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Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by Chris Butler
Are you having a graduation party this year? Congratulations to your graduate! I’ve designed some DIY graduation decor party centerpieces you can use for the big day. Plus these table lanterns and graduation 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.
**The cut file is now available for 2024**
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Quick Links to Information in This Post
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)
All of my free SVG files and Designs are kept in a library for your convenience. Simply CLICK HERE to get access. We will send you the link and password right away and you’re free to use all the resources you want in the library.
Already have the password? (It’s at the bottom of every email) Enter the Library Here
Step-by-Step Video:
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. The 2024 version is now available in the free library.
RELATED: DIY Graduation Card Money Holder with Free Template
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.
I updated the file in 2024 and took out the score lines. Now there are perforated cut lines already attached. You do not need the perforation tool; you can make it on any Cricut or Silhouette machine! Once the design is uploaded to Design Space, click the make it button.
Next, you will need to cut your vellum or tissue paper slightly smaller than the graduation lantern. I used some vellum paper, but I also like the pretty sparkly white tissue paper 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 perforated lines. 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 the left and right lanterns and a tea light in the center lantern.
Making The DIY Graduation Decor 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
**The cut file is now available for the 2023 Graduation Lanterns**
I created a Resource Library for your convenience that contains all of my free SVG files and printables. It’s like a one stop shop. Everything is in alphabetical order, so in the library scroll down to the ‘G’s to find the graduation lanterns.
To grab the free SVG for this craft fill out the simple form below
All of my free SVG files and Designs are kept in a library for your convenience. Simply CLICK HERE to get access. We will send you the link and password right away and you’re free to use all the resources you want in the library.
Already have the password? (It’s at the bottom of every email) Enter the Library Here
PIN IT
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.
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/
Im having such a hard time downloading. It’s not working 😭
What device are you downloading the file too?
Hi Chris!
Thank you so much for this! A friend sent me to your page to make for her son’s graduation. Having an issue here. I did attach after I selected score and is am now at the make it page looking at the mat. It looks good, it has score lines and the cut lines. Problem is that Design Space only has a Cancel option, not the cut option. I don’t use my machine very often, but I’ve never had this happen before. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Anita
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!
Dear Chris,
I also have a Brother ScanNCut. Will you please email the SVG file to me for the 2019 (and 2020) if possible? I have a couple of nephews graduating this year and my daughter next year.
I love your creative yet simple designs. Thank you for sharing them with others.
Pam
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.
Can I also have 2019 emailed to me please?
Can I please have the 2019 lantern file as well? Thank you!
Could you please send me the 2019
Hi! I love all your projects. Could you send me this lantern with 2019 or is there a way for me to edit?
Thanks so much Margie! The 2019 designs will be posted soon =)
Thank you for this awesome idea! I love it works for both boys and girls. Might be a challenge for me but I’m going to try! Thank You for your creative mind!
Can you email me 2018 version
or just upload again
Thankyou
Hi! the 2018 version is still in the resource library, along with 2019. Thanks!
Is there anyway possible I can order these. I need 1997
I need about 6 of the. In black
Sorry I don’t make them and ship them. I just provide the files so you can make them =)
Thank you for the 2019 Lantern. I love this project and I am making them right now for my daughters graduation. The best graduation decoration I have seen!!!!!
Thanks Maria!
These are wonderful! Working on them right now for my son’s graduation. I am able to get them to cut but am having difficult with the scoring. I can see there is a second mat in the layers menu on the right but it doesn’t allow me to click and change to score as I read your instructions (shown below). Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!
There are score lines included for the folds of the lantern. Be sure to select the lines on the right layers menus in Design Space. Then click the drop down on the top menu under line type and change them to score.
Hello,
I was wondering how you change the color of the centerpiece? I do not have a design space, is there any that you would recommend for free? Or is it the color of cardstock that changes the color?
I have a PC.
Hi Natalie! It’s the color of the cardstock that changes the color. You can cut it with any color of cardstock you choose!
Love these! I hope to make some for my daughter’s graduation party!! Just bought a Cricut Explore Air 2 a few weeks ago. Can’t wait to put it to use!
Awesome Jennifer! You’re going to love crafting with a Cricut!
Do you have 1974 or class of ’74
For a class reunion?
I haven’t done ’74 yet. I’ll try to get to it by this weekend and send it over to you.
I can’t find the updated graduation lantern. Will you help me.
Hi Charity! They are in the resource library under svg files then scroll down to the g’s 2019 is listed right after the 2018 file. Hope that helps!
Looking for 2019 lanterns? I would like to make them for my daughter.
I cant open the file I don’t see score lines ..how do I change it to svg file
Hi Lakeshia! Make sure you are opening the SVG and not the PNG, they are marked. Also for opening the SVG file it probably won’t open directly on your computer, you will have to upload it somewhere like Cricut Design Space or Silhouette Studio (and Silhouette charges extra to use SVG files) . Hope that helps!
Hi. I am not at all crafty. Would it be possible for me to pay for the 2019/cap/ Grad sheets just so i only have to fold/glue etc..
Than you
Amy
Hi Amy! Unfortunately I am not able to do that at this time. Do you have any crafty friends that could help you out?
Hi, I would like to get a lantern with 2019 can you help?
Hello, would you happen to have a template for 2020 that you could email to me please? I am planning ahead for my son’s graduation! Thanks!
Sara
Thank you for this amazing project. When I try to access the svg cut file it opens up to a bunch of characters. Please let me know if I am doing something wrong.
Hi Sonia, You’ll have to open the SVG file in design space or another design software that reads SVG files.
