Alex Toys Paint a Paper Lantern

Alex's Paint a Paper Lantern is fabulous

By Frank  Aug 24, 2007

Pros: everything...the concept, quality, opportunity for creativity

Cons: I wish it were just a little cheaper so the kids could do more as gifts

I'm staring at my 5 year old's paper lantern, painted as the earth, with blue seas, white clouds and green landforms and brilliant yellow splashes where "the sun is hitting it" . It's hanging proudly from our ceiling and delight...s us all every day. She did it all on her own for at least 1/2 hour as I was preparing lunch one day. That's how engaging it is for kids (and adults!). The paints actually WORKED, the lantern did not collapse under her extra heavy handed paints and water washes (but almost), and the end product was so incredibly beautiful, we couldn't believe it. We only wish it was just a tad cheaper and more widely available. Also wishing there were other sizes, since we are a Chinese-American family and we can never get enough lanterns in our home! Truly, if there was a large version, I'd be making these all the time! It's that much fun. And to top it all off, the tiny bulb in the base gently illuminates the finished art perfectly, with a simple on/off switch (battery operated). We would be extra happy if there was another lighting option such as a wire and plug, so we didn't have to feel so bad about all the batteries we're going to use. Other than that, it's a near perfect project, and one that you could EASILY please children and adults with since the painting surface is challenging and broad (painting in the round, and it has a banded/striped texture from the necessary folds). I could easily imagine it being loved by children ages 4-on, teens, adults, even grandparents. I could imagine it taking anywhere from 1/2 hour to a day, depending on one's skill level and design concepts. Since the base and top are both black plastic, they are the only thing holding this kit back from being able to creat a "classy" finished product if that's what anyone's after. We HIGHLY recommend this kit by Alex! Read more Less