Join Us for the Lantern Lighting Ceremony
This winter, bring your creativity to life and help illuminate Washtenaw County at our Lantern Festival Walk—an unforgettable evening of glowing art, community, and imagination!
Join us at Leslie Science Center on January 24th from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm for an evening of fun. Gather around the glow, enjoy s’mores, face painting, food, and more as we celebrate creativity and community under the stars.
Need A Lantern to bring? Join a Lantern Workshop
Join us for hands-on lantern-making workshops throughout January at multiple locations! These interactive sessions are perfect for artists of all ages and skill levels. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll create a glowing masterpiece to showcase at the Lantern Festival Walk.
All materials are provided, so just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Don’t miss this chance to craft something magical while connecting with your community.
December 13th – Drop & Shop at StudioStduio
Need time to finish your holiday shopping? Drop the kids off at Studio Studio in downtown Ann Arbor for a festive evening of creativity! Perfect for ages 4–11, this open-studio-style workshop invites kids to craft their own glowing lanterns using a variety of materials and techniques.
Our experienced instructors will guide them through the process while encouraging their unique ideas. From colorful designs to holiday embellishments, each lantern will be a one-of-a-kind creation ready to shine!
January 3rd – Ypsilanti Public Library
Look at Moroccan patterns and tessellations, then use markers, tissue paper collage, and paper piecing techniques to create unique lanterns that cast colorful lights with Doodles Academy. Reflect on your wishes and intentions for the New Year as you work.
January 10th – Ypsilanti Public Library
Hear a read aloud and then make lanterns with Doodles Academy using tissue paper and other materials. Little ones will engage with color and pattern as they create. Ages 2-7.
After hearing a story and looking at Moroccan lantern patterns, make a paper lantern with Doodles Academy! The creative process will involve layering and mark-making with bleeding tissue paper, encouraging young participants to engage with color and pattern while considering their wishes and intentions for the New Year.
Bonus Craft & Learn :
The Doodles Academy Lantern Kit is more than a craft—it’s a learning adventure! Kids can explore global art with a Mosaic Inspiration Handout and learn the traditions behind Lantern Ceremonies. Step-by-step photo instructions make it easy to layer tissue, thread twine, and add ribbons and beads, turning creativity into a festive lantern they’ll be proud to show off.
Can’t Make A workshop? Craft at home with our take and make kits.
This holiday season, let’s shift from buying more “stuff” to gifting creativity! With Doodles Academy’s take-and-make Lantern Kit, you’re giving a meaningful, hands-on experience that families can enjoy together. The kit isn’t just about making art—it’s about creating memories, learning about global traditions, and connecting through creativity.
Our Lantern Kit brings a world of discovery to any child’s hands, with supplies for a beautifully crafted lantern and an engaging parent guide packed with art techniques and cultural insights. It’s perfect for the holidays and offers a fresh, unique alternative to traditional gifts.
What’s Included:
Each Lantern Kit comes with everything needed to build, decorate, and bring a lantern to life!
- Primary Colored Acrylic Paint + White in plastic containers
- Base Circles to hold the lantern together
- Sturdy Twine for assembly and flair
- Primed 1” Washers for creative painting
- Watercolor Paper Strip (14.25” x 8.5”), hole-punched
- Plastic Containers of Glue (2) for assembly
- Tissue Paper to cut into shapes and patterns
- Ribbons for decoration
- Glow-in-the-Dark Beads and Bells for a festive touch
- Our Craft and Learn Handouts to teach your little artist
You Provide: Oil (any variety), scissors, and a paintbrush.
Bonus Craft & Learn :
The Doodles Academy Lantern Kit is more than a craft—it’s a learning adventure! Kids can explore global art with a Mosaic Inspiration Handout and learn the traditions behind Lantern Ceremonies. Step-by-step photo instructions make it easy to layer tissue, thread twine, and add ribbons and beads, turning creativity into a festive lantern they’ll be proud to show off.
Share the Light &
Brighten a Child’s Night
Order by December 11th to get it for Christmas. Ordering late? No worries we will send you a digital postcard to gift.
Interested in Sponsoring?
If you’re interested in sponsoring our Lantern Festival Walk, we’d love to have you join us in bringing this magical community event to life! Each $500 sponsorship supports a local artist in creating a beautiful lantern to display at the festival, where kids and families will also bring their own lanterns to light up the night. Your support helps us continue to provide high-quality art programming to students across Washtenaw County. To learn more or secure your sponsorship, contact me below—we’d love to partner with you!