Sky lanterns- an amazing sight, thanks to very simple inventions. The flashlight has a very simple design, which means you can do it yourself! This will require very few materials, which nowadays cost mere pennies.
For the flashlight we will use:
Rubbish bag;
Cocktail straws;
Once everything is ready, you can start creating.
1. We take the tubes and make a cross out of them. We fasten them together with tape or glue. Don't be too zealous with the tape, try to keep the design as light as possible.
2. We glue candles to the tubes. We used the lightest, most festive ones, and we also advise you to take them.
3. We attach the resulting structure to a garbage bag. Again we use tape or glue.
The flashlight is ready! You can start launching!
Launch a flashlight- it’s not an easy task, you need to follow several rules for the launch to be successful.
1. Spread the flashlight.
2. The launch is best carried out by two people. One holds the dome, the second sets it on fire.
3 . Keep it like this until it warms up well.
4. As soon as the flashlight heats up, lift it up, if it pulls out of your hands, then let go, if not, then hold it some more. Repeat the up and down motion until the flashlight flies up.
Flying lanterns float across the night sky: very interesting, charming, romantic. An open fire heats the air in them according to the same principle as in balloons. First launched in China over 2,000 years ago, the first flying lanterns were constructed from bamboo rims with paper parts attached to them, creating the shape of a bag or cube. In the lower, open part, a fire source was fixed (most often a burning candle or a rag soaked in oil) and the hot atmosphere filled the lantern. As the flashlight cooled, it calmly descended back to the ground.
These handmade “night birds” still excite the imagination, appearing in paintings, books, movies and cartoons. Modern flying lanterns are very similar to their predecessors, only now they are safer thanks to the addition of a fire-resistant substance applied to the paper. And unlike in years past, many are writing messages or wishes on their lanterns before sending them off into the sky.
You will need:
— packaging of tissue (cosmetic, thin wrapping) paper of any color;
- any product that greatly increases the fire resistance of paper (for example, MP FR);
- clothesline;
- clothespins;
- glue;
— kraft paper;
- bamboo, 2.5 cm in diameter, approximately 122 cm in length;
- knife;
- sandpaper;
- wood glue;
- copper wire;
- thin staples;
- a square of thin cardboard, side - 5 cm;
- cotton ball;
— ethyl alcohol (from 70%);
- aluminium foil;
- duct tape.
1. Pin 4 sheets of tissue paper onto a clothesline and spray them with flame retardant, avoiding the very corners where the sheets are caught by clothespins. Let the paper dry completely.
2. Adhere each sheet of treated tissue/thin wrapping paper to a sheet of untreated tissue paper, overlapping lengthwise and using a thin, even layer of adhesive.
3. On craft paper, draw an image representing the top half of the mitten. The finished lantern will look like a hot air balloon made of 4 pieces combined: make 4 of these “half-mittens” from kraft paper and tape them together. So that the lower flat edges of the half-mittens look down, and only they form together the open part of the flashlight: you will get a layout of your flashlight and will be able to adjust it where necessary. When you are completely satisfied with the design, remove sticky tape.
4. Using the kraft paper model as a reference, cut out the desired shape from the tissue paper, creating 4 slightly curved pieces with one straight edge. Glue the elements of the flashlight together, leaving, as in the point with the layout, only the edge at the bottom where the 4 parts have a straight edge is open: this is the lower part of the flashlight, where we will insert the burning element. Naturally, the sprayed side of each sheet of tissue paper should go inside the lantern.
5. Make a bamboo ring. Split the bamboo stick into thin strips by very carefully and slowly moving the knife down the length of the pole. Test the strips for flexibility by gently bending them with both hands. If you find one that is flexible enough, sand it sandpaper until completely smooth. Then make a rim from the finished strip and fix it at the joint with glue.
6. Place a suitable-sized letter “X” made of copper wire into the circle of the base of the flashlight (into a bamboo ring), using thin staples to secure everything in place. Cover a cardboard square with foil and secure it in the center of the "X" with tape, staples, or glue.
7. Make a cup out of foil: large enough to hold the cotton ball, but not allow it to fall out. Glue the cup to the center of the stand.
8. Attach the previously made part of the lantern from the bottom (open part) to the stand circle using adhesive tape and remember: it works like a balloon, so the cup with foil should fit inside.
9. Carry a flashlight outside in the evening. Soak a cotton ball in ethyl alcohol(70% and above) and place the damp cotton wool in a foil bowl. Light the ball, carefully secure the bottom of the flashlight and hold the flashlight in your hands, ensuring that warm air accumulates inside. When the sides become hot and you begin to feel the flashlight slipping out of your palms, release it.
