How to make heavenly. How to make DIY sky lanterns

Sky lantern is also called Chinese lantern. It is a flying structure made of paper, which is stretched over a bamboo frame. Sky lanterns have become popular relatively recently. But interest in them is gaining momentum. And those who dare to launch this flashlight at least once into the evening sky become its lover forever.

The first launch of the Chinese lantern took place about two thousand years ago. It was invented by the famous commander Zhuge Liang in those days. According to historical facts, the shape of the lantern was made in the shape of Liang's hat. The first sky lantern was made from oily rice paper stretched over a bamboo frame. In the middle was a small candle, which allowed the flashlight to rise into the sky due to hot air.

The Chinese believe that by launching a flashlight into the sky, they seem to pay tribute to nature and higher beings. And nature rewards them with the return of spring and light to their land every year.

Making a Chinese lantern with your own hands is not difficult. But you still have to try a little. The first flashlight may not be entirely successful, but with a little effort and staying calm, you will achieve the expected result.

To begin with, let's analyze what elements the Chinese lantern consists of, these are:

dome
frame
burner

What the flashlight consists of, we figured out. Now let's make the flashlight itself, and analyze each of the elements separately.

Dome

The ideal dome for a sky lantern would of course be rice paper. But this paper is not cheap materials. Therefore, an alternative would be a regular garbage bag. You need to choose a package, the thickness of which will be minimal.

For the dome, two bags with a volume of at least thirty liters will be enough, if possible, it is better to take more. We cut off the bottom of one package and glue them with tape. The dome is ready. You can move on to the next step.

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frame

The frame is the second main element of the Chinese lantern. It is a ring, with the diameter of the neck of the package. It can be made from any thin wire, with an approximate diameter of 1 mm. The ring can also be attached with tape. Then we attach two wires to the ring with a cross. The intersection point must be exactly in the middle of the ring.

Burner

Ordinary foil is suitable for the burner, since its weight is minimal and it is not susceptible to fire. We make a small cup, and fasten it to the intersection point, on the cross. There is one small problem left. What will burn in the middle of the cup? There are quite a few options here. A piece of cloth soaked in alcohol works well. Or a quarter tablet of dry alcohol.

The flashlight is ready. That's basically all the work. The last point remains, for the sake of which they started all this work. This is the long awaited flashlight launch.

Launching an air lantern

First, let's straighten our flashlight and fill it with air. We hold it in a vertical position. We put the ignited dry combustible into the burner. We make sure that the dome of the flashlight is as straightened as possible and the burner is exactly in the center.

We put it carefully on the ground and wait until the hot air fills the flashlight. You don't need to take off. Just be patient. You yourself will feel that the flashlight is asking for a way. We let go and enjoy its flight in the night, starry sky.

To make an airy Chinese lantern, you will need:
- 1 wide adhesive tape;
- 1 square of cardboard 30x30 or 40x40 cm;
- 1 pack of thin colored garbage bags with a volume of 120 l;
- 1 bottle of liquid for kindling a fire or medical alcohol;
- 1 roll of tracing paper;
- ruler, tape measure or centimeter tape for measurements;
- thin wire;
- 1 pack of cotton.

Chinese sky lantern: manufacturing technique

Having prepared all of the above materials, you can begin to assemble a flying flashlight. It is quite simple - the wick and the outer shell are fixed on the wire frame.

First, take a trash bag, open it, and then measure the diameter. From tracing paper, make a continuation of the package and attach it to it with tape. After that, cut strips 1.5-2.5 cm wide from a piece of cardboard. Attach the strips from the outside to the tracing paper with adhesive tape.

Make a wire frame for a Chinese lantern. To do this, twist a circle from the wire and additionally attach 2 pieces of wire crosswise to it. So you will be able to stiffen your design and there will be where to attach the wick.

On the wire in the middle of the frame, fasten a ball of cotton wool soaked in advance with firelighter liquid or medical alcohol. It is advisable to immediately prepare several wicks, and also check how well they are ignited, what is the size of the flame. Thanks to this, you will be able to choose the perfect wick for your product.

Put a bag of tracing paper on the frame and start the Chinese lantern. If the resulting design seems small to you, you can make it larger. To do this, simply glue a few garbage bags, take more cardboard, tracing paper and other materials.

Chinese sky lanterns: launch rules

It is allowed to launch flying lanterns only in open areas, away from parking lots, tall buildings, forests and dry meadows. And most importantly - if the wind has become strong, gusty, reschedule the launch of flashlights to another time.

Light the fuse and, with the help of a friend or assistant, spread the dome so that it does not come into contact with the flame. Then carefully lower the Chinese lantern to the ground, holding it by the frame. This is necessary for faster heating of the air inside the structure.

