How to make National Day lanterns by hand is as simple as the following:

1. Materials required: colored paper or red and yellow paper. Scissors. Glue or double-sided tape. String or thread. Colored pens or colored pencils. Stickers with national flag or other National Day designs (optional). Pencil and ruler.

2. Make the bottom of the lantern: Choose a piece of colored paper or red paper as the bottom of the lantern. The paper should be square and can usually be sized to suit your needs. Fold the bottom paper in half, then again in quarters, and finally into eighths so you end up with a small fan shape.

3. Cut the bottom: Use scissors to cut out some decorative shapes on the open edge of the fan. You can cut out different patterns like waves, circles, hearts, etc. to make the bottom of the lantern look more interesting.

4. Open the bottom: Open the fan shape at the bottom, and then carefully connect the two end points together, using glue or double-sided tape to stick them. This will create a cone-shaped base, like the base of a lantern.

5. Make the upper and bottom rings of the lantern: Select another piece of colored paper or yellow paper, which will be used to make the upper and bottom rings of the lantern. Cut a strip about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide and long enough to go around the base of the cone. Use glue or double-sided tape on both ends of this strip to join them together, forming a loop.

6. Install the upper ring: Place the upper ring over the bottom cone, making sure it is aligned with the connection part at the bottom. Use glue or double-sided tape to secure the upper loop to the bottom.

7. Cut and decorate the top: Cut a small square from the colored paper, about 3x3 inches (7.5x7.5 cm) in size. Cut the four corners of the square into circles to create a decorative top. You can draw the national flag, five-star red flag or other National Day patterns on the top, or use stickers to decorate it.

8. Install the top and add the hanging rope: Use glue or double-sided tape to attach the decorated top to the center of the lantern's upper ring. Make sure it's firmly stuck in there. Use scissors to cut a small hole on each side of the lantern's upper ring. Thread string or string through these holes and tie them together to hang the lantern.

9. Hang the lantern: Now you can hang the National Day lantern you made in a suitable place to celebrate the holiday or special occasion. This is a fun craft activity that can strengthen family, school or community unity and is a beautiful decoration to celebrate the Fourth of July. You can decorate and customize your National Day lanterns according to your creativity and preferences.