Lanterns are functional and decorative, and are found everywhere in Vietnam, especially around the Chinese New Year.
I learnt how to add the final fabric elements to the lantern frame – which is usually made by one local supplier. I chose a turquoise silk, which is vivid in colour, but still allows plenty of light through. This craft requires plenty of patience, but the reward is a very pretty item for the home.
Why not try making your own lanterns? The traditional frames are very hard to come by, but there is always a creative alternative – Decorated paper cups over fairy lights, tissue paper on a card frame… the only limit is your imagination!
A tree full of lanterns
Work in progress
