Use lightweight fire-proof paper for the sky candle.
Using Chinese sky lanterns is a colorful and festive way to illuminate the night sky with glowing lights. Typically constructed from a lightweight material such as rice paper, the airborne paper lanterns are comprised of a bamboo frame and a fuel cell. The fuel cell heats the air in the lantern that causes the lantern to rise and float up in the sky. Releasing multiple lanterns into the sky for nighttime celebrations adds an exciting new element. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Cut six bamboo strips to a length of 36 inches. Ensure the strips are identical in length, and no more than 1/3 to 1/2 inch in width, so they bend easily. Also, cut a bamboo strip 4 inches long to use as the fuel cell. Set this length aside for later use.
2. Bend each bamboo strip to form a circle. Dab a bead of glue onto one end and press the other end over it to secure the ring. Also glue the remaining bamboo lengths to form rings.
3. Secure two lengths of copper wire along the edges of one of the bamboo rings to form an "X." Pull each wire taut before extending it diagonally across the ring. This ring serves as the base of the sky lantern.
4. Cut a length of paper as wide as the diameter of the bamboo rings. Join the ends of the paper to form a cylinder. Glue the paper pieces to the bamboo rings, ensuring the edges overlap. Position the bamboo ring with the diagonal cross at the base of the paper cylinder, and another one directly above it. Evenly space the remaining rings in between.
5. Cut a round piece of paper long enough so it overlaps the edges on the sides of the lantern. Glue this cutout to the top of the forming lantern.
6. Bend the 4-inch bamboo strip for the fuel cell into a "U." Soak cotton into ethanol and wrap it around the bent bamboo until it is completely covered. Center this bent bamboo strip over the overlapping copper wires at the base of the lantern and lower it into place, so its ends hang down.
7. Move the lantern outside to an open location free from overhead wires, trees or structures. Assign a helper to gently hold the sky lantern while you ignite the fuel cell with a matchstick or lighter. Release the lantern when you feel a lifting force so it ascends into the night sky. Watch the fire burn out and track the lantern's descent so you retrieve it.
Tags: fuel cell, bamboo strip, bamboo rings, base lantern, bent bamboo