To get started, open the paper lanterns following the package directions. Then, start tracing out the shapes needed for your cat head! You’ll need to trace a circular stencil or object (such as a tape roll) for eye circles and mouth curves. You’ll also need a small triangle for the nose and 6 equal long strips for the whiskers.

Once you’ve done that, start assembling the nose with 2 mouth curves by gluing them together and then glue the triangle shape onto the top of the mouth curves. Glue the nose, mouth, and eyes onto the paper lantern.

Next, apply the whiskers by arranging them so they fan out at angles and stick out just slightly from the overall cat face; trim length if needed. I find it easiest to start with the middle whisker and then place the others angled around it.

Prepare the shapes for the cat ears by cutting out a large white triangle about half the width of the paper lantern followed by a slightly smaller triangle on light pink cardstock. Glue the pink triangles in the middle of the white triangle, making sure to leave even space along all three sides. You’ll want to leave room on the bottom to fold up later on in the project.

Next, cut 2 evenly spaced slits at the bottom of the ear along the white cardstock and gently fold at the bottom in order to create ledges.

Bend the ledges together at the slits to that the corners overlap just slightly and use a dab of glue to keep them bent. Hold the corners together for about 30 seconds to ensure it dries enough to hold as you move to the next step.

Once you’ve done that, add tape along the edges facedown so that the tape will secure the ears in place once attached to the cat head paper lantern. 

Add a line of glue under the ledges so that both glue and tape will be securing them in place once attached to the paper lantern cat head.

Place the ears on the top of the paper lantern, making sure to evenly space them on each side. You may need to add some extra tape to make sure they are secure and keep them from falling off. Add tape to the back of the ears as well to hold them into place.

Tie on the balloon string to hang the cat head for your special cat-themed birthday party! Repeat this process for the additional DIY paper lanterns, using slightly larger shapes for bigger heads, and slightly smaller shapes for smaller ones. You can also use different colors to match the theme of your party. Have fun!