" Lanterns for St. Martin and cool fall evenings "
The leaves are turning into the most beautiful colors that nature has to offer and so begins the season that is often used for crafting with children. Many wonderful occasions await us now. First and foremost, St. Martin's Day and the associated processions with lanterns and lanterns. We'll give you some great craft ideas on how you can use a variety ofcraft materials to make your own St. Martin's lantern.
St. Martin's Day - the story behind it
The story takes us back to the year 316 A.D. According to legend, the Roman soldier Martin of Tours was born at that time. At the age of 17, he was serving in the Roman army. One cold night, the soldier came across a freezing beggar. Out of compassion and charity, he shared the only thing he had with him: his coat. The following night, Jesus Christ appeared to him in a dream in the form of the beggar, dressed in half his cloak.
St. Martin
From then on, the young man dedicated himself to his faith and only wanted to do good from then on. Even during his lifetime, he was considered generous, frugal and modest. On November 8, 397 AD, Martin, who had in the meantime been appointed bishop, died. He was canonized by the Pope on 11 November.
To this day, the generosity of St. Martin is commemorated on November 11. The origin of the custom of parades with lanterns and lanterns is not entirely certain. There are various myths and legends surrounding it. Each procession usually features a soldier in a red coat on a gray horse, accompanied by a group of children with shining lanterns and singing.
Making lanterns for the little ones - simple ideas that inspire
Now it's time to get creative and take a look at the most beautiful craft ideas. In addition to classic tracing paper, you can even use fabrics and, of course, natural materials to make lanterns.
This is what typical lanterns for children look like
Take a long walk beforehand to collect enough colorful leaves. We also need the following for the various St. Martin lanterns string, craft beadscardboard paper, fiber pens, glue, wire and, last but not least, sticks for the lanterns with a light. Nowadays, small battery-operated lights are used. You no longer have to use real candles. From a safety point of view, it is even advisable to use LED lights.
Making lanterns with animal motifs for small children
The first craft tip deals with pretty animal motifs. These can be created in different shapes and from different materials. A classic example is a hedgehog. You will need to make the lantern:
- brown cardboard
- black fiber-tip pens
- yellow tracing paper
- glue
- wire
- Lantern stick with lights
Lanterns with animal motifs
Now carefully cut out the two hedgehogs and put them to one side. Now you need to draw the connecting piece between the two hedgehog parts on a piece of cardboard and cut it out. This connecting piece has a width of a good 4 cm and a length that corresponds to the body of the hedgehog template. Cut out the connecting piece as well and fold the edge by 1-2 cm to create a glue strip.
Now glue the middle piece together with the two outer pieces of the hedgehog along the glue strip and then leave the whole thing to dry a little. If you are making a lantern, the finishing touches are a must. You can trace the spikes and nose with a fiber-tip pen. For the eyes, simply use two black lens beads. This looks a little more lively. Finally, use thin craft wire to pull the upper ends together a little and form an eyelet so that the lantern pole with the little light can be attached.St. Martin's lantern craft with colorful leaves
Colorful, dried leaves are a perfect motif in autumn. Make sure you have enough leaves ready in advance. Of course, you will need tracing paper again and this time an empty Tetrapack box.
Leaves are wonderful for making lanterns
Cut off the top part of the cardboard and put it to one side. Now a little skill is required. Use a sharp knife to cut out as much of the cardboard as possible on all sides. However, the stability must not be lost.
Now glue light-colored tracing paper to the inside. Allow everything to dry well. Now the toddlers can get active and stick the colorful, dried leaves onto the light-colored paper. You can also stick the leaves over the edge. However, it is important that some light still shimmers through later.
Lanterns with different motifs
At the end, the lid cut off at the beginning is also embellished with leaves and attached using hot glue. Cut a hole in the middle through which you can thread craft wire and attach the lantern stick.
Making lanterns with fabrics and bead chains
Young children can help to make lanterns in various ways. In our last tip, we use fabrics and string. To embellish the lantern, we also thread small strings of beads that are attached for decoration.
Children making a lantern
This time we are using a narrow wooden frame as the base:- craft slats
- light-colored fabrics
- threading cords
- needles
- beads
Cut craft slats into 12 strips of the same length. First make a cube from them, which will then serve as the base frame.
Now pick the fabric you want. Choose the lightest possible colors so that the light can shine through better later. It will look particularly pretty if each side has its own color.
Be generous when cutting the fabrics, as they will be sewn around the strips with a needle and cords.
The strings of beads are now attached to the bottom end for embellishment. Finally, the lantern stick with lights, which is attached with the help of some craft wire, provides the light.
Children sing songs on St. Martin's Day
A procession on St. Martin's Day is always accompanied by cheerful songs from the children. Use the time when you are making lanterns with your child to practise and sing the first songs at the same time. This not only lifts the mood, but also gives the afternoon of crafting a magical atmosphere.
