Lantern Making Class NYC

$99

5 attendees on average

What It Is

Join us in our Financial District studio for a hands-on lantern making class where you design, build, and light your own illustrated paper lantern. You'll ink an original scene across a ribbed paper globe, rig it with twine and a woven rattan basket so it takes the shape of a hot air balloon, and fit a warm-white LED that makes the whole thing glow.

Our FiDi studio is a spacious, high-ceilinged creative space just off Pearl Street, a short walk from Wall Street, the Fulton Center, and the Staten Island Ferry. In about 2 hours you'll go from a blank paper globe to a finished, glowing lantern, guided step by step by our instructor. No prior experience is needed, and every material is provided.

A standout choice for corporate events, private parties, birthdays, and team building.

Skill Level

Beginner-friendly. No prior experience required.

Total Time

2 hours live workshop.

Pacing

Calm, structured flow from design to finish.

Public

5-30 people. Join a scheduled workshop with other participants. Perfect for individuals and small groups looking for a shared creative experience.

Private

Up to 120 people. Book a dedicated session for your team, event, or organization. Customized timing and full instructor attention for your group.

Mobile

Up to 200+ people. We bring the workshop to your location. Ideal for large corporate events, conferences, and special occasions. Contact us for details.

Elevator access

No — New York Financial District is stairs-only. There is no elevator to the workshop floor.

Accessible alternatives

For elevator access and wheelchair accessibility, browse workshops at New York Midtown. Contact us — we are happy to help you choose the best location.

In-Person Cancellations

In-person workshop bookings can be cancelled up to 2 days before the session date. If you cancel within this window, you are eligible for a refund. In case of an emergency, you may reschedule your booking with notice.

Private In-Person Policy

Private in-person classes can be cancelled up to 7 days before the session date. If you cancel within this period, a refund will be issued. If your group size changes, contact KraftStories and they will do their best to accommodate added or removed participants. In the event of an emergency, rescheduling is possible with notice.

Your Workshop Journey

Sketch Your Scene

Settle in with a warm drink while your instructor walks you through design ideas, motifs, and simple line techniques that look striking once lit.

Ink the Globe

Transfer your design onto the ribbed paper globe using archival pens and brushes, learning how to work with the curve so it reads from every angle.

Build the Balloon

Rig the hanging twine and attach the woven rattan basket that turns your illustrated globe into a hot air balloon lantern.

Switch On the Glow

Fit your warm-white LED, dim the studio lights, and see your lantern glow for the first time before packing it safely to take home.

Draw Your Own World

This isn't a kit you assemble from a diagram. You start with a blank ribbed paper globe and ink your own scene across its surface, guided by an instructor who will show you how to work with the curve of the paper so your drawing reads beautifully from every angle.

Rooftops and church spires, a crescent moon, a scatter of stars, mountains, waves, a downtown skyline. You'll learn simple line techniques that look striking once the lantern is lit, plus how to place your design so the light falls exactly where you want it. Stencils and reference motifs are on hand if you'd rather trace than freehand, and no two lanterns in the room ever come out the same.

Whether you draw constantly or haven't picked up a pen since school, you'll leave with something you're proud to hang.

Light It Up in Lower Manhattan

Once your illustration is finished, the lantern comes together. You'll rig the hanging twine, attach the woven rattan basket that turns your globe into a hot air balloon, and fit a warm-white LED so the whole piece glows from the inside out.

That moment when the studio lights drop and the room fills with hand-drawn lanterns is the reason people book this class. Our Financial District studio is a spacious, high-ceilinged space just off Pearl Street, minutes from Wall Street and the Fulton Center, and it comfortably handles everything from a quiet weeknight class to a full corporate offsite.

Come with a friend, a date, your family, or your whole team. You'll leave with a light you made yourself.

What You Get

Design and illustrate your own paper lantern from scratch

Premium ribbed paper globe, woven rattan basket, and hanging twine

Warm-white LED light kit included, ready to hang at home

All inks, brushes, stencils, and tools provided

Beginner-friendly, step-by-step expert guidance

Spacious Lower Manhattan studio, great for large corporate groups

Visit Our Financial District Studio

Experience hands-on creativity in our FiDi loft studio in Lower Manhattan.