Hi Friends!
I LOVE to decorate with lanterns. I think maybe that came about when I lived in Florida and bought some to add to my hurricane survival kit. Instead of putting them in the closet, I just set them around as decor. So now, I am always on the lookout for lanterns that are unique and creative. I know you do, too! Because I see them on Pinterest and in our favorite stores for all of the seasons.
This lantern that you will learn how to make today is definitely one of my favorites. It is super easy and super cheap because it’s made out of Dollar Tree photo frames and twigs! You can make these lanterns any color or style to fit your decor. A
nd…if you don’t want to do the hot glue thing with twigs, we got you covered! At the bottom of this post there is a link for a free printable you can use instead.
Here are all the things you will need to make this awesome lantern. Download the materials list here.
As you can see there are not many items needed. You will need to take all of the inserts out (including the glass) so you are just left with the actual frame. So, the first thing I did was to add a little super glue to the corners of each frame (not pictured.) Because these are inexpensive frames, they tend to be a little flimsy. The glue helps stiffened the frame joints. Because I love painting, like, everything, I “white washed” the frames using some chalk paint. Be sure to paint both sides of the frames because the back sides will show through the twigs.
Once the paint has dried, It’s time to add the twigs. I purchased these silver glittered twigs at Hobby Lobby in one of their Christmas aisles. But, you can find yours in your backyard if you prefer. You will want to work with the back side facing up. Notice the lip where the glass was sitting? That is where you will lay the ends of your twigs. I used cutters to cut down my twigs to the proper size so they sit inside that lip.
Working with one frame at a time, I placed all of my twigs and then used hot glue to secure them to the lip of the frame.
After I finished gluing the twigs to all four of my frames, it was time for assembly. I ran a bead of hot glue down the length of one side of one frame. I then lined up another frame and pressed it into the glue at a 90 degree angle. I worked the other side the same way.
For the final frame, run a bead of hot glue down both of the exposed sides. You will need to work quickly so the glue doesn’t harden before you get this last frame attached. Just line it up like the rest and press into the glue.
And there you have it! Isn’t this so cool? I used LED candles from Dollar Tree for that special glow. As an option, you can add some faux fall leaves and twine/raffia to add a more festive look to your LED candles.
You can watch me here on this Facebook Live video as I demonstrate how I made these.
And, like I promised at the beginning of this post, here is the free printable that you can download and use if you don’t want to use hot glue and twigs. This is a 5″ x 7″ fall leaf print that you just print out on vellum paper. I like the vellum paper because it is sturdier than regular paper and you can see the glow of your LED candle inside. You will need the glass inserts that came with your frame if you decide to go with the vellum option. Just print out 4 of the leaf patterns (one for each frame) and then just trim to fit and lay on the inside of your glass inserts.
I hope this inspires you to make a few of these lanterns. Please let me know how it goes!
Happy Crafting!
Krissy