Skip to content

Today's Hours:
The library is open today from 9am - 9pm

July Teen Grab & Go Craft: Yarn Lanterns

Light up your summer with a colorful yarn lantern!

Grab & Go Teen craft kits will be available beginning July 19th and while supplies last. You can pick up a kit from our green Creation Station (outside the library entrance) or on the table in the Teen Space. Stickers identifying the Teen craft are on each kit; one per person, please.

The craft this month is messy and takes some effort, but it’s so fun to do! I ended up making mine outside where the mess didn’t matter, but if you work inside, be sure to spread a covering over your work surface.

Supplies included:

  • 1 slip-knotted skein of yarn
  • 1 balloon
  • 1 paper bowl
  • 1 paper cup
  • 1 plastic spoon
  • 1 battery operated tealight candle
  • 1 instruction sheet

Supplies needed from home:

  • glue
  • water
  • patience!

Warnings: DO NOT USE LANTERN WITH REAL CANDLES. NEVER LEAVE BATTERY-OPERATED TEALIGHT UNATTENDED. TURN OFF TEALIGHT AFTER EACH USE.

  • Unknot the skein of yarn. Set it aside
  • In the bowl, mix about two parts glue (not provided) with one part water. You can experiment, but you don’t want the mixture too thick OR too thin!
  • Inflate your balloon. You should keep it relatively small (about 4-5″ in diameter).
  • Spread newspaper or some other covering over wherever you’re working, as this project gets very messy!!
  • Learn from my mistake: do NOT put the entire skein of yarn into the glue/water mixture at once. Instead, it’s best to put a short stretch of yarn into the mixture, squeeze out the excess glue, and then begin wrapping that yarn around the balloon.

image5 e1625860542330 1

  • Tuck the beginning of the yarn under another piece as you wrap.
  • Keep putting a small amount of yarn into the glue, wrapping that yarn around the balloon, and alternating those two procedures.
  • Leave an opening opposite from where you start wrapping so you can pop/remove the balloon and then insert the candle. (Picture shows the opening I left to remove the balloon and insert the candle.)

image1 1

  • Be sure to switch wrapping directions for the yarn.
image4 1
Whoops…this is way too much glue on the yarn!
  • You can rest the balloon on the paper cup as you’re working and as it dries.
  • Let dry AT LEAST overnight; possibly longer.
  • When completely dry, push on the balloon to separate it from the yarn. Then pop the balloon and remove.
image3 1
Finished yarn ball after drying for three nights because I used too much glue!
  • You can now slip the tealight in, and you have a yarn-wrapped lantern! Be sure to follow the safety warnings!
image2 1
Oooh, pretty!

We’d love to see your finished lantern, so please send us pictures at youthservices@deerfieldlibrary.org.

Deerfield Public Library

Install Deerfield Public Library

Install this application on your home screen for quick and easy access when you’re on the go.

Just tap then “Add to Home Screen”

Accessibility Toolbar