Additions and warnings:
— Garden pegs or poles can become good source bamboo;
— Coping with a flying flashlight is easier with a couple;
— When you design the shape of the balloon, make sure that top part certainly larger, more voluminous than the lower one;
— Alternative view"fuel" can be made by immersion toilet paper into melted wax;
— A hoop made of copper wire can be attached to the top of the flashlight - it will provide the latter better shape;
— Never launch such lanterns on very windy days - there is a great risk of fire;
— When it rains, it’s simply not possible to run such a lantern;
- Remember that your flying flashlight is a potential fire hazard and you will be responsible for any damage it may cause.
Precautions: This project uses flammable materials. Children should only work on the project in the presence of an adult. Do not use a Chinese lantern in areas where there is a risk of fire. It is best to launch the balls over a large surface of water.
Collect all the materials to assemble the sky lantern. To assemble it yourself you will need large sheets wrapping paper or waxed rice paper. The paper should be fairly light. Regular printer paper and most paper bags are too heavy for heated air to lift. You will need tape to glue the sheets together.
For the fire you will need a small sponge, which will be placed in alcohol (except for a sponge, you can use any suitable material, which can absorb alcohol and will be quite light). For the project I used a regular sponge and 91% isopropyl alcohol. The sponge will be connected to the paper ball with a light wire. The easiest way to light a fire is with a grill lighter. If you are not launching an air lantern alone, then one person can hold it, and the second will light the sponge. If you only fire one, place it on the ground and light the sponge while holding the top paper part suspended.
Place the sheets of paper one next to the other. The long sides of the sheets should lie next to each other. Lay the sheets overlapping so that they can be joined with tape. About a centimeter will be enough. Use tape to connect the sheets. The tape must be glued along the entire length of the paper so that the heated air does not escape from the ball. The four pieces of paper should become one large piece.
Take one short piece of paper and connect it to the other short end. Secure them with tape so that the paper becomes shaped like a hollow cylinder. Remember that there should be no gaps or gaps in the connections.
Now you need to attach a top to the cylinder that holds hot air inside. You can use another sheet of paper for this. Fold the cylinder along the joints until it looks more like a box. Place one end of it on the floor and the other end facing you. Take a piece of paper and place the short end 10cm below the top of the cylinder. Next, wrap the long side over the top, then it will be secured with tape. Run a strip of tape along the entire length of the sheet and secure it on one side. Rotate the structure and secure the opposite part of the sheet.
Rotate and secure each side of the roof. It should now only have one side open. Check again that there are no gaps in the connections.
Kitchen sponge needs to be cut to get more small piece so that it will fit and not weigh too much when soaked in alcohol. About 3 cm will be enough.
The sponge will be connected by two pieces of wire. The length of the wire should be approximately 3 cm longer than the width.
The wire must be passed through the sponge and placed in such a way that the side with the largest area faces the top of the structure. Make sure that there are pieces of wire equal in length on each side.
Tape the ends of the wire to the sides finished design. The sponge should be in the center of its open part so that the paper does not start to burn.
Soak the washcloth in alcohol or lighter mixture without touching the paper parts. This is easiest to do if you are not preparing the flashlight for launch alone. One person can hold and the other dab the sponge.
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This is not the first time we have encountered luminous fakes with our own hands. You already know how to do... Today we will learn how to make aerial “fireflies”.
Sky lanterns are a traditional holiday attribute that came to us from Japanese culture. With the help of this simple item you can decorate and diversify almost any celebration, from a fun corporate party to a wedding.
You can buy such a holiday accessory for $5-10, depending on the quality and size.
But, you see, it’s much more pleasant to launch your own, homemade mini-balloon into flight. So if you want to make Chinese sky lanterns with your own hands, then be patient, free time, and also some materials.
You will need:
First, estimate the approximate height of the finished flashlight. As a rule, one meter is enough. A flashlight of this size takes off well and does not get lost at altitude. After that, think about what shape it will be (eg heart, cylinder, etc.). 
After this, we move on to the technical side of the choice - determining the type and color of paper. It must be not only durable, but also soft, light and thin, so that the flashlight can soar into the heavenly heights without hindrance
Consider one important point: if the paper weight is more than 25 grams per square meter, then the mini-balloon simply won’t take off.
So choose your paper carefully - this is one of the most important points.
To begin, saturate the selected material with a fire retardant. This is necessary in order to prevent the possibility of the ball catching fire, and also to protect it from getting wet.
If you want to make a meter-high Chinese lantern, then cut the prepared paper into four pieces measuring 100 by 80 cm, which will be longer at the bottom and flattened at the top. We glue them together using regular PVA glue.
In order to make a paper lantern, which will later fly safely, we will definitely need a burner. To make it, melt the wax and dip a piece of lint-free cloth into it, saturating it with it.
Let the wax cool, and at this point the process of making the burner can be considered complete.
We wrap two foil tubes onto a knitting needle. After this, we place these same tubes in a cross, and attach our burner to the center. We wrap all this with copper wire so that the structure does not fall apart.
