The Adventures of Dot and Mae

Hello, Dear Readers. You may have noticed things look different at Dot and Mae’s. Since it’s Chinese New Year, Dot and Mae figured that was a good time to update their site. They have been hard at work, deep inside the computer moving things around and trying to make the site cute like they are, and easier to read. They hope you like the new look.

If you would like to celebrate Chinese New Year you could make some colorful paper lanterns to hang around your home. They are easy to make and really cheer up a room.

This is what you will need to make a lantern:

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Stapler
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Glue, glitter, sequins, if desired to decorate your lantern

How to make it:

1. Use your ruler to measure and cut one inch off the short end of your paper. Set aside to use as the handle.
2. Fold your paper in half lengthwise.
3. Draw a line one inch from the end of the long edge of the paper opposite the folded edge. This will be the line where you stop cutting.
4. Measure and mark lines one inch apart starting at the folded edge and moving towards the “stop cutting” line. (see photo)
5. Cut on the marked lines up to the “stop cutting” line.
6. Unfold the paper.
7. Re-crease the paper in the opposite direction. This will hide any pencil marks.
8. Match the long edges together on the lantern and use tape to hold it in place.
9. Staple the handle to the top of the lantern. (see photo)
10. Make as many lanterns as you wish and display them around your home.
11. If you wish, add glue, glitter, sequins or other things to decorate your lanterns.

Another place you can go to print out some patterns for lanterns to color and make is Nick Jr.
Have a great day everyone, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!