Beautiful Natural Autumn Lanterns

With the Autumn Equinox, the shortening of days, cultures around the world celebrate by bringing light of their own into their days with lantern festivals. Waldorf Kindergartens and schools traditionally have a lantern procession as part of the Michaelmas celebrations, and this past week at parent and child group we made these simple beautiful lanterns to bring some warmth and light into our homes.

What you will need.

• Some wire

• Clean Jars (mine was a small jam jar)

• Autumn Leaves

• PVA glue

• Tissue paper, can be white or any colour you like

Start off by wrapping the wire around the rim of the jar a couple of times, twist it at one side then make a long loop, taking the wire over the top to the opposite side of the jar. Thread the end through the wire already there and twist to secure... you want the wire long as you don't want to be burning your hand when carrying the lantern if there is a real flame in there.

Next tear your tissue paper into small strips or shapes...then slowly work your way around the jar, pasting leaves and layers of tissue as as you go with PVA glue, ensure that they are well glued - the glue will dry clear leaving the jars lovey and opaque. Only do this on the outside of the jars. You can paste the bottom if you wish, or leave it free of decoration.

Thats it! Let it dry thoroughly then carefully place a tea light inside and enjoy the warm seasonal display. If you would rather not use a tea light battery operated lights work just as well!

Happy Autumn Equinox