How To Make Decorative Lanterns To Decorate Your Garden

Do you want to learn how to make beautiful decorative lanterns to decorate your garden? The lighting in the garden is very important, although not everyone realizes this. While natural light is best, it is good to have other light sources at night.

Best of all, you don’t have to buy any lamps or lanterns from the store. With a little creativity, you can make them at home using recyclable materials. In this article we give you some interesting ideas. Check them out!

5 Ways to Make Decorative Lanterns

Decorative lighting has become more popular in recent years. People also want to use their gardens and terraces in the evening. These spots have become a common social space for families and friends, especially on special occasions.

That is why many people have looked for different ways to illuminate the garden in the evening and give it a decorative touch. While there are many options, some people prefer simple and romantic decorative lanterns. Below we show you some options.

1. Decorative lanterns from old tins

You only need a few cans to make these beautiful lamps. Ideally, they should all be different in size, both for lighting and aesthetics. Make sure to clean them well first!

Steps

• First give the cans a color with some paint for a better finish.
• Then use a stencil to apply a design to the surface.
• Using nails and a hammer, make holes in the can. Do this around the entire perimeter of each can. If possible, use a drill to make it faster and easier.
• Also make a few holes in the bottom if you want a hanging lantern.
• When it’s done, attach a rope or wire and hang or place the decorative lantern wherever you want.
• Finally, place a candle or small battery-operated lamp in each tin.

2. Decorative Paper Lanterns

A disadvantage of paper bag lanterns is that they are less durable compared to the other options. However, it is a good option to quickly decorate and illuminate the outdoor area on a special occasion. In addition, they make the environment romantic and beautiful.

You can buy ready-made paper lanterns in the store. However, if you wish, you can also make them yourself and adapt them to the situation, for example in the theme of the party.

Steps

• For this you need some (recycled) paper bags, sand, scissors, pencils and some LED lights.

• Then draw a nice design on the surface of the bag with the pencil.
• Cut out these shapes, but make sure to leave room at the bottom to fill the paper bags with sand.
• Finally, place the LED candles in the sand and place the lantern wherever you want.

3. Glass jar lanterns

Another recyclable material that can be very useful in making decorative lanterns are glass jars. This will look elegant and romantic if you decorate them nicely. Do you think this is a good idea? Then let’s make them!

Steps

• First, clean the glass jars well and put a handful of pebbles or gravel in them. If you like, you can also fill them with salt, lentils or another grain.
• Then put a candle in it, preferably one that is also suitable for repelling mosquitoes and other insects.
• Finally, you can add different designs: you can paint them, add lace or tie a ribbon around them.
• You can also use twine to make hanging lanterns.

4. Wooden Decorative Lanterns

With some wood scraps you can make beautiful decorative lanterns yourself. It all depends on your creativity. The material is very versatile and you can even make them in different shapes:

• square
• rectangular
• triangular
• and more

Steps

• Collect several pieces of wood, of any thickness you want. In addition, you can even cut a plank or a wooden box into several pieces.
• Then make the lantern and attach the pieces of wood with nails, screws or wood glue.
• Cover the outside of the lantern with fabric or colored paper. Keep in mind, though, that paper doesn’t last that long.
• Finally, add a candle or light bulb to complete your decorative lantern.

5. Decorative lanterns made from fish bowls

Do you want more elegant and very original lanterns? Then don’t hesitate to try this idea with glass fish bowls. Their shape and size make them perfect for adding more light to certain areas of the garden.

Steps

• Decorate the surface of the fishbowl as you wish.
• Then put small stones, gravel, salt or any other small element in the bowl.
• Finally, place a candle or an (electric) tea light and place it in the decorated bowl.

If you think