Fold the top of the bag down about 4 cm to create a neat cuff. This stiffens the bag and gives it a finished look.

On the front face of the bag, use a pencil to lightly draw a ghost face: two oval eyes and a round or wavy mouth, all contained in the upper quarter of the bag's front panel. Keep the features at least 3 cm from the bag edges so they do not weaken the paper too much.

An adult carefully cuts out the eye and mouth shapes using a craft knife on a cutting mat, or small sharp scissors. The cut edges should be clean; ragged edges scatter light less prettily. Cut slowly on the curves.

Pour the sand or rice into the bottom of the bag and spread it level. This weight stops the bag tipping in any light breeze. Place the battery tea light on top of the sand layer, switch it on, then fold the cuff back down.

Position the luminaria where you want it. Never use a real candle inside a paper bag.