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Today we’ll be making box tea light lanterns. This craft is a simple but elegant way to add Christmas Decor to your home on a budget. You can add these to your fireplace mantle, your holiday table decor, or anywhere that needs a Christmas facelift!
I’ve made four different Christmas-themed designs that will be available to you as part of the Christmas Craft Kickoff 2022, Day 4! View all 14 of our Christmas Paper Crafts Here.
Quick Links to Information in This Post
Supplies for Tea Light Lanterns
- 65lb Cardstock in Your Choice of Color – https://amzn.to/3hr16Gl
- Vellum or Tissue Paper – https://amzn.to/3UOewKW
- Quick Dry Glue – https://amzn.to/3E1zHm2
- Electric Tea Light – https://amzn.to/3fWNeDA
- Cricut Cutting Machine – https://amzn.to/3hr16Gl
- Blue Cut Mat or Well-Used Green Cut Mat
- SVG File for the Tea Light Lanterns – More Details Below
Tea Light Lanterns Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Step 1: Download the SVG File and Upload it to Design Space
For help downloading SVG Files and uploading them to Design Space see this post.
The SVG file for the Tea Light Lanterns is free from 9:00 am November 11th until 9:00 am November 12th. Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll email you the file right away.
Or Grab the all-access pass here and get instant access all 14 projects, 25+ SVG Files, step-by-step videos, and printable instructions.
Once the design is added to your canvas, it’s ready to go. Click ‘Make it’. There’s no need to add score lines, I added perforation lines to the design.
On the mat screen, you can change your material size from 12″x12″ to 8.5″x11″ from the side menu if you need to. Or you can make a mental note to place your cardstock onto the mat in the direction that the design will cut. Click ‘Continue’.
If you have a Cricut Explore, set your dial to cardstock. If you have a Cricut Maker, Select medium cardstock from the materials list. The mat for the vellum squares can also be cut on the cardstock setting if you don’t want to change your material setting.
Step 2: Cut the Tea Light Lanterns
Place your cardstock on the mat as shown in Design Space. Then put your mat into your Cricut and press the flashing ‘C’ button to load it.
If you use vellum paper, you can cut this with your Cricut. If you choose to use tissue paper, I recommend cutting the squares by hand to prevent the hassle of getting the tissue on and off the mat without tearing.
When you’re ready to remove the designs from the mat, flip the mat over and peel it away from the cardstock to prevent curling and tearing.
I had a small issue on one of my lanterns, where one of the corners bunched up a bit and didn’t cut correctly. When this happens, it’s handy to have a craft knife around to get a clean cut.
For help downloading SVG Files and uploading them to Design Space see this post.
Step 3: Assemble the Lanterns
To begin assembling the lantern, pre-fold each of the tabs along the perforation lines. They should all be folded inward toward the middle.
Next, you’ll add the squares of tissue or vellum. Put a thin strip of glue around the perimeter of the square and lay it down over the cutout sections of each square.
After that is done, you can begin folding the box. Using a quick dry glue will make this process much faster. Add a strip of glue to one of the tabs, then fold the flap next to it up to meet it.
Press the corners together long enough for the glue to take hold. Then repeat the process with the next corner.
Keep gluing and holding each corner until the box shape is complete. Do not place any glue on the tabs at the top of the box. This will allow you to open and close the box to turn the tea lights off and on.
Turn your electric tea light on and place it into the box. Then, close the lid and you’re all finished!
Now you’ve got a beautiful Christmas lantern you can use for the whole holiday season!
More Christmas Paper Crafts:
3D Layered Christmas Ornaments
Chris Butler has helped thousands of crafters learn how to use their Cricut machine without feeling overwhelmed. She is a best selling author and an up and coming designer. For fun Chris enjoys designing SVG Files, hanging out with her family (preferably at the lake), traveling, and volunteering at her church. She is a wife and mom of two crazy fun kids.
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