After about one minute, raise the flashlight to chest level. As soon as it starts to reach up, release it. Do this slowly, lightly holding the product by the rim. And then you just have to enjoy the stunningly beautiful flight of a Chinese lantern in the night sky.

This story about sky lanterns is more of a legend, but a very beautiful legend. In the 11th century, many monks lived in one of the Chinese villages. Their life was hard, they had to work most of the day in order not only to feed themselves, but also to maintain life in the village. Like most peasants, they were engaged in agriculture. Unfortunately, the local climate and soil did not allow growing a decent crop. In addition, the situation worsened every year, rice received less and less.

Watching how all the work goes to waste, the villagers began to give up. The leader of the monks, respected Mr. Zhi Ling, realizing that it was impossible to leave it like that, tried his best to raise the spirits of all the inhabitants. In order to prevent the growth of lawlessness, theft, Zhi Ling, together with his monks, began to pray every evening. Along with the prayer, torches were lit throughout the village. People believed that the flame from the torches cleanses the soul, gives peace and gives strength. Soon, all the villagers, without noticing it, lost their anxieties, lost their suffocating boredom and gained strength not only to work but also to live. Life in the village slowly began to improve, and rice yields increased. The ritual with fire began to be held every week, this helped to keep the life of the village in a stable way.

Seeing how beneficial the rituals are, Zhi Ling decide to give them some symbolism and beauty. After gathering the monks, Zhi proposes to build a small rice paper balloon. It was this moment that marked the beginning of the history of Sky Lanterns. The flashlight was: a bamboo frame covered with light rice paper. Having made several dozen balloons, the monks distributed them to the residents. At the end of the week, the long-awaited ceremony took place. The residents split into pairs. One of the pair held a sky lantern, the second from below brought an open fire. The flame of fire illuminated the flashlight with a soft light. Dozens of "fireflies" illuminated the entire village, it was a truly mesmerizing sight. As soon as the structures were filled with hot air, they took off for a few seconds, after which they returned to the hands of people again. This went on again and again. Watching this action, Lin thought about how to attach the torch to the frame so that the flame of fire would support and raise the flashlight constantly. The monks suggested stretching a thin wire over the frame, fixing a small paper roll well soaked in wax in the center. As a result, the monks got what they wanted, the Sky Lantern, illumined by the most beautiful light, soared into the heavens, bestowing joy on all the inhabitants.

This ceremony turned into a custom that was held at every pasnik, whether it was a birthday, a wedding or a harvest festival. Each ceremony filled people with new strength, gave joy, peace and confidence. The village prospered well. Residents began to grow new crops: cotton, tea. The news of the magical Sky Lanterns gradually spread throughout Asia.

At that time, the Mongols dominated the territory of modern China. In the famous village, there lived one guy Zhu Yuanzhang, the son of an ordinary peasant. He really didn't like this situation. Having matured a little, the guy decided to organize an uprising and finally drive the invaders from his land. Taking a blessing from the elder of the village, Zhu began to prepare for a campaign to search for like-minded people. One of the monks approached him and handed over his horse along with a box of Sky Lanterns. Zhu thanked the monk and asked what the lanterns might be for. To which the sage replied: “The spirit of every warrior grows stronger and loses its anxiety when the Sky Lantern is launched. In addition, they will come in handy for you to give a silent signal.

No one remembers how Zhu managed to gather a large army and lead it. But he still used flashlights, only not as signaling instruments, but to divert attention. In the decisive battle, Zhu, along with his warriors, launched all the lanterns into the sky. The enemy, seeing hundreds of lights in the sky, decided that Loy Krathong (the festival of lights) had come, all the soldiers were distracted, fascinated by watching the action. At this point, Zhong's army struck, scoring a victory. Later, Zhu Yuanjang created his own Ming empire, which he fairly ruled for a long time.

This story has long lost its roots and turned into a beautiful legend. But some Buddhist monks claim that this whole story is the real truth...

How to make a sky lantern with your own hands

Many have seen sky lantern festivals on TV. This sight looks simply mesmerizing. Many wondered how you can make such a flashlight with your own hands and how difficult it will be. In fact, its design is very simple and easy to manufacture.

You will need:

Cigarette paper;
Thin wire;
Glue;
fire retardant solution;
Wax;
Paper towel;
Bamboo hoop;
Cardboard;

In order for the flashlight not to flare up at startup due to high temperature, it is necessary to treat the paper with a flame retardant solution. Cigarette paper is used for sky lanterns. We hang the sheets on a rope and, using a sprayer, soak the paper. After the sheets are dry, cut off a small piece of paper and try to burn it. If the paper catches fire, then it is necessary to process the sheets with fire protection again.

According to this sketch, we make a template from cardboard, according to which we will later cut out fragments of a lantern from tissue paper.

We fold a sheet of tissue paper in half, apply a pattern and cut it out (leave a little space, about 1 centimeter, for gluing fragments). In total, four fragments need to be cut.

