{DIY Party Lights} By: Heather

 Last weekend we had a Surprise 40th Birthday Party at The Red Barn Experience! A friend Heather had been planning this for her husband for an ENTIRE year, a whole year... I mean seriously, I can barely keep what I did for lunch that day from my husband. She has some seriously skills, ha... but not only in the surprise party department, but also in the crafting department! :)

 

 It' not easy throwing a party for a guy, but Heather came up with some super amazing gender friendly decorations that she made herself! I asked her to share this specific one, because I can see it being used in SO many different ways, and with any party theme!

 

 

Here's what you need:

•Card stock, 12x12 is the easiest. You can use 8x11 you will just need to put the template on sideways
•Scissors
•Screw punch (Martha Stewart craft supplies has a nice one, sold at Hobby Lobby or Michaels)
•X-acto knife
•Ruler
•Pencil
•A cutting mat
•Hot glue gun
•Set of lights with a larger bulb

 

How to:

First make your template I've included the measurements on mine to make it a little easier. I didn't worry about making mine exact because I liked the look of them all being a little different.
Trace the template onto however many lights you have on the string. Generally it is 24. After you cut them out take your ruler and fold the paper so it looks like a 3-D triangle, this will make it easier for the last step.
After they are all cut out use the screw punch to make random punches on the paper. Make sure you use the cutting mat under the paper as the screw punch is basically a razor blade. The Martha Stewart one has 3 different sizes, I like to mix and match. Another option would be to make letters on the template and punch them out, maybe a name or "Just Married" for example. Put a random punched on in between the words and/or on the ends. 
When you have all of the punches done cut and "X" into the smallest triangle as where that will be where the light bulb is inserted.
Place a small amount of glue onto the small 1/2" flaps that are on the sides of the triangles and glue the sides and top together.
Lastly put the "lanterns" on the bulbs and you are all done!

 



 

Thanks so much for sharing Heather!!

 

 

And stay tuned for some AMAZING yarn wrapped wine bottles she used as centerpieces!