Looking to add a touch of magic to your nature table? Why not give crafting a Waldorf-inspired origami star lantern a try? This delightful project not only brings new life to old watercolor paintings but also fills mantles, window sills, dinner tables, desks, and more with a captivating glow. Wherever you choose to showcase these exquisite candle holders, they are sure to bring beauty and warmth to any space.
You can follow our step-by-step video tutorial or refer to the instructions below:
Materials needed:
- Watercolor paper
- Watercolor paints (for wet-on-wet painting, we recommend using paints)stockmar
- 12 x 12-inch piece of watercolor paper (trim to size after painting)
- Flameless votive candle
- Scissors
- Bone folder (optional)
Start with a 12 x 12-inch piece of watercolor paper. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creating a cross in the middle. Then, fold it in half again along both diagonals.
Next, gather the paper into a squash square fold, similar to making a paper crane. Fold both the right and left corners inward between the two remaining squares of paper. This will result in a 4 x 4-inch square.
If you face any difficulties, we encourage you to watch the video at the top of this post for a clearer demonstration.
With the wider side pointing up, fold the right corner towards the center line, creating a thinner kite shape. Turn the left side over to the right and repeat this step on each flap.
Open up each of these folds and press them down flat, forming a triangle with two “ears” at the top. Repeat this step for each flap.
Trim off the smaller triangles at the top of the kite shape you’ve made.
The resulting shape should be a downward-pointing isosceles triangle. Fold the right and left corners down to the center line. Turn the flap to the right twice and repeat the previous step until you return to the original side. The resulting kite shape should resemble the point of a Waldorf window star!
Open each of the folds and tuck the flaps inside the triangle.
Next, fold the tops of each kite flap down, creating a crease at the top of the triangle. Repeat this for each flap until you have folded them all down, and the resulting shape is once again an isosceles triangle.
Fold the bottom tip of the triangle upwards to meet the tip of the top triangle. Unfold it, flip the shape over, and fold the tip in the opposite direction. Open up your shape and press down on the center point, flattening it to create the base of your lantern.
Turn the lantern over and place a flameless votive inside. If you choose to use a real candle, make sure to keep the flame far away from the paper and never leave it unattended.
Find the perfect spot for your lantern and watch as it illuminates your space with its gentle, radiant glow!
Volia A Waldorf Star Lantern. We hope this tutorial has made the process feel more accessible. Remember to share your creations on Instagram by tagging us.