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Are you having a graduation party this year? Congratulations to your graduate! I’ve designed some DIY graduation party centerpieces you can use for the big day. Plus these table lanterns and graduations caps are super easy to make.
And I’m sure you know parties can get pretty expensive in a hurry. But you won’t have to worry about spending a ton of money for these. The super cute lanterns and graduation caps cost less than 60 cents to make for each pair. And they’ll look like you spent a lot more.
So let’s get to it.
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DIY Graduation Party Decor Supplies Needed
- 65lb Cardstock
- Vellum Paper or Tissue Paper
- Craft Glue
- LED Tea Lights or String Lights (Small Strand)
- Cutting Machine (I use the Cricut Explore)
- SVG Cut Files for the Lantern and Cap (available in my Resource Library)
How To Make The Graduation Lantern Centerpiece
First download the DIY Graduation Decor cut file from the Resource Library. The file contains both the PNG and SVG for the lantern and the cap.
In your design software upload the .svg file for the lantern. Everything is already sized correctly for you to cut the lantern out of an 8.5×11 sheet of cardstock.
There are score lines included for the folds of the lantern. Be sure to select the lines in design space and change them to score. If you do not want to use the score lines simply select and delete.
After you change or delete the score lines be sure to select everything and attach. Now you are ready to hit the make it button.
Next, you will need to cut your vellum or tissue paper slightly smaller than the graduation lantern. I used some pretty sparkly white tissue paper I found at the dollar store.
Use a glue stick to glue the vellum or tissue paper to the backside of the lantern.
Next, fold the lantern along the score lines. If you did not use the score lines, fold along the center of the space between each panel. And also fold on the longer end to create a tab.
After your folds are all done apply glue to the end tab and attach it to the other end. It’s a bit easier to flip it over after it’s attached to press down along the seam.
Finally, You can add a LED Tealight or a small strand of lights to the center of your lantern. I placed a string of lights in this one.
Making The DIY Graduation Party Caps
I think these graduation caps are super adorable. I love miniature versions of things. They are in the same file as the lanterns, so locate the graduation cap SVG file and upload it to your design software.
Everything is already sized correctly and ready to cut.
The piece for the tassel does have some fine cuts. You may want to remove it from your mat with the spatula.
Fold the tabs down on the strip and glue the ends together. Next, apply a dot of glue on all of the tabs.
Next Flip the base of the cap over and center it on the top. Press down on each tab to make sure it adheres well.
To make the tassel first place one end of your string through the hole in the center and glue it down. Next, fold the tassel in half and then fold in half again.
After it’s folded squeeze the ends together to force it into an open circle.
Now take the other end of your string and thread it through the hole on the top of your cap. Glue it down.
Finally, glue the small circle to the top of your cap
All finished!
You can place the caps on top of the lanterns, or use them each as stand-alone decor at your graduation party.
So you can buy the LED lights for as low as forty cents each. The cardstock is about 10 cents a sheet and a whole pack of tissue paper is $1.00. I would say that’s pretty cost effective decor. And it will look like you spent much much more.
Get The Free Graduation Cap and Lantern SVG File
I keep all of my free files, plans, and printables in the Resource Library that is available to subscribers of my weekly newsletter. To join and get the exclusive password simply fill out the form below.
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How can I download the files onto my iPhone or iPad because I don’t have a computer?
Hi Sara! You can download them to your iCloud drive and access them through the files app. This article I wrote should help https://dailydoseofdiy.com/upload-svg-files-cricut-design-space-ipad-iphone-pc/
Thank you so much!!!! My nephew wont agree to anything “too fussy” (typical male). These will be just right in his school colors! You just helped make Aunt Tina a hero!
You’re so welcome Tina!
Dear Chris: I’m having trouble with downloading your graduation cap & lantern files.
I have a scanncut machine by Brother – is that a problem?
The only thing that shows up is a small dot in the top left hand corner of my mat!
I have downloaded many files for projects, converted to svg files & don’t have any problems
please help – JoAnn
Hi JoAnn! Sorry for the issues and thanks for pointing that out. After a bit of research, I found that Brother reads SVGs a bit differently so I Made the required adjustments and emailed the fixed files to you. I tested it in Canvas to make sure they work now, but if there are any other problems don’t hesitate to let me know!
Thanks again!
Hi! First, thank you so much for this, as it is perfect for my daughters upcoming grad party. I ordered a cricut machine just to make these!! But I am having trouble… I was able to unzip the file and upload to the design space however, it will make the cut lines. It says they can not be detected… Please help me, what am I doing wrong? TIA
Hi Alonda! I’m sorry it’s giving you troubles. But I don’t quite understand ‘It will make the cut lines, It says they can’t be detected” Did you mean it won’t make the cut lines? I’m going to shoot you an email and see if you can send me a screenshot so I can see what’s going on.
Thanks!
Chris
Can you make these for the 2019 year? I love these and would like to use them for my grad party this coming year.
Hi Zipporah!
I thought I already emailed the 2019’s to you. I’ll try again! Be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see them soon.