Upcycled Life: Pumpkin Lantern

If you’ve been to many estate sales, you might have seen an abundance of old sewing patterns. These used tissue pattern pieces might not be to size or style for your next sewing project, but they have so many other uses.

I especially love to layer the tissue in papier-mache so that the markings and text shows through. The color is just right for fall and gives off a warm glow as a jack-o’-lantern.

Directions

Partially blow up a balloon and twist off and clamp it with a clip, but don’t tie it off yet.

Wrap a string around the balloon and then again three more times, bisecting the balloon in equal portions.

Tack the strings in place with small pieces of tape at the base and on each string at the side to keep it in place.

Inflate the balloon a little more to allow it to bulge between the strings, and tie off the balloon.

With a solution of watered-down white glue, layer pieces of pattern tissue and glue with a paintbrush. Cover with several layers. Give your lantern a face with cutout shapes of black paper, and cover it with a final layer of tissue.

Allow it to fully dry and then pop and remove the balloon. Cut the top opening large enough to place a battery-operated light. Display or hang your lantern.

Katie Patterson Larson is the director and founder of Art Salvage, a creative reuse center in Spokane. Art Salvage keeps usable materials out of the waste stream and makes them accessible and affordable to everyone. For more information, visit artsalvagespokane.com.