DIY Pokemon Party Decorations Using Paper Lanterns

I love how versatile paper lanterns are for party decorating. They are lightweight, affordable, easy to hang, and they give you a nice big surface for painting, gluing, taping, and adding all kinds of crafty details. Once you start looking at them as a blank canvas, there are so many fun ways to turn a simple paper lantern into themed party decor.

This DIY Pokemon party decoration is such a clever example. A plain round paper lantern has been transformed into a giant Poké Ball-style party decoration using bold red, white, and black details. It makes a fantastic statement piece for a Pokemon birthday party, game night, classroom celebration, or kids’ themed party table.

I have used paper lanterns for themed decorations before too. Last Halloween I turned one into a giant eyeball, and it reminded me how easy these inexpensive lanterns are to customize. You do not need fancy supplies to get a big visual impact. Paint, paper, tape, and a little imagination can completely change the look.

For a Pokemon party, you could hang one large lantern as the main decoration, or make several smaller ones to float above the food table, favor bags, or party game area. Add black, red, and white streamers, handmade favor bags, printable food labels, and a few simple themed games, and suddenly the whole party feels pulled together without needing expensive store-bought decorations.

This is also a great recycled or budget-friendly party craft idea because you can use basic supplies you may already have on hand. Paper lanterns, scrap cardstock, leftover party streamers, recycled gift bags, and printable labels can all be turned into decorations, favors, and game pieces.

Pop on over to Rose’s Notes to see her amazing collection of Pokemon party decorations, games, food ideas, and favors. There are lots of creative ideas there for making a fun, colorful, handmade Pokemon party without spending a fortune.

Pop on over to the blog Rose’s Notes to see her amazing collection of Pokemon party decorations, games, food, and favors.

Okay, this might be one of the coolest recycled craft ideas I’ve seen in a long time. If you’re into vintage typewriters and also love tinkering with tech, this USB Typewriter project is a brilliant mash-up of both worlds.

Basically, the idea is to take an old manual typewriter—you know, the clunky, charming kind with the click-clack keys—and turn it into a working USB keyboard. Yes, it actually connects to your laptop or tablet, and yes, it totally works. Talk about breathing new life into a piece of the past!

The project involves a special kit that includes a sensor board (to pick up your key presses), a USB interface board (to connect it all to your computer), and some reed switches (those help with the Shift, Space, and Return keys). There’s even a version of the kit that doesn’t require any soldering, so you don’t need to be an electronics wizard to pull it off.

I’d say this falls into that sweet spot of “advanced beginner” when it comes to skill level. If you’re comfortable using basic tools and following clear instructions, you could absolutely tackle this over a weekend. It’s a bit of a commitment, but honestly? The final result is SO worth it.

What I love most is how this blends sustainability with creativity—you’re upcycling a piece of history and turning it into something totally functional for modern life. Whether you use it for writing, coding, or just showing off at your local café, it’s a fun and eco-friendly DIY electronics project that’ll definitely turn heads.

If you’re passionate about recycled crafts or you’ve got an old typewriter gathering dust, this project might just be your next favorite weekend hobby. I’m already on the hunt for my next vintage find to transform! See the full tutorial here.

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