How to Make a Filipino Parol

If you came here because of the Disney short, then you’re in a good company. I mean, you’re still in good company anyway! A Filipino Parol is a lantern made of bamboo, paper, and a lamp or candle. It’s supposed to resemble the star of Bethlehem and help lead the 3 wisemen to Jesus. 

It’s fairly easy to make and it’s a simple craft that you and your kids can make together (just be careful with the glue gun)! Traditionally, you’ll use bamboo or technically, any pliable wood. Rubber band to hold together, dowels to make it 3D, and a light source to make it standout in the night. Now, I couldn’t shop around for all the materials. So I gathered what I had and made a quick trip to Michaels. With two tots, shopping ain’t easy!

Read the instructions below for an easy version! 

See my instagram @acupofmotherly for the IGTV version of me making it!

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Materials

10 Flat, popsicle sticks

5 Dowels

Hot Glue

Elmer’s Glue

Tissue paper

Tassels 

Assembling the Parol

1. To make one star, gather 5 sticks. Take two and make a “V”, gluing the bottom of the “V.” Gather another two sticks and do the same. Now you should have two Vs
2. Bring the two Vs together to overlap that essentially look like a “W”. Glue the top peak together.
3. Take the 5th popsicle stick and glue on to the side points to bring together a star. 
4. Repeat with remaining 5 sticks, in the end you should have 2 stars.
5. Now, take one star and hot glue the 5 points and place one dowel on each point.
6. After placing each dowel, hot glue the top of each dowel and place the 2nd star on top. Push gently, so the glue adheres.
7. Next, take your Elmer’s glue and trace the outline of one side of the star.
8. Take tissue paper and lay over the glue. Then cut the shape of the star.
9. Repeat on the other side once the glue dries.
10. Now, take your tassels. Hot glue two bottom points of the star and attach your tassels.
11. Hang with string, displaying at any window. 

And there you have it! Tag me on instagram if you decide to attack this craft, I’d love to see it!

Maligayang Pasko!