We glue all parts of the sky lantern, put a small load on the places of gluing and leave the workpiece to dry for 2-3 hours.

Let's get hooped. You can buy ready-made bamboo or make it yourself from small sticks by gluing them together. You can also use thin hard wire.

The sky lantern burner is made from paper towel and thin cardboard. Melt the wax in a water bath. Necessarily in a water bath, and not just in a saucepan on the stove (wax can flare up) !!! Cut thin cardboard into squares and soak them in wax. Cut a ribbon out of the towel and saturate it with wax as well.

After the paper dries, fold it with an accordion and place the impregnated squares of cardboard inside. Then in the center we make four holes into which we thread a thin wire. Leave the ends of the wire so long that they can be fixed to the hoop. Having attached the burner in the center of the hoop, we glue it to the prepared paper bag.

On this, the manufacture of a sky lantern (Chinese) with our own hands is completed and the time has come for testing.

How to launch a sky lantern correctly (video instruction)

Well, here's what happened as a result of our work.

Now you know how to make sky lanterns with your own hands.

Festivals held annually in different countries of the world are a bewitching spectacle in which absolutely everyone should definitely participate.

Based on materials from the site: blog.skylighter.com

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This is not the first time we have encountered luminous fakes with our own hands. You already know how to do . Today we will learn how to make air “fireflies”.

Sky lanterns are a traditional holiday attribute that came to us from Japanese culture. With the help of this simple item, you can decorate and diversify almost any celebration, from a fun corporate party to a wedding.

You can buy such a party accessory for $ 5-10, depending on the quality and size.

But, you see, it is much more pleasant to launch your own mini-balloon made by yourself. So if you want to make Chinese sky lanterns with your own hands, then be patient, have some free time, and also some materials.

You will need:

Size and shape

First, estimate the approximate height of the finished flashlight. As a rule, one meter is enough. A flashlight of this size takes off well, and does not get lost at a height. After that, think about what shape it will be (for example, a heart, a top hat, etc.).

Type and color

After that, we move on to the technical side of the choice - determining the type and color of paper. It must be not only durable, but also soft, light and thin so that the flashlight can fly up into the sky without hindrance.

Keep in mind one important point: if the weight of the paper is more than 25 grams per square meter, then the mini-balloon simply will not take off.

So choose your paper carefully - this is one of the most important points.

Paper preparation

First, impregnate the selected material with a flame retardant. This is necessary in order to prevent the possibility of ignition of the ball, as well as to protect it from getting wet.

If you want to make a meter-high Chinese lantern, then cut the prepared paper into four pieces, 100 by 80 cm in size, which will lengthen towards the bottom, and will be flattened at the top. We glue them together using ordinary PVA glue.

Burner manufacturing

In order to make a paper lantern, which later takes off safely, we will definitely need a burner. In order to make it, we melt the wax, and dip a piece of lint-free cloth into it, soaking it with it.

We give the wax to cool, and on this the manufacturing process of the burner can be considered complete.

Frame manufacturing

We wind two tubes of foil on the knitting needle. After that, we put these very tubes in a cross, and we fix our burner in the center. We wrap all this with copper wire so that the structure does not fall apart.

Today it is fashionable to launch handmade Chinese lanterns into the sky. The lights flying into the sky are a wonderful sight that both children and adults like to admire. So where did this popular fun come from and what rules are important to follow in order to ensure the safety of others.

Story

For the first time, a paper Chinese lantern was mentioned in the annalistic description of the military campaigns of Zhuge Liang. This legendary Chinese general imitated the intervention of divine forces, instilling fear in his enemies. To do this, he used a paper bag and an oil lamp. The upward cloud of light convinced the opponents that the higher powers were on the side of the general.

Similar devices were also used to transmit signals between military units located far from each other. Information about this refers to the third century BC. Some experts claim that flying lanterns were also used to perform religious rituals.

The history of the mass distribution of luminous lanterns in Europe dates back to 2005. The reason was a tragic event: the 2004 earthquake in the Indian Ocean. A commemorative event for this tragedy and its victims was the mass launch of luminous lanterns in Thailand. And thanks to the photo of this event, which became the winner of the World Press Photo, the Chinese ritual has become popular among Europeans.

Device

The Chinese flying lantern consists of the following elements:

bamboo frame;
a burner made of fuel-impregnated fabric fixed on a thin wire;
a dome made of rice paper impregnated with a non-combustible composition.

The shape of the product can be any - most often spherical or cylindrical.

Operating principle

Chinese sky lanterns easily soar into the sky, acting on the same principles as hot air balloons. Remember the Montgolfier brothers? Their invention is shells filled with hot smoke and capable of flying for kilometers. The fact is that due to heating, the air becomes lighter due to a decrease in density. The difference between the density of air masses inside and outside the shell becomes the driving force.

