I've been trying to find how make a portable chinese lantern that could easily get power through a battery. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do this or a DIY page in the web?
Try using an open bulb CFL connected to a small inverter and 12 volt battery. The open bulb effect (no reflector) gives light in all directions and works really well. By using the small inverter and battery you still can have portability.
Or you can buy them cheap with a battery powered LED light to hang inside them. They make them and sell them like that these days. I used them in one of my films. I got them from Luna Bazaar a 10inch chinese lantern is only like $2.45 or something. They have star shaped one, round ones, all kinds of shapes. Makes for some great scene dressings. Then you can buy them with the light socket or you can buy the battery powered LEDs to put in them.