Ever dreamed of capturing a bit of fairy magic in your home? ✨ This DIY glowing paper roll fairy lantern craft has been my go-to for rainy days, kids’ parties, and even cozy fall evenings. Inspired by whimsical forest vibes and twinkly fairy tales, these little lanterns transform plain old toilet paper rolls into enchanting decorations. All you need are a few supplies, a spark of creativity, and a love for all things glittery. According to a 2024 survey, over 60% of crafters prefer upcycled materials—so you’re in magical company here. Let’s make some fairy light magic!
Materials You’ll Need for Fairy Lanterns
Okay, let me tell you—nothing gets my kids more excited than when I break out the “craft bin.” You know, that giant plastic tub stuffed with glitter, glue sticks, and recycled materials I just knew would come in handy one day. 😂 Last week, we dove into one of our favorite kids crafts ever—glowing paper roll fairy lanterns—and honestly, it was pure magic.
What’s in My Fairy Lantern Craft Box?
- Empty paper rolls – Yep, those toilet paper or paper towel rolls? Don’t toss ‘em. They’re basically gold for paper roll crafts.
- Acrylic paint or pastel-colored paper – We’ve used soft mint, lilac, and baby pink. Go for anything dreamy.
- Craft glue or glue sticks – I prefer a glue stick for the little ones. Less mess. Trust me.
- Glitter, sequins, metallic stickers – This is where the sparkle happens. Just be prepared for glitter in your hair.
- Scissors or craft knife – Adults only for this part, please. Learned that the hard way.
- Battery-powered LED candle – These make the lanterns glow safely. No fire risk = peace of mind.
- Fairy-themed cutouts (optional) – Stars, moons, tiny fairies… you can find these printable online or use a craft punch.
A Few Tips from My Craft Table to Yours
Now, I used to think I needed to run to the store for fancy supplies every time we did a craft. Nope. Once I realized DIY lanterns could be made with stuff already at home (like those empty toilet paper rolls I was hoarding), it was game over. One thing though: don’t skimp on the LED candle—some cheap ones flicker out fast or barely glow. I always get a pack from Amazon with solid reviews.
If you’re doing this with younger kids, I recommend setting up a “glue station.” Sounds excessive, but when you’ve cleaned glitter off the dog for the third time, you’ll thank me.
Oh! And don’t stress about perfection. Some of our lanterns have wonky windows and lopsided stickers… they still look absolutely magical when the lights go down.
So there you go. With just a few simple supplies and a bit of fairy dust (read: glitter), you’re all set to make your own glowing paper roll crafts that double as the cutest night lights. Keep your LED tealights handy—you’ll probably want to make more.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Fairy Lanterns
Alright, here’s the fun part—the crafting chaos! Don’t worry, I’ve made all the beginner mistakes (like cutting windows after adding glitter… just, don’t). This easy lantern project is one of those rare DIY crafts for kids that’s low stress and actually turns out cute.
Step 1: Paint or Wrap Your Rolls
First thing’s first—get those toilet paper rolls looking dreamy. We used pastel acrylics: mint green, lavender, and a blush pink. If you’ve got colored paper, that works too. Just wrap and glue. Let them dry fully—I’ve learned the hard way that glitter won’t stick to half-dry paint.
Step 2: Cut Out Windows and Doors
Now draw tiny arched doors or fairy windows on the roll. Use a pencil first, so if your kiddo’s like mine (aka chaotic good), you can re-sketch it. Then use scissors or a craft knife—this is definitely an “adult handles this” moment. I once let my oldest try and we ended up with a “modern art” lantern. Still glowed though!
Step 3: Time for Sparkle
Here’s where it gets messy—in the best way. Add glue around the windows and door frames, then rain down that glitter. Sequins and metallic star stickers are awesome too. My 6-year-old even added mini pom-poms last time. No rules here, just sparkle and joy.
Step 4: Drop in the Light
Pop in a battery-operated LED tealight and BOOM—your lantern lights up like a fairy’s got a night shift inside. Just double-check the switch works before you seal it up. Yep, speaking from experience. 😅
Step 5: Let It Glow
Set it on a shelf, in a nook, or near your kid’s bed. The glow is soft and magical—and best of all, it’s a safe kids activity since there’s no open flame. I even let my youngest sleep with hers on her nightstand. She says it’s her “dreamlight.”
Crafting these glowing fairy lanterns isn’t just about making something pretty—it’s a moment of connection, imagination, and learning to love the mess. And honestly? Watching their little faces light up when their lanterns do? Worth every sprinkle of glitter on the floor.
Decorating Ideas for a Magical Fairy Look
Now this is where the fairy magic really kicks in. 🌟 If you thought painting and cutting were fun, just wait till you start decorating. It’s like turning a plain cupcake into a unicorn—same base, way more sparkle. This is hands-down my favorite part of all our kids DIY projects.
