Now that your brick walkway is illuminated and ready to go, all that’s left to do is make our luminarias. I decided to make mine look like jack-o’-lanterns, but you can cut out any design you like! Let’s get started.
Basic Tools & Materials:
Most crafters are likely to have the items on this list on hand.
- X-Acto blade
- Copy paper
- Hole punch
- Quick dry tacky glue (I like Aleene’s) or glue stick
- Pencil
Specialty Materials:
These materials are more specific to this particular project.
- Bone folder or ball stylus
- Templates (optional)
How to Make the Miniature Halloween Luminarias – Part 2
If you’re going to use my templates, go ahead and print them out on regular copy paper so we can get started!
When I was in the planning stages for this, I did try making the luminarias from vellum, but I found that ultimately I liked the soft glow created by the plain old printer paper better. If you try a different material, please let me know how they turn out!
Get the Halloween Luminarias Template here.
Note: If you are a Cricut user, I have the cut file available on Design Space here.
Cut out all 10 luminarias, either from my printable template or on your Cricut. If you’re using the Cricut, choose the following settings: copy paper, fine point blade, blue or green mat, default pressure.
Next, you’ll want to create the score lines with a ball stylus or bone folder (my preference). Use my printable template for guidance, if needed.
Now, take a pencil and trace your design onto the panel as pictured below. Keep in mind, we’re going to fold the top of the paper down, so don’t place your design too high up on the luminaria.
If you have a light table or a bright window, just tape your design down and trace the design onto each luminaria. You could cut designs out of both sides, but I opted not to because I felt it would diminish the glow of the lantern too much.
Now for the fiddly part – cutting out your design with an X-Acto blade. Make sure you have a fresh, sharp blade and make short cuts, otherwise you’ll tear the paper.
Once all 10 are cut, grab your regular old office hole punch and punch holes in the bottom flaps as pictured above. This is for your lights to fit through!
Time to fold and glue! Start by folding down the top flap. This will NOT be glued down. Next, make all your vertical folds. That little tab on the side will be where you want to put your glue. I used Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue because my glue stick just wasn’t cutting it, but use whichever is easiest for you.
Once the sides are glued together and dry, you’ll fold up the bottom flaps. Start with the two narrow flaps, adding just a tiny bit of glue to the bottom of them, and then fold over the larger flaps and glue. Your punched holes should line up, but even if they’re not 100% perfect, they should still work.
Lastly, pinch the top of each luminaria together a little to give it a paper bag look. Place each luminaria over the lights on your walkway. I chose not to glue them down, since the lights hold the lanterns in place fairly well, but you can certainly add a drop of glue or even tacky wax to secure them in place.
And now, the moment we’ve been waiting for… let there be light!
If you decide to try this mini project and have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below or contact me. I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial!
