How to make your own Diwali decorations
Diwali is a Hindu festival of light celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere). Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India, and it’s also known as the “festival of lights”. One of the most important things about Diwali is decorating your home with beautiful lights and lanterns.
If you want to get into the festive spirit but don’t want to spend a lot of money on decorations, then why not try making your own?
In this article, we’ll show you how to make three different types of Diwali decoration: rangoli patterns, paper lanterns, and clay lamps.
Rangoli Patterns:
Rangoli is a type of Indian sand painting that is usually created on the floor in front of homes and businesses. The designs are usually geometric or floral, and they’re often brightly coloured. To make your own rangoli pattern, you will need:
- Finely ground white powder
- Coloured powders (optional)
- A piece of cardboard or paper
- A small bowl of water
Start by drawing a design on the cardboard or paper. Once you’re happy with your design, trace it onto the ground using the white powder. If you want to add some colour to your rangoli, then mix the coloured powders with a little water to create a paste. Use this paste to fill in the gaps in your design.
Paper Lanterns:
Paper lanterns are a popular type of Diwali decoration, and they’re really easy to make! You will need:
- A sheet of black construction paper
- A sheet of white tissue paper
- A pencil
- Scissors
- Tape
- A stapler
- A small candle
Start by drawing a simple lantern shape onto the black construction paper. Cut out your shape, and then use it as a template to cut out a second one. These will be the sides of your lantern. Next, cut out a strip of white tissue paper that’s slightly wider than the height of your lantern sides. Fold this strip in half lengthwise, and then staple it along the fold to the top edge of one of the lantern sides. Repeat this step with the other side of the lantern.
Now, take your remaining strip of white tissue paper and accordion-fold it. This will be the top of your lantern. Tape the ends of your accordion-folded strip to the top edges of your lantern sides. Finally, insert a small candle into the bottom of your lantern and light it up!
Clay Lamps:
Clay lamps are another popular type of Diwali decoration. They’re traditionally made from clay that’s been molded into a lamp shape and then fired in a kiln, but you can also make them from air-dry clay. You will need:
- Air-dry clay
- A rolling pin
- A knife or other sharp object
- A straw
- Paint (optional)
- A small candle
Start by rolling out your clay to a thickness of about ½ inch. Use the knife or other sharp object to cut out a lamp shape from the clay. Make a hole in the top of your lamp for the wick with the straw. Allow the lamp to air dry, and then paint it if you like. Once it’s dry, insert a small candle into the bottom of your lamp and light it up!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of paper for the lanterns?
A: Yes, you can use any type of paper you like. Just keep in mind that thinner papers will be more delicate and may not hold up as well when you’re folding them.
Q: Do I have to paint the clay lamps?
A: No, you don’t have to paint them. But if you want to, then go for it!
Q: Can I use a different kind of clay for the lamps?
A: Yes, you can use any type of clay you like. Just keep in mind that air-dry clay is the easiest to work with.
Have fun crafting your own Diwali decorations!
Conclusion:
Diwali is a fun and festive time of year, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get crafty! In this article, we’ve shown you how to make three different types of Diwali decoration: rangoli patterns, paper lanterns, and clay lamps. So grab your supplies and get started!