Patriotic Lantern
Have the kids make a Patriotic Lantern or a whole bunch of them to decorate for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Presidents Day, or any red, white and blue celebration. This classic paper lantern craft is simple, cheerful, and easy for kids to make with our printable templates.
We’ve included both a black and white version for kids to color and a colored version for a quick patriotic craft. Hang the finished lanterns in a classroom, on a porch, or around the house for festive patriotic decorations.
Fun Facts
The stripes on the American flag represent the original 13 colonies.
The stars on the American flag represent the 50 states in the United States.
Paper lanterns have been made for celebrations for hundreds of years. This printable Patriotic Lantern gives the classic lantern craft a fun red, white and blue twist.
Supplies
- Printer
- White construction paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- White pipe cleaner
- Hole punch
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers, optional
Instructions
- Print out the colored or black and white Patriotic Lantern pattern for each child.
- If using the black and white version, let kids color the stars and stripes before cutting.
- Carefully fold the pattern in half lengthwise.
- Cut along the black lines, stopping before the band of stars. Do not cut all the way through the paper.
- Unfold the pattern.
- Glue the top row of stars together to form a circle.
- Repeat with the bottom row so the lantern holds its shape.
- Punch one hole on each side near the top of the lantern.
- Insert a white pipe cleaner through the holes to make a handle.
- Wrap each end of the pipe cleaner around itself to keep it in place.
- Hang your Patriotic Lantern in a room, classroom, porch, or tree to decorate for your celebration.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on a pattern to open it in a new window to print. Choose the colored Patriotic Lantern template for a quick craft, or print the black and white Patriotic Lantern template for kids to color themselves.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
Use this Patriotic Lantern craft as a simple classroom activity for patriotic holidays. After kids finish their lanterns, talk about the meaning of the stars and stripes on the American flag.
You can also have students write one sentence about what freedom, community, or helping others means to them. Attach the sentence strips to the lanterns or display them nearby for a thoughtful classroom decoration.
For a group project, let each child make one lantern and hang them together as a red, white and blue classroom garland.
