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Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by Chris Butler
Are you having a graduation party this year? Congratulations to your graduate! I’ve designed some DIY graduation decor party centerpieces you can use for the big day. Plus these table lanterns and graduation caps are super easy to make.
And I’m sure you know parties can get pretty expensive in a hurry. But you won’t have to worry about spending a ton of money for these. The super cute lanterns and graduation caps cost less than 60 cents to make for each pair. And they’ll look like you spent a lot more.
So let’s get to it.
**The cut file is now available for 2024**
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Quick Links to Information in This Post
DIY Graduation Party Decor Supplies Needed
- 65lb Cardstock
- Vellum Paper or Tissue Paper
- Craft Glue
- LED Tea Lights or String Lights (Small Strand)
- Cutting Machine (I use the Cricut Explore)
- SVG Cut Files for the Lantern and Cap (available in my Resource Library)
All of my free SVG files and Designs are kept in a library for your convenience. Simply CLICK HERE to get access. We will send you the link and password right away and you’re free to use all the resources you want in the library.
Already have the password? (It’s at the bottom of every email) Enter the Library Here
Step-by-Step Video:
How To Make The Graduation Lantern Centerpiece
First download the DIY Graduation Decor cut file from the Resource Library. The file contains both the PNG and SVG for the lantern and the cap. The 2024 version is now available in the free library.
RELATED: DIY Graduation Card Money Holder with Free Template
In your design software upload the .svg file for the lantern. Everything is already sized correctly for you to cut the lantern out of an 8.5×11 sheet of cardstock.
I updated the file in 2024 and took out the score lines. Now there are perforated cut lines already attached. You do not need the perforation tool; you can make it on any Cricut or Silhouette machine! Once the design is uploaded to Design Space, click the make it button.
Next, you will need to cut your vellum or tissue paper slightly smaller than the graduation lantern. I used some vellum paper, but I also like the pretty sparkly white tissue paper found at the dollar store.
Use a glue stick to glue the vellum or tissue paper to the backside of the lantern.
Next, fold the lantern along the perforated lines. And also, fold on the longer end to create a tab.
After your folds are all done apply glue to the end tab and attach it to the other end. It’s a bit easier to flip it over after it’s attached to press down along the seam.
Finally, You can add a LED Tealight or a small strand of lights to the center of your lantern. I placed a string of lights in the left and right lanterns and a tea light in the center lantern.
Making The DIY Graduation Decor Party Caps
I think these graduationcaps are super adorable. I love miniature versions of things. They are in the same file as the lanterns, so locate the graduation cap SVG file and upload it to your design software.
Everything is already sized correctly and ready to cut.
The piece for the tassel does have some fine cuts. You may want to remove it from your mat with the spatula.
Fold the tabs down on the strip and glue the ends together. Next, applya dot of glue on all of the tabs.
Next Flip the base of the cap over and center it on the top. Press down on each tab to make sure it adheres well.
To make the tassel first place one end of your string through the hole in the center and glue it down. Next, fold the tassel in half and then fold in half again.
After it’s folded squeeze the ends together to force it into an open circle.
Nowtake the other end of your string and thread it through the hole on the top of your cap. Glue it down.
Finally, glue the small circle to the top of your cap
All finished!
You can place the caps on top of the lanterns, or use them each as stand-alone decor at your graduation party.
So you can buy the LED lights for as low as forty cents each.
The cardstock is about 10 cents a sheet and a whole pack of tissue paper is $1.00. I would say that’s pretty costeffective decor. And it will look like you spent much much more.
Get The Free Graduation Cap and Lantern SVG File
**The cut file is now available for the 2023 Graduation Lanterns**
I created a Resource Library for your convenience that contains all of my free SVG files and printables. It’s like a one stop shop. Everything is in alphabetical order, so in the library scroll down to the ‘G’s to find the graduation lanterns.
To grab the free SVG for this craft fill out the simple form below
All of my free SVG files and Designs are kept in a library for your convenience. Simply CLICK HERE to get access. We will send you the link and password right away and you’re free to use all the resources you want in the library.
Already have the password? (It’s at the bottom of every email) Enter the Library Here
PIN IT
Chris Butler
Chris Butler has helped thousands of crafters learn how to use their Cricut machine without feeling overwhelmed. She is a best selling author and an up and coming designer. For fun Chris enjoys designing SVG Files, hanging out with her family (preferably at the lake), traveling, and volunteering at her church. She is a wife and mom of two crazy fun kids.
