Squid Lanterns

I got the idea from the eyeball lantern we did at Halloween this year. They don't sell party supplies for a squid theme so I did my best.

Materials

• Paper Lanterns (available at party stores)
• Tissue Paper
• Scissors
• Elmers Glue
• Foam Brush
• Streamers in desired color

The lantern we used for the eyeball was clearly higher quality. It was ribbed horizontally rather than vertically with metal rods inside rather than just folds of paper. I would look for the kind we used on the eyeball if we ever do this project again. The kind with paper folds was difficult to work with. Mike said "It's like trying to decorate a giant muffin paper, huh?"

Can you do it with the party store folded paper variety? Sure I did.

On my first one I made the mistake of opening it up into a ball (these are held closed by sticky pads) and gluing the eyes on first. It's easier if you count out your 10 (squids have two short tentacles and 8 long) arms, fold them (I did accordion style folds, but spirals would be cute too), attach them together and then into the lantern before you close it.

Once you have a closed lantern with tennticals just cut your eyes parts out of tissue. Glue them together first and then glue them to the lantern. You can use a foam brush to spread the glue evenly. If you're hanging them up high the eyes need to to be attached lower to be seen.