Parrtjima Festival Inspired Lantern

'Parrtjima - A Festival in Light' is celebrated annually in Alice Springs. Research and create your own beautiful lanterns based on the 2017 Expression Space Exhibition as created by Bindi Anthurre Artists. Parrtjima, pronounced 'par-chee-ma' is a large scale outdoor exhibition that enhances the profile of Aboriginal artists of Central Australia while building opportunities for, and the capacities of, artist, arts and centres and communities in Northern Territory.

For further information on the festival and the artists, click here.

Step 1 Begin by cutting your A4 piece of tracing paper in half lengthways. This will allow you to make 2 short lanterns.
Step 2 Cut a strip of plain paper the same size as the tracing paper. Plan your design out in pencil onto the plain paper – we are going to do a sunset scene with silhouettes of kangaroos. Maybe you'd like to draw your favourite animal, an outback scene or even simply and indigenous inspired pattern. When you're happy with your plain paper design, trace in permanent marker.
Step 3 Use the watercolour palette to create your background on the tracing paper. We have chosen to do a beautiful outback sunset. As you are painting, you will notice the tracing paper will begin to curl up at the edges. Use your free hand to hold it flat as you go. Allow to dry.
Step 4 Stick masking tape along the top and bottom of your tracing paper. This will give some structure to your paper keeping it flat and also framing the design. Use a permanent marker to colour the masking tape in black.
Step 5 Lay the painted tracing paper on top of your plain paper design and fill in your silhouettes using permanent marker.
Step 6 Roll your tracing paper into a cylinder shape and secure in place with a strip of masking tape. You may need to roll it a few times before securing to get it into a nice, smooth cylinder shape. Once secure colour the masking tape in with a permanent marker.
Step 7 To light your lantern simply place it over the top of an LED Tealight candle. Look at those kangaroos bouncing into the sunset!