How to Make a Parol: A Guide to Creating Your Own Traditional Filipino Lantern

Have you ever been fascinated by the shimmering and colorful Christmas lanterns that adorn the streets of the Philippines during the holiday season? If yes, then you might be surprised to know that you can easily make one of these lanterns, called parol, right in your own home.

Parol-making has been a beloved Filipino tradition for many generations. It is a fun and creative activity that brings people together, especially during the Christmas season. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making a parol using materials that are easily accessible from your local craft store or online. So, let’s get started and add a touch of Filipino warmth and sparkle to your holiday season!

Introduction:
Parol is a Philippine lantern traditionally made during the Christmas season. It’s a symbol of hope, unity, and bright future. Filipinos all over the world put this lantern outside or inside their homes, making it a festive decoration that signifies the Filipino Christmas spirit. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make parol.

Materials Needed:

Materials Needed for Making Parol

To craft your own parol, you will need the following materials:
– Bamboo sticks
– Scissors
– Glue gun
– Tissue paper
– Ruler
– Pencil
– Double-sided tape
– Colored cellophane
– Metallic twist ties
– String or nylon thread

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Parol

Step 1: Design
The first step to making your parol is to come up with your own design. This will give you an idea of the size and shape of your lantern. You can draw your design on a piece of paper or use a reference image as a guide.

Step 2: Gather Materials
Once you have your design, it’s time to gather all the materials you’ll need. Make sure you have everything before you start.

Step 3: Prepare the Bamboo Sticks
For the frame of the parol, you’ll need several bamboo sticks. The number depends on the size of your design. Cut them according to your desired length using scissors or a cutter.

Step 4: Construct the Frame
Using the bamboo sticks you’ve cut, create the skeleton frame of your parol. Use twist ties to secure the ends of the bamboo sticks together and form the shape that you’ve decided on.

Step 5: Tissue Paper Base
Using double-sided tape, attach tissue paper to the underside of the parol frame. This will give your parol a solid foundation and will also help to diffuse the light.

Step 6: Cover with Cellophane
Once you’ve completed the base with tissue paper, start covering the frame with colored cellophane. Use glue gun to attach the cellophane on the frame, ensuring that there are no creases.

Step 7: Add Details
This is the time where you can add additional design details to your parol. You can cut out stars or add additional shapes to form intricate designs and edges to enhance the look of your parol.

Step 8: Connect Pieces Together
To complete the parol, connect all the pieces together using metallic twist ties. Make sure that everything is tight and secure so that your parol can withstand any weather conditions.

Step 9: Add Lights
With your completed parol lantern, now it’s time to add some light inside. You can use battery-operated lights or traditional Christmas lights. Be sure to use LED lights to avoid any possible accidents.

Step 10: Display Your Parol
Finally, show off your parol by hanging it outside your house or inside your room. You can also place it on your window to spread the festive spirit of Christmas.

Conclusion:
We hope that this step-by-step guide on how to make parol has helped you create your own DIY lantern. You can experiment with different designs, colors, and sizes to suit your taste. With this festive décor, the spirit of Christmas will surely be alive in your home.

Section Two: Materials Needed to Make Parol

Introduction

A parol is a star-shaped lantern traditionally made in the Philippines to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Though typically created with bamboo sticks and Japanese paper, you can do a more modern take on the parol using easy-to-find materials. Materials can be purchased online or from local stores, making the making of parol easily accessible for everyone.

Bamboo Stick

For traditional parols, bamboo sticks are the perfect material. They are sturdy enough for the lantern’s frame to hold its shape, yet they are lightweight enough to ensure that the finished product can easily be hung. You can buy bamboo sticks pre-cut or you can cut them to your desired length using a saw or sharp knife.

Wire Cutter

No matter what type of parol you will be making, you will most definitely need a wire cutter. This tool is used to cut the wires to the correct length and to shape them the way you want for your lantern’s frame. Make sure that your wire cutter is of good quality and is capable of cutting through different types of wire, including copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel.

Scissors

Scissors are a vital tool for making parols. They will be used to cut the paper or any other decorative material to the right shape and size that will cover the bamboo sticks and wire frame. Make sure your scissors are sharp enough to make precise cuts to the material of your choice.

Glue Gun

A glue gun will be used to secure the paper or any other decorative material onto the frame. Glue guns are fantastic to use since the glue dries fast and it secures the material in place. If you do not have a glue gun, you can use any other adhesive such as double-sided tape or glue.

Paper

The paper is the most essential material needed for making a parol. It will be used to cover the bamboo sticks and wire frame to complete the star shape of the lantern. Traditional materials to use are Japanese rice paper or crepe paper, but any colorful and durable material will work.

Decorative Materials

Once you have your star shape in place, you can start personalizing and adding decorative materials to your parol. You can add ribbons, glitter, beads, or any other decorations that you want to add to your lantern. These materials will add the extra sparkle and beauty to your finished product.

Paint

If you choose to paint your parol, it is essential to select weather-resistant paint. Outdoor and indoor acrylic paint dries fast, comes in various colors, and is perfect for making a parol that will last. You can paint the bamboo sticks, wire frame, or paper cover to create a unique design for your lantern.

Candle or Light Bulb

Traditionally, a candle is used to light up and decorate the parol. However, because of the safety risk, many people opt for electric lights such as LED bulbs instead of candles. The light should be positioned so that it does not touch the materials of the lantern to prevent the risk of fire.

String or Ribbon

Finally, you need a string or a ribbon to hang your parol. Make sure that the string is strong enough to support the lantern once it has been completed and that it complements the color and design of your parol.

In conclusion, creating a parol can be an exciting and creative experience. The materials listed here are a starting point for you to begin designing and creating a personalized parol that is unique and beautiful. Be creative with your design and enjoy the crafting process, and before long, you’ll have your star-shaped lantern ready to light up any room or outdoor space.

Materials Needed

Making a parol doesn’t require too much in terms of materials, but it’s crucial to make sure you have everything you need before starting. Here are the materials you’ll need to create your own parol:

Bamboo sticks

Bamboo sticks are the backbone of your parol. You’ll need 16 pieces of bamboo sticks to create your parol. Each bamboo stick should be 14 inches long. You can find bamboo sticks in your local craft store or online. If you can’t find bamboo sticks, you can also use thin wooden sticks.

Glue gun and glue sticks

A glue gun and glue sticks are essential to the parol-making process. You’ll use them to attach the bamboo sticks to form the star shape. You can find glue guns and glue sticks at your local craft store or online.

Colored cellophane

Colored cellophane is what gives your parol its vibrant colors. You can find colored cellophane in your local craft store or online. Make sure to get two rolls of different colors so you can create a pattern.

Scissors and tape

You’ll need a pair of scissors to cut the cellophane to size and tape to secure it in place. Make sure to get a roll of tape that is transparent so that it doesn’t take away from the overall design of your parol.

Yarn and small pliers

Yarn will be used to hang your parol. You’ll also need small pliers to twist the ends of the yarn to create a loop so that you can hang your parol. You can find both yarn and small pliers in your local craft store or online.

Now that you have all your materials, it’s time to start creating your parol.

Happy Parol-Making!

Making a parol is a fun activity that can bring families and friends together during the holiday season. With the right materials and a bit of creativity, anyone can make a beautiful parol that will brighten up their home. Thanks for reading this article, and we hope you have a great time making your own parol! Don’t forget to visit us again for more fun and inspiring ideas. Happy holidays!