Crafting Creativity

A Lantern-Making Adventure with My Daughter

As I promised to follow up on our Make-and-Take Kits, I wanted to share a story about the special experience my daughter and I had with one of them.She’s two years old, still figuring out how to use scissors without cutting everything in sight (including her own hair!), but that didn’t stop us from having a meaningful, creative time together.

A few days ago, we sat down with our Lantern Kit, and the experience was nothing short of magical. The beauty of the kit lies not just in the finished product, but in the journey it takes you on—a journey of connection, creativity, and learning.

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We began by opening the box, filled with vibrant colors and materials, ready to be transformed into a glowing lantern. My daughter, with her curious and endless energy, was immediately drawn to the different shapes and textures. Watching her excitedly explore each piece, I realized that this craft wasn’t just about making a lantern; it was an opportunity to connect through art in a way that spoke directly to her, even if she couldn’t yet put it into words.

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One of my favorite parts of this project was incorporating simple learning objectives along the way, particularly around shape recognition. As we worked together—me guiding her tiny hands to cut out circles and squares, and her looking up at me with wonder—I saw how she was absorbing so much from the activity. These small moments of learning felt so natural, and I could feel the bond growing stronger as we shared the experience. Even without verbal communication, the joy of creating together spoke volumes.

The Craft & Learn Handouts in the kit made it easy to weave in cultural insights and art techniques as we went along. We explored global traditions behind lantern-making and had fun discussing how the shapes we cut could be inspired by mosaics from different parts of the world. I saw my daughter’s brain working overtime when I talked about the glowing lanterns that people use in festivals around the world. Although she couldn’t fully understand, I could tell she was intrigued by the colors and the idea of creating something that shone in the dark.

This moment felt like more than just a craft. It was a rich, interactive learning experience that transcended art. It was about connection—between me and my daughter, between us and the world of creativity and culture. And as we finished our lantern, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Not just because we made something beautiful, but because we had taken the time to bond, learn, and create something meaningful together.

As we looked at the glowing lantern in front of us, I couldn’t help but think about the upcoming Lantern Walk in January. It’ll be our first time attending, and I can’t wait to see how our creation fits into the larger celebration of light and art. It’s not just about a fun evening out; it’s about joining a community that celebrates the beauty of creativity, just like we did in our own little space at home.

If you’re looking for a way to bring more meaningful moments into your home this holiday season, our Take-and-Make Lantern Kit is a great way to craft memories while learning about art, culture, and connection. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce young children to the joy of creative expression and help them explore the world through their own hands.

This holiday season, let’s make the gift of creativity a part of our families’ celebrations. I know that my daughter and I will treasure this lantern-making experience for years to come, and I hope it inspires you to create some of your own.

And of course, we can’t wait to see you at the Lantern Walk in January!

For more details, visit our event page: Art Lights the Night Community Page

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Written By Kaila Piepkow Lead Educator and Director Of Operations At Doodles Academy