DIY Lantern Made with Picture Frames and Paint Sticks

Make this beautiful DIY lantern to add a soft glow to your space or use as table centerpiece for a wedding or special event.

Decorative lanterns instantly add charm, and this one comes together with just a few simple supplies. I found these light green picture frames at an antique store and loved their slightly tropical feel— I immediately knew they’d make the perfect beach-inspired lantern.

Supplies

• 2 wood picture frames
• 12 paint sticks (free at the paint or hardware store)
• Thin tack nails
• A hammer
• A drill and a small drill bit
• 1.5-inch wood knobs for feet
• A small hack saw
• Small clamps
• Wood glue
• Hot glue
• Paint (or stain)
• Starfish or any embellishments you like
• A battery-operated (flameless) candle

How to Make A DIY Lantern – 4 Easy Steps

STEP 1:

Start by painting (or staining) your paint sticks, wood knobs for feet, and picture frames if needed.

STEP 2:

Use short tack nails to attach the paint sticks to the sides of your picture frame then use wood glue to attach knobs for feet.

Tip: Pre-drill a hole into the paint sticks before nailing them to the picture frame. This will keep the wood from cracking. And, add a dab of wood glue for extra hold.

STEP 3:

Cut the remaining four paint sticks with a hack saw, paint them, and use wood glue to glue them horizontally to the sides of the lantern. Use craft clamps to hold everything in place as the glue dries.

STEP 4:

Finish by hot gluing starfish or other embellishments to the sides. Just make sure you can fit a candle through one of the sides.

Note: Make sure to use a flameless battery-operated candle since the lantern is wood and flammable. Do not use an open-flame candle.