The original Fairy Lantern blog post can be found here
IMPORTANT:I'd like to clarify that these are NOT captured or trapped fairies. They are cozy and comfortable in their quiet spot, and may leave whenever they please. Anyone who would maliciously trap a fairy inside a jar is a complete dink who fully deserves pinches and a plague of bad luck.
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Where can I buy a fairy lantern? I post a small batch of lanterns at the end of each month in my etsy shop. If there are none listed, I am sold out. If you would like to know when a batch is listed, I always post an announcement on my facebook page.
Where can I buy the cut outs? The cut outs are manufactured by Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts. Currently, they do not sell outside of the US, but international customers can order from Alpha Stamps.
What size should I buy? It really depends on the size of the jar you are using. For a standard pint sized jar I use small-medium. For quart sized mason jars, medium-large.
Where can I buy battery tea lights / jars / glue / tissue? I live in a tiny town and can find all of my supplementary supplies in the grocery store. The supplies shouldn't be too difficult to source locally.
I like fire and will use real candles instead. DO NOT USE REAL CANDLES! It isn't just because flames and paper don't mix. Prolonged focused heat, even from the bottom of a tea light candle, can cause oven-safe dishware to shatter. There are MANY safe and realistic alternatives to live fire candles, and there is absolutely no reason to put yourself in danger for the sake of a craft. Please, please, please, be keep yourself, and your little people safe and use a flameless alternative.
What type of glue do you use? I use cheap white school glue to apply the tissue, and a good quality white glue to apply the glitter. To attach the fairy cutout you may need to experiment to find what works best for you.
What do you mean by tissue paper? Nothing fancy, just the thin paper that you put in gift bags.
My paper is tearing and crinkly! It may take a couple of attempts to get the hang of applying the paper. Try not to fiddle with the paper it too much after it has been applied. Most of the wrinkles will lay flay once the glue has dried. Cheap, runny glue really does work best.
Can I use/do/change x,y,z? Give it a try! Experimenting is part of the fun of making.
What are the terms of use? The information provided is for personal, non-commercial use only. Commercial reproduction, including paid instruction/workshops, is not permitted.
Inspired to make your own as gifts, for fun or a group project? Great! Gimme a shout-out, tag me, and let people know where the inspiration came from. It's the nice and proper thing to do and I'd love to see your work.
But why can't I make money from your project? If you are selling handmade goods your work should look like YOU made it. You wouldn't copy a book word for word, you'd be inspired and tell your own story. The same applies here.
This isn’t a new concept. Check out shadow puppetry, magic lanterns, hand shadows, and Victorian silhouettes. There are literally 100's of years of inspiration to draw upon. There's NO reason to copy this project for profit.
Be inspired, add your own style and vision, and create your own distinct version. I’m not preventing anyone from earning a living, I’m asking creative people to be creative.