2. Plastic Cup Lanterns
Plastic cup lanterns are a charming way to create decorative lighting for festivals, parties, or cozy home décor. This craft transforms simple cups into glowing art pieces using light and creativity.
To make a plastic cup lantern, small holes or patterns are cut or punched into the sides of the cup. These designs can be geometric, floral, or abstract. The cup can then be painted or left clear, depending on the desired effect. A battery-operated tea light or LED string light is placed inside the cup to illuminate the design.

When lit, the patterns cast soft shadows and glowing designs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. These lanterns are perfect for celebrations such as Diwali, Christmas, Halloween, garden parties, or classroom events.
This craft encourages careful planning and design thinking, as the placement of holes directly affects the final visual effect. It also introduces children to safe lighting alternatives, emphasizing the importance of using LED lights rather than real candles with plastic materials.