Make these DIY star-shaped lanterns

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

- Thin, transparent polypropylene sheet (craft plastic) - Balsa wood strips (4 inches wide and 1/8 inch thick) - Craft knife - Metal ruler - Silicone, gel or any other fast-drying clear glue - Battery-operated LED string lights - Clear tape

1. Choose a shape. I found a free, five-pointed star online and printed it out.

If making a star is a bit daunting, try cutting out a few different sized rectangles instead.

Star pattern Star pattern

2. Cut the paper template and place it on the polypropylene sheet.

3. Using a pencil, trace the star on the plastic.

4. Cut the star out with a knife and metal ruler.
5. Repeat the last two steps so you wind up with two identical stars. Put one aside.

6. Place the balsa strip from one of the points to another; mark this length with a pencil.

7. Cut the balsa on the mark you’ve made.

8. Repeat the last step, creating another balsa piece for the second side of that point. 9. Apply glue right on the edge of the star, outlining that one point.

10. Add glue to the short end of one of the balsa pieces. 11. Adhere the two balsa pieces to the plastic star and to one another.

12. Repeat until you’ve created a 3D star of balsa wood. 13. Lift your star upright and attach the string lights to the inside with clear tape.

14. Gently place the battery case at one of the lower points. 15. Apply glue to the entire edge of wood, leaving one point without glue where the battery case is placed.

16. Adhere the second polypropylene star to close up the lantern.

17. The one unglued point will be your access to the battery case and the on/off switch.

Make a few of these star-shaped lanterns in different sizes to create a magical atmosphere and an unforgettable night.

Feeling crafty?

Check out the Life section for even more ideas! USATODAY.com USATODAY.com