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How To: Make Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns

by on Apr 2, 2018

Photo: Marlene Sauer

There may still be snow on the ground in some places (I’m looking at you, Boston), but spring will be here before you know it. And that means — patio season!

New England winters have trained me to take advantage of every available moment of spring and summer weather, so I am always looking for easy ways to make my tiny driveway patio cuter. That’s where these DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns come in. They’re on-trend, inexpensive, and wicked easy. Keep reading to see how to make them for yourself!            

If you live under a rock and haven’t encountered mud cloth before, it’s a gorgeous historical method of fabric dyeing from Mali that’s been all the rage on Pinterest for a few years. Not only are mud cloth designs beautiful in their graphic minimalism, their basic shapes and repeat patterns are a cinch to replicate (even if you are one of those people like me who insists they can’t draw!).

So, browse a couple of reference images for inspiration, grab a paint pen and a set of paper lantern string lights, and get crafting!

Materials

DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns

Photo: Marlene Sauer

  • Paper lantern string lights (make sure the globes are really made of paper, not fabric)
  • Black paint pen
  • A sheet of cardboard or cardstock, for practice and blotting

Step

DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns Step 1
Photo: Marlene Sauer

Practice drawing some simple patterns on your scrap of cardboard. You can use your inspiration images as a guide, or copy the shapes I’ve drawn here.

When you feel ready to draw on the lantern, blot the paint pen on the cardboard to make sure the flow isn’t too heavy, then begin transferring your patterns to the lantern.

Step

DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lantern Step 2
Photo: Marlene Sauer

Continue to build up the patterns on the lantern. Let your creativity run wild!

You may find that the paint bleeds a tiny bit in some places — don’t fret! This only adds to the rustic, handmade look of mud cloth.

DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns Step 3
Photo: Marlene Sauer

Keep going until you are satisfied with the lantern. Then move on to the next!

DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns
Photo: Marlene Sauer

And that’s it! Now wasn’t that easy?


Whether you use them indoors or out, these DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns are sure to add ambience and charm to your space.
Photo: Marlene Sauer
DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns - an easy craft with only two supplies!
Photo: Marlene Sauer
DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns
Photo: Marlene Sauer 
DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns
Photo: Marlene Sauer
Whether you use them indoors or out, these DIY Mud Cloth Paper Lanterns are sure to add ambience and charm to your space.
Share this project on Pinterest! 

Are you just as pumped for spring as I am? What projects are you working on to get ready for warmer weather?

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