Pineapple and Unicorn Lanterns with Plastic Cups

To make a lantern you need:

- a translucent plastic cup

- an electric candle

- a pair of scissors

- tissue paper (yellow for the pineapple, pink for the unicorn)

- glue varnish and a brush for applying it

- permanent markers (or Posca markers)

- double-sided adhesive tape

- wool (for the unicorn)

- modeling clay (for the unicorn)

- flexible green rubber (for the pineapple)

Using a wide brush, spread a layer of glue varnish over the surface of the cup, then stick squares of pink tissue paper measuring approximately 4 x 4 cm over the entire surface (the squares can touch and overlap to create different levels of transparency).

Apply another layer of glue varnish over the tissue paper squares and let dry for about 45 minutes.

To create the unicorn's mane, attach a double-sided adhesive strip along the bottom edge of the cup (the base of the cup).

Cut pieces of wool in your chosen color and stick them onto the adhesive strip to form the mane.

Trim the wool with a pair of scissors.

You can also braid the wool and attach it for an elegant touch to the unicorn.

Draw the face of the unicorn using permanent markers (or Posca markers).

To create the unicorn's horn, choose 2 colors of modeling clay and make 2 sticks about 8 to 10 cm long.

Twist the 2 colored sticks together by gently flattening one end to form the tip of the unicorn's horn.

If you want to shorten the horn, cut it at the base with a pair of scissors.

Place the horn at the top of the cup, pressing firmly on the base. As it dries, the modeling dough will stick to the cup.

Another option: let the horn dry for 24 hours, then glue it to the top of the cup with a strong white glue.

To create a pineapple tealight holder, cut about forty squares of yellow tissue paper (4 x 4 cm) and glue them onto the surface of the cup using decoupage glue (the same technique previously used for the unicorn).

Let it dry for about 45 minutes.

Cut a green foam rubber sheet in half, then draw and cut out the pineapple leaves from each half-sheet (see attached photo). Each half-sheet should have a flat edge and a "serrated" edge.

Stick a strip of double-sided tape around the base (the smallest part) of the cup.

Adjust the height of the first half sheet of soft green rubber and stick it all around the cup on the adhesive strip.

Stick a second strip of double-sided tape at the base of the already attached half sheet of green rubber on the cup. Then, stick the second half sheet on top of the first one.

Shape the leaves of the pineapple to add volume.

Decorate the pineapple with permanent markers.

Place an electric candle underneath the decorated cup.

Turn off the lights to let the lantern shine.

The transparency of the tissue paper and the overlapping collage create beautiful light effects!