you leave unglued depends on the excess amount you added.
   
   Once again, use a pair of scissors to trim off any overhanging pieces of tissue paper., Position the tail over the back opening.
   
   Fold the excess tissue paper over the edges of the opening, then glue or tape them down onto the body of the fish., Be sure to go under one of the metal ribs to prevent the tissue paper from tearing. , This fish makes a great decoration for parties or underwater themed rooms.
   
   Be careful not to get it wet, however!
3. 3

   Step 3: then cut it out with a pair of scissors.

4. 4

   Step 4: Make the base of the tail.

5. 5

   Step 5: Attach the fin to the lantern.

6. 6

   Step 6: Draw two side fin shapes

7. 7

   Step 7: then cut them out.

8. 8

   Step 8: Attach the fins to the side of the lantern.

9. 9

   Step 9: Cut two circles out of white construction paper

10. 10

    Step 10: and two circles out of black construction paper to make the eyes.

11. 11

    Step 11: Attach the eyes to the fish.

12. 12

    Step 12: Thread some string through the top of the fish so that you can hang it.

13. 13

    Step 13: Hang the loop from a hook wherever you want.

14. 14

    Step 14: Get a solid-colored paper lantern and open it up.

15. 15

    Step 15: Trace a circle that is the same size as the smaller opening on your lantern onto a sheet of tissue paper.

16. 16

    Step 16: Trace a larger circle around the first circle.

17. 17

    Step 17: Cut the circles out

18. 18

    Step 18: then save the ring.

19. 19

    Step 19: Use a glue stick to glue the ring onto the smaller opening.

20. 20

    Step 20: Cut two circles out of white tissue paper

21. 21

    Step 21: and two smaller circles out of black cardstock or construction paper.

22. 22

    Step 22: Glue the black circles onto the white circles

23. 23

    Step 23: then the white circles onto the lantern.

24. 24

    Step 24: Cut out two top fin shapes out of tissue paper.

25. 25

    Step 25: Glue them together

26. 26

    Step 26: except for the bottom ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters).

27. 27

    Step 27: Fold the loose ends of the fin down to create two flaps

28. 28

    Step 28: then attach it to the fish.

29. 29

    Step 29: Cut out two side fins out of matching tissue paper

30. 30

    Step 30: then attach them to the sides of the fish.

31. 31

    Step 31: Cut out two tail shapes out of matching tissue paper.

32. 32

    Step 32: Glue them together

33. 33

    Step 33: except for the bottom few inches.

34. 34

    Step 34: Fold the loose ends out to create flaps

35. 35

    Step 35: then attach them to the back of the fish.

36. 36

    Step 36: Use a needle to thread clear string through the top of the fish.

37. 37

    Step 37: Tie the string into a loop

38. 38

    Step 38: then hang your fish.

Detailed Guide

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