If you read my blog post about baking a Weckman (German doughboy) to celebrate Germany’s St. Martin’s Day, then here is a great Germany craft for kids to take your celebration or studies one step further.
One of the many traditions for German families on St. Martin’s Day is a nighttime procession to a community bonfire at the end of a festive evening.
During the procession, children carry lanterns made of paper, probably made in school or at home.
While paper lanterns are quite beautiful and more traditional, I chose jar lanterns for the students in my Germany class because they are more likely to stand the test of time, which means they can be enjoyed longer.
SUPPLIES
For this project, you will need tissue paper in varying colors, Mod Podge, a paintbrush or sponge brush, a large jar, gel glue, a short strand of battery-powered white lights, and kite paper.
APPLY TISSUE PAPER TO THE JAR
First, have your children or students tear the tissue paper into different sized pieces. Make sure there are no straight edges on the pieces of tissue paper.
Glue the torn tissue paper pieces onto the jar with Mod Podge, overlapping at the edges just slightly.
Set the jars aside to dry overnigt.
MAKE THE STAR
To make the star, first cut the large kite paper squares from the booklet into smaller squares (fourths), as seen in the photo of supplies above.
You will need 8 small squares.
Fold each of the 8 small squares in half, then in half again.
Then fold each corner to the middle as seen here.
Next, fold two edges into the center of each square to form the points of the star.
Glue the points together one at a time.
The last step to finish up your star will require you to pull up the right side of the point you started with (as seen here) and glue it down flat.
Viola, you now have a paper start for your lantern!
For a great video tutorial on how to make these stars, click here (I did!).
Glue the star to the front of the lantern, put the battery-powered lights inside, and enjoy its beauty, day…
…and night!
To learn more about Germany, be sure to print our FREE Germany Country Facts board…
…and our FREE Germany Concentration Game!
What types of lanterns have you made with your children or students?
I invite you to leave a comment about this Germany craft for kids below.
