my son and I have done this a bunch. It is really cool and so much fun! We use newspapers and the trick is to fold it evenly and tape it close to the middle. You want to make it like a bubble... When you light the corners, light all four corners as close to the same time as possible. The hot air fills the cavity and rises. At night, you can see the flame and then you can see the embers of the glowing paper. Also, the coler the temp, the better it works. After all, hot air rises!