Add Whimsical Fairy Cutouts
First thing we did? Print out some tiny fairy silhouettes and crescent moons on cardstock. If you’ve got a cutting machine, go wild. Otherwise, scissors and a steady hand do the trick. We glued these right onto the rolls, and BOOM—fairy home decor vibes for days.
Ribbons, Lace, and a Touch of Tulle
One afternoon I raided my old sewing box (which I never use anymore) and found scraps of lace and ribbon. Twirling a little tulle around the bottom of each lantern gave them a real fairy gown feel. We tied thin satin ribbons into bows and glued them near the top—so dainty!
Pro tip: Use fabric glue. Regular craft glue doesn’t always stick to ribbon, and I learned that mid-meltdown when my daughter’s “perfect bow” fell off… twice.
Add Texture with Moss or Mini Flowers
We got super into the whole “fairy garden” look, so I let the kids hot glue bits of faux moss around the base of their lanterns. One even added a plastic butterfly from an old headband. 😂 You can also grab a pack of those mini fake flowers from the dollar store—they’re cheap and make everything feel more enchanted.
Don’t Forget the Sparkle
This should honestly go without saying, but: more glitter. I even picked up glow-in-the-dark glitter for a few. When we turned off the lights and their lanterns not only glowed from the LED candle inside but sparkled on the outside? Literal gasps. 10/10 recommend.
Decorating the lanterns took our basic glow in the dark lantern idea and turned it into a full-on magical DIY craft. And the best part? Each one looked totally different. Some were fairy cottages. Others looked like little wizard towers. I even made one that turned out more “mushroom chic” than I intended… but it’s now my favorite.
Where to Display Your Fairy Lanterns
Okay, now you’ve got your glowing fairy lanterns—glittery, twinkly, and full of charm—what next? Well, this is where the fun continues. Honestly, we’ve tried putting these little beauties everywhere. If you’re into fairy room decor or just need some cute DIY night light options for your kids, here’s what worked for us.
1. Magical Bedside Glow
My youngest uses hers as a bedtime buddy. I place the lantern on her nightstand with a soft LED tealight flickering inside, and she falls asleep talking to the “fairies” she says live in it. It’s sweet and kind of magical. And bonus? No wiring or outlets needed—it’s the easiest DIY night light ever.
2. Fairy Shelf Display
We made a tiny “fairy village” on one of their bookshelves. Each lantern is a little fairy house, and we added fake moss, pebbles, and tiny signs with names like “Twinkle’s Cottage” and “Moonbeam’s Bakery.” Sounds extra, but it’s become one of the cutest kids bedroom ideas we’ve done.
3. Party Centerpieces
Last spring, we threw a fairy-themed birthday bash and lined the table with these glowing rolls. They were the hit of the party. We mixed them in with cupcakes and flower petals, and it legit looked like a Pinterest board. No joke, a couple moms asked if I bought them from Etsy. Nope, just some toilet rolls and glitter.
4. Fairy Garden Addition
If you’ve got an indoor plant nook or a fairy garden outside, these lanterns can sneak right in. Just keep them out of rain (or laminate them if you’re brave). When we added a few to our plant shelf, it looked like a secret fairy forest. That subtle LED lantern display glow at night? Chef’s kiss.
5. Hanging Lanterns
Want that real fairy-light look? Thread some twine through the top of each roll, hang them from a curtain rod or across the wall. We made a little “glow arch” in the playroom. It’s a total mood, especially when the room lights are off. Bonus: looks amazing in pictures.
Wherever you decide to show them off, these lanterns don’t just decorate a space—they bring that dreamy, imaginative energy that every kid (and let’s be real, every adult) secretly loves. Plus, it beats buying overpriced DIY party decorations that don’t have half the heart.
There’s just something special about turning everyday stuff—like toilet paper rolls and glitter—into pure magic. These glowing paper roll fairy lanterns have become one of our all-time favorite kids crafting activities. Not only are they fun and easy, but they also double as adorable fairy party decorations or dreamy night lights.
Whether you’re decorating a kids’ bedroom, planning a birthday party, or just looking for a cozy weekend craft, these handmade crafts bring light, color, and imagination into any space. And let’s be honest—anything that keeps the kids busy and creates Pinterest-worthy results? That’s a win in my book.
So grab your glue, cue up the fairy playlist, and dive into one of the sweetest DIY lantern ideas out there. And hey, once your fairy village is glowing bright, don’t forget to snap a few pics and share them on Pinterest. I mean, who doesn’t want to show off a little magic?
✨ Pin it. Share it. Light it up. ✨
