Chic DIY Garden Lanterns

Garden lanterns help to dress the table and light up the night.

By: Melissa Caughey

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Photo By: Image courtesy of Melissa Caughey

Make the Lanterns

Follow along to learn how to make these fun, inexpensive and versatile lanterns for your next get together.

Gather Your Supplies

To make the basic lanterns pick up the following at your local hardware store: replacement glass lamp covers (electrical aisle), stainless steel clamps to fit around your jar (plumbing aisle) and stainless steel strapping (plumbing aisle). You will also need a metal cutter or strong wire cutters.

Cut the Handle

Unroll the strapping to determine your handle size and cut it to length.

Attach the Handle

Remove the handle. Loosen the clamp just a bit. Reinsert the handle. While holding it in place, screw the clamp tight with a screwdriver.

Pretty Alone

These lanterns assemble quickly and are lovely even kept plain.

Dress Them Up

To make the lanterns festive, try weaving thin ribbon through the holes.

Make A Firework Bow

Cut two-inch strips of ribbon and tie them in the center with a longer piece of ribbon. Tie this to your lantern.

Paper Fun

Cut vellum and scrapbooking paper to the height of the lantern. Roll it up and insert it inside. Add a battery operated tea light to the bottom of the lantern. Do not use real tea lights because of the potential fire hazard.