How to make a lantern bouquet

Step 1:

Build the basket. 3 layers of tissue applied with dilute glue to a 12” balloon. Let dry and pop the balloon. Shape the top and add a handle. I used three braided supple willow whips and anchored it to the outside with masking tape covered by more tissue strips. 

Step 2:

Prepare 3 12” balloons with 3 layers of tissue each and let dry. For this basket I used one mixed greens, one varied reds and pinks blended with gold and silver metallic tissues and one white.

Step 3:

Make your flowers by cutting petals from the balloons so that the curves contribute. 
(For the Iris I made 6 petals.) Having prepared a stem of willow make a centre for the flower by binding a ruffle of paper with masking tape. I used mainly white crepe paper. For the Iris I added detail with strips of maroon tissue and some ink lines. Then bind each petal in sequence to your stem. I added leaf sepals at the base cut from the green balloon and anchored it all with blue and green tissue. I added 2 leaves to each stem wrapping it all tightly with floral tape. 

Step 4: 

The “rose” blossoms were made the same way but each one has 14 petals. 

Step 5:

Add foliage. Similar process of cutting leaf shapes out of the green balloon and taping with masking tape to willow stems and binding with green floral tape. (I used green tissue and dilute glue to cover any gaps where the masking tape showed.)

Step 6:

Decide how you will illuminate it  I added 2 mini light strings to the basket cavity leaving the batteries on the outside. Arrange your flowers. I made a grid of fishing line stretched across the opening so the stems remain relatively stable. Then I added 2 more strings of mini lights to the flowers and basket handle. 

Step 7:

Attach the battery packs to the outside of the basket for easy access. I made an attached pocket out of card stock and disguised it with matching tissues washed on. 

Step 8:

Enjoy your creation. This lantern looks equally good illuminated or not.