Can I pay you to print them for me? I do not have any of the tools to do so.
Hi Monique! Unfortunately I don’t have the time to ship. Do you have any friends with a cutting machine?
These are perfect for my son’s graduation party! Where did you get the small strands of string lights? I can find the tea lights and long strands of lights, but not small ones. Thank you!
I’m not seeing the super small strands on Amazon anymore, the smallest I could find is 20 bulb, but something like this would probably work just as well if not better https://amzn.to/2VgIZHr
The 2019 lantern SVG does not work at all with a shilouette. it opens as a webpage and is not compatible with shilouette studio.
When I went to make this, it scored the whole project and didn’t cut anything. What am I doing wrong? I’m new to this. HELP!
HI Kristen! When you open it in design space and look in the layers menu on the right there should be two parts. A set of four lines and then the lantern itself. Click on the 4 lines in the layers menu and then change that to score.
Thank you, I finally figured it out late last night. I’ll eventually learn this machine. 😊
We are working on a 40th reunion. Is there any way you could make a template that’s 1979?
Thank you so much, I’m making these for my niece who is graduating at the end of the month, she will love them!
I would like to make these larger using a 12×12 or larger piece of cardstock. Can it be enlarged once downloaded into my circut design space?
Yes, you can make it bigger in design space. Cricut will cut up to 11.5 inches
Thank you!! I actually used the slice feature in design space and cut out two halves and glued them together. This made a really big one!
Good thinking!
I would like to be able to print the pdf for the graduation centerpiece but having trouble finding it. I have the svg downloaded so ready to go but would like to have a printed copy of the directions. My granddaughters graduation party is this Saturday so nothing like waiting until the last minute. Thanks.
Can you make these for 1979? Or 40 years?
Hi! Thank you so much for creating these great graduation crafts. I hope you can help me! The “svg” file is downloading as a Chrome HTML file and not an svg file. I tried downloading in both Chrome and Firefox but I get the same file. Would you be able to send me the svg file for both the lantern and graduation cap?
Thanks
Maureen
Hi Maureen, That is the SVG for some reason some computers read it as Chrome HTML. When you upload it to design space it will be fine. But If you try just opening it on your computer it won’t work
Hi! I too am having problems with the files. I have a Silhouette. I can unzip the file and I select SVG it comes up with the message “The file type you are attempting to access is not supported.” 🙁
I did this with several different downloads of yours and the message is still the same.
Hi Roxanne, On Silhouettes software you have to upgrade (pay) to use SVGs
Hi, Chris! I had a friend make these for my son’s graduation party last year and they were a hit! So much so that another friend has requested I make them for her son’s grad party this year. I have a brother scan N cut and am having trouble with it making all cuts and not scoring where it needs to. I noticed above that you had made adjustments for this program. If you would send it my way, I would really appreciate it! I hope that fixes my issue.
Thank you.
Hi, Chris. Love your designs and ideas. I’m getting a head start for my sons 2020 graduation because of my limited time and was wondering if you are able to create this for 2020? Thanks in advance!
Hi there. Will you be making a class of 2020 template?
Yes!
When are you going to have the 2020 grad lantern up
Will you have the 2020 lantern sometime?
Yes! Most likely at the beginning of the year
My twin sons will be graduating next year (2021) and I’m trying to get ahead of the game. Do you think you will have a new cut file for 2021? Or can you give me or lead me to the directions to make one of my own? Thank You so much for any help.
Hi Chris!
I found your cute 2019 lanterns from Pintrest, but I only see the 2020 file posted now. I’ve looked high and low for the 2019 file, is it still available? Can you please lead me to the right direction? Or may I have it emailed? Pleassse and Thank you very much!
I’ll email them over
Can this be done without the machine?
Is there anyone with a cutting machine that would be willing to cut them for me if I mail you the paper? I would need 6.
Hi there. I just ordered the Cricut Joy. I can’t make these with that machine can I?
Hi I’m trying to download the graduation lantern but cant figure out how to do it from your library. If you could help me I would really appreciate it!
Loved the graduation lanterns, we made some for my son’s graduation from the university. It added a beautiful, luminous touch to a garland across the front porch.
Hi Chris, can you email me the files
Thank you so much! They came out perfect!
Hello. I just downloaded the 2021 graduation lanterns. I have a Brother Scan and Cut. I saw some previous comments about the svg file needing to be modified. Do you know if the 2021 file will work with the Brother? Thank you so much for sharing these great ideas.
Ann W
Hi CHRIS,
Can ypu please send me 2021 svg for scanncut?
Thank you so much
Could you do a 2022 graduation svg? Yes, we are already doing 2022 senior stuff.
Thank you.
Hello, I wanted to inquire that if I download the SVG file, would I be able to change the year to 2022?
2022 is coming soon
Hi Chris, do you have the already the SVG for 2022?
Thanks!
Yes it’s in the library!
Hi Chris.
When uploaded the SVG file into my Cricut design space, I don’t see the option for two different layers. I’m not certain what I am doing wrong!
We switched the file to one layer so there is no need for scoring any more. It comes with perforated lines for easy folding.
I just made one of these to see how easy it was and if I liked them. I think they are very cute, however, can I make these bigger? They are so little! The hat is a great size but I was hoping that I could use it as a sleeve for an approximately 9″ tall sqaure vase.
the new file does not have multiple layers. is it just ready to cut? no need to change the score lines?
Yes they are ready to cut now.
I cannot get the file to pull up in my Silhouette Studio. I opened from the download. Can you send any helpful tips? My studio says the file is not supported, but I typically pull up .svg files. Thank you!