Today it is fashionable to launch hand-made Chinese lanterns into the sky. The lights flying into the sky are a wonderful sight that both children and adults enjoy admiring. So where did this popular fun come from and what rules are important to follow to ensure the safety of others.
For the first time, a Chinese paper lantern was mentioned in the chronicle description of the military campaigns of Zhuge Liang. This legendary Chinese general imitated the intervention of divine powers, instilling fear in his enemies. To do this, he used a paper bag and oil lamp. The rising cloud of light convinced opponents that higher power on the general's side.
The history of the mass distribution of glowing lanterns in Europe dates back to 2005. The reason was a tragic event: the 2004 earthquake in Indian Ocean. A mass launch of glowing lanterns in Thailand became a memorial event for this tragedy and its victims. And thanks to the photograph of this event, which became a World Press Photo winner, the Chinese ritual became popular among Europeans.
The Chinese flying lantern consists of the following elements:
The shape of the product can be any - most often spherical or cylindrical.
Chinese sky lanterns easily soar into the sky, acting on the same principles as Balloons. Remember the Montgolfier brothers? Their invention is shells filled with hot smoke and capable of flying for kilometers. The fact is that due to heating, the air becomes lighter due to a decrease in density. The difference between the density of air masses inside and outside the shell becomes the driving force.
That is why among the tips for launching flying lanterns you can often find the following: “in order to launch a lantern, choose a clear frosty night.”
A traditional Chinese lantern has the following parameters:
Unregulated launching of flashlights often entails unpleasant consequences. Among them:
Therefore, in some states there are bans associated with this beautiful and exciting event. Relevant regulations were also adopted in Russia.
In 2014, changes to the Fire Regulations were approved. In accordance with the document, structures that rise to a height by heating the air inside with the help of an open fire are prohibited from being allowed in cities, other settlements, or near forested areas. Lawyers warn: fines have been prescribed for violators, individuals These amounts are up to 1.5 thousand rubles, for legal entities – an order of magnitude higher.
But even in places where it is allowed to run flashlights, it is important to follow the rules that ensure the safety of others. Launching Chinese lanterns is allowed in open spaces where the location of the fall can be controlled. There should be no residential buildings nearby. You should not use flashlights in windy weather.
Responsible sky lantern launchers recommend: use a small amount of fuel, this way you can control the crash site and can not only make sure it burns completely, but also clean up the debris.
Chinese lanterns can vary in both shape and purpose. Often Chinese lanterns are used simply for decoration. Similar hanging options often decorate Asian cafes and restaurants, oriental shops. Glowing hearts can often be seen at wedding celebrations. And the simplest paper crafts will decorate your home for the New Year or another family holiday.
A Chinese lantern can be easily made at home. Teachers recommend: involve children in joint creativity, because they so love to participate in the creation of a fairy tale.
The simplest craft, resembling a flashlight, was carved by almost everyone in childhood. To make it, you only need one sheet of colored paper, as well as scissors, glue, a ruler and a pencil as auxiliary materials.
The process consists of several short steps.
For such a hanging lantern you will need a template. You can find it on the Internet or draw it yourself. For the drawing you need to take a sheet with an aspect ratio of one to two. The long side is placed horizontally and three horizontal lines are drawn: one in the center and two at a short distance (the same) from the edges. Then they divide the sheet with vertical lines into six sectors and draw another line in the center of each sector. Circles with a diameter of approximately 2 cm are drawn around the points of intersection of the central vertical lines with the outer horizontal ones. Then rounded lines connect the center of the upper circle, the points of intersection of the vertical lines limiting the segment with the central horizontal ones, and the center of the lower circle.
As a result, the template should consist of six identical segments connected along the center line. A blank is cut out of it from red cardboard. Important note: the workpiece cannot be divided into segments!
Next, you need to connect the outer segments together. Then combine the lower circles, stitch them with red thread and decorate them with a tassel formed from threads. The same thing needs to be done with the upper circles, only instead of a tassel at the top we leave a thread by which the flashlight will be suspended.
To make a Chinese lantern you need a frame. It can be made from wooden fruit skewers wrapped in foil. As a simple fuel, you can use candle tablets or cotton wool soaked in alcohol. The candle or cotton wool is attached to the frame with metal wire.
The shell can be made as was traditionally done from rice or tissue paper. But on the Internet you often find another piece of advice: use a regular garbage bag for a flashlight.
It makes sense to decorate lanterns that are intended for decoration, not for launching. One of the decor options can be done as follows. Using a hole punch, we make many, many (several dozen) holes on the decorated paper. We glue the fallen circles onto the already made lantern according to the principle of husks. Important: the circles must be distributed evenly, making sure that the product is completely covered.
Today, anyone can make a Chinese paper lantern with their own hands. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a luminous object soaring into the sky or decor for interior decoration. The main thing is that ancient traditions are alive and doing daily life filled and beautiful.