That is why among the tips for launching flying lanterns you can often find this one: "in order to launch a flashlight, select a clear frosty night."

Some characteristics

The traditional Chinese lantern has the following parameters:

approximate weight from 50 to 100 g;
size in height from 70 to 170 cm;
burning time about 20 minutes;
the diameter of the lower ring is from 28 to 50 cm;
the approximate possible lifting height is up to 500 m.

Is it possible to launch Chinese lanterns in the city

Unregulated launch of flashlights often entails unpleasant consequences. Among them:

fires, including forest fires;
power plants put out of action;
loss of livestock that accidentally ate a fallen wire frame;
injury to animals.

Therefore, in some states there were bans associated with this beautiful and exciting event. Corresponding normative acts were also adopted in Russia.

Law prohibiting the launch of Chinese lanterns in Russia

In 2014, amendments to the Fire Regulations were approved. In accordance with the document, structures that rise to a height by heating the air inside with the help of open fire are prohibited from being launched in cities, other settlements, near forests. Lawyers warn: fines are prescribed for violators, for individuals these are amounts up to 1.5 thousand rubles, for legal entities - an order of magnitude higher.

By law, when planning an event with a mass launch of Chinese lanterns, prior approval from the air traffic management authorities is required.

Operational safety

But even in those places where flashlights are allowed, it is important to follow the rules that ensure the safety of others. The launch of Chinese lanterns is allowed in open spaces where you can control the place of the fall. There should be no residential buildings nearby. Do not use flashlights on windy days.

Responsible lovers of launching sky lanterns recommend: use a small amount of fuel, so you control the place of the fall and can not only make sure that it is completely burned out, but also clean up the garbage.

Kinds

Chinese lanterns can vary both in shape and purpose. Often Chinese lanterns are used simply for decoration. Similar hanging options often decorate Asian cafes and restaurants, oriental shops. Glowing hearts can often be seen at wedding celebrations. And the simplest paper crafts will decorate the house for the New Year or another family holiday.

DIY Chinese paper lanterns

You can easily make a Chinese lantern at home. Teachers recommend: involve children in joint creativity, because they love to participate in creating a fairy tale so much.

Option for children

The simplest craft, reminiscent of a flashlight, was cut out by almost everyone in childhood. To make it, you need only one sheet of colored paper, as well as scissors, glue, a ruler and a pencil as auxiliary materials.

The process consists of several short steps.

It is necessary to cut a strip two centimeters wide from the sheet.
Fold the remaining piece in half.
Draw a workpiece: draw a horizontal line at a distance of 4 cm from the edge and draw many vertical lines from the fold to it, located at the same distance from each other.
Make cuts along the vertical stripes and unfold the sheet.
Glue the edge and attach the handle from the strip cut off at the beginning from above.

According to all traditions

For such a hanging flashlight you will need a template. You can find it on the Internet or draw it yourself. For drawing, you need to take a sheet with an aspect ratio of one to two. The long side is placed horizontally and three horizontal lines are drawn: one in the center and two at a small distance (equal) from the edges. Then the sheet is divided by vertical lines into six sectors and one more line is drawn in the center of each sector. Circles about 2 cm in diameter are drawn around the intersection points of the central vertical lines with the extreme horizontal ones. Then, with rounded lines, connect the center of the upper circle, the intersection points of the vertical lines bounding the segment with the central horizontal ones, the center of the lower circle.

As a result, the template should be six identical segments connected along the center line. On it, a blank is cut out of red cardboard. Important note: you cannot divide the workpiece into segments!

Next, you need to connect the extreme segments to each other. Then combine the lower circles, sew them with a red thread and decorate with a brush formed from the threads. The same must be done with the upper circles, only instead of a brush at the top we leave a thread for which the flashlight will be hung.

sky lattern

To make a Chinese lantern, you need a frame. It can be made from foil-wrapped wooden fruit skewers. As the simplest fuel, you can use tablet candles or cotton wool soaked in alcohol. A candle or fleece is attached to the frame with a metal wire.

The shell can be made, as it was done traditionally, from rice or tissue paper. But other advice is often found on the Internet: use an ordinary garbage bag for a flashlight.

Decor for products

It makes sense to decorate lanterns designed for decoration, not for launching. One of the decor options can be done as follows. We make many, many (several tens) holes on decorated paper with a hole punch. We glue the circles that have fallen out onto the already made lantern according to the husk principle. Important: you need to distribute the circles evenly, making sure that the product is completely pasted over.

Today, everyone can make a Chinese paper lantern with their own hands. And it does not matter: whether it will be a luminous object soaring into the sky or a decor for decorating the interior. The main thing is that the ancient traditions are alive and make everyday life full and beautiful.