How to Build Wesak Lanterns
Wesak lanterns come in many shapes and forms - from the simple geometric shapes to extremely complex multi-storey affairs.
We will begin small.
I will describe the construction of simple Wesak Lanterns in two stages: first to create a skeleton, and then how to decorate it to give the final product.
You will find the descriptions supported by numerous images taken at their various stages of construction.
What do you need to construct a Wesak lantern? You need only the most basic materials: What you need:
Select bamboo sticks of, say, 0.5 inch/1cm diameter. Cut them to equal lengths of, say, 15 cm each. Bigger the size, bigger the lantern will be. A size of 15cm will give you a manageable size, and to gain experience with.
Now, split the sticks lengthwise into strips of manageable widths. Why bamboo strips? Because they are flexible and easy to work with. You can also select any thin, flexible sticks for the purpose.
What you need:
* The frame skeleton made in Stage 1
* Thin tissue paper, to cover the frame skeleton.Preferably white. Crepe paper is also good. In this demo I am using white crepe paper.* A pair of scissors
* A ruler
* Some form of paste or glue to stick the paper to the lantern frame.Traditionally, people use plain baking flour cooked in a bit water to make a sticky paste. Gooey rice also is good. Other forms of glue could turn out to be problematic as they could show themselves through the paper when they dry out.
* A kitchen towel to wipe yourself from time to time, as most of the paste would end up on you!
I have worked out detailed construction details for the following Wesak lantern:
