How to build a Pyramid Lantern IKARA Celebratory Events _______________________________________________________________________________ Getting Started - Safety The materials and building techniques in lantern construction are generally non-toxic and safe. However, as substances can vary between manufacturers, always read the safety instructions on the label before using. See end of instructions for list of materials. When working with sharp tools such as scissors and cutting knives or materials as in coiled wire, care must be taken to avoid injury. And when working with children ensure that they are supervised at all times and use the correct personal safety protection equipment where required. Finally, always be virulent when using candles or naked flames. Never leave a lit lantern unattended and be mindful of where they are placed. A bucket of water or a small spray bottle should always be at hand in the event of an accident. Lanterns are beautiful and add a magical element to any occasion but caution must always be used. _______________________________________________________________________________ Frame Construction: 3 x 40 cm & 3 x 60 cm bamboo flower stakes Begin by assembling three rods to form the lantern’s base. Insure that they overlap to make a log cabin type corner held in place by short strips of 12mm masking tape. Over lapping corner join. This will help prevent the rods from coming apart and act as a securing point for the upright rods. Take the 3 long rods and loosely tape together about 3 cm from the top. Now lay the uprights on their side and attach each foot to the base. _______________________________________________________________________________ Carry Hoop: Light gage tie wire Take some light weight wire and twist it to form the carrying loop. This should look like an armless person. Place the person on top and firmly wrap the wire legs around the point where the uprights meet. Twist off with pliers and apply more tape to secure. _______________________________________________________________________________ Candle Support Cross Rod Now cut a piece of rod and attach it across two arms of the base. This is to act as a support for the wire candle holder that will be made next. It is not important as to where the cross support is places as long as it is approximately half way between the centre of the lantern (directly under the apex) and a corner. Otherwise the candle may be too close to a side and burn the lantern. _______________________________________________________________________________ Candle Holder: 1.50 mm thick tie wire. Take a length of 1.57mm tie wire and wrap it 5 to 6 times around the base of a candle to insure correct fit. Make sure that you allow about 15 - 20cm of wire at both ends to attach to the base. Slip the candle out of the holder and expand the coil. Make a 90% bend at the end of the wire and tape across the base. Make sure that the candle is positioned at the centre of the lantern directly under the apex. _______________________________________________________________________________ Papering: Greaseproof not silicon impregnated. Now lay the lantern down on the grease proof paper and trace out a pattern for cutting. Make sure that you allow 1 to 2 cm around the outside for attaching to the uprights. Now lay the paper down on plastic sheeting and sponge on glue, using a mixture of 50/50 water and PVA wood glue. Position the lantern on the glued paper and secure one or two sides before standing up it up the complete the attachment. Now repeat the process until all three sides have been attached. Completed Lanterns Final Note: Listed below are the materials used in the construction of the lantern. However just about any suitable materials can be used as long as they serve the purpose. Old bamboo blinds, twigs, willow branches for example, can be used for the frame and any transparent material will serve to cover your lantern. The same applies for the dimensions as the pyramid lantern can be built with 4 and as large as you like. The only limitation is when using naked flame as in a candle, caution must be used with how close it can be to combustible materials. As a general rule, T-light candles do not work well in movable lanterns as they will spill hot wax from their cups. And Tissue paper, although excellent for decorating is too delicate to serve as the main covering but having said that, it has been done. Materials List: 3 x 60 cm bamboo flower stakes 3 x 40 cm bamboo flower stakes 1 x 10 cm bamboo flower stake 80 cm 1.57 mm gal tie wire 15 cm .75 mm gal tie wire 12 mm masking tape 3 x sheets of greaseproof paper PVA wood glue mixed 60/40 with water sponge & container for glue Tissue paper, cellophane, paint etc for decorating IKARA Celebratory Events www.ikaka.com.au info@ikara.com.au +61 2 412 089 402