DECORATIVE LANTERN

Add a paper posy to a lantern for a pop of spring colour.

Cut three 50cm lengths of tissue or crepe paper, measuring 5cm, 7.5cm and 10cm wide. Fold each strip in half. Working with the narrowest width, make 1.5cm-wide concertina folds across the paper until you reach the end. Repeat this step to make 2.5cm folds across the 7.5cm-wide strip, and 3.5cm folds across the 10cm strip. Leaving a 5 to 10mm border at the bo om, cut a half-petal shape through all folded layers of each folded strip. Open out each strip. You should have 3 lengths of petal shapes, each one with a narrow border at the bo om that holds the petals together. Starting with the smallest petals, tape or glue

1 end of border section to a bamboo skewer, then wind petals around it until you reach the end. Tape to secure end, as well as the beginning of next size up. For this, and the subsequent strip, wind petals around skewer, pinching border/base of each petal as you turn it, and taping in place as needed. Use green florist tape to cover base of bloom and skewer. Create a posy with paper blooms, preserved and/ or dried flowers, securing stems with florist wire. Secure posy to a hurricane lamp with wire and/or ribbon.

DECO TIP

Use different-coloured tissue or crepe paper for a mix of petal shades.