Well, it’s that time of year again, when witches and ghosts make their annual appearance! This year we’re marking the event with an easy to make lantern to create an eerie atmosphere . . .

We used a combination of Lutradur and Zeelon to make our lantern. As both fabrics are semi-transparent, they are an ideal choice for all sorts of imaginative projects involving light.

We began with an A4 piece of Lutradur 130gsm for the main structure. (130gsm is rigid enough to support itself, yet still has the flexibility to be rolled into a cylindrical shape).

The images of the witch, ghosts and bats were printed from the internet and then carefully cut from Lutradur 70gsm Black. They were then arranged into a simple spooky scene; with the witch and her cauldron in the centre and a couple of ghosts and three small bats flying around her. The figures were fixed to the background using clear drying PVA craft glue.

To add a touch of atmosphere, we covered the picture with a veil of Zeelon Medium, which we previously coloured in a vivid violet shade using transfer paint. The Zeelon is so sheer the original image can be seen clearly underneath. However, the violet haze created by the Zeelon gives the appearance the scene is being observed at night and an added sense of mystery.

The two layers of Lutradur and Zeelon were then glued together, top and bottom, and rolled up to form our lantern.

All we needed then was to drop in a string of battery lights and a darkened room!

Please note: Only battery operated lights should be used, and never a naked flame.