Paper Bag Luminarias

Lets create a Paper Bag Luminaria! It is very similar to carving a pumpkins, however, it is more simple and less mess.

Gather the following materials:

• Large paper grocery bag
• Pencil
• Xacto knife
• Cutting matte
• Battery powered candle
• Stencil (optional)

*Do not use a real candle because it will be a fire hazard.

Using a pencil draw the design you would like to have on your luminaria. Center your design in the middle of the paper bag. You may use a stencil for this.

Tips:

• For beginners use simple designs
• Think about how the shapes will look after you cut them out
• Recognize that there are restrictions to the design you will create. Any full outlines will need gaps to keep the inner pieces from falling off.

Tips for cutting out your design:

• Place your cutting matte inside the paper bag underneath the design you've drawn
• Using the xacto knife cut out the shapes, following the lines you've drawn. (see picture)
• After you have finished cutting a shape, gently push it out and cut out the next section.

WARNING: Be careful that you keep your fingers out of the way of the blades's path. The blade is sharp and can cut you.

Be careful to not damage your design while opening it.

It is not recommended that you use a real flame because of the flammability of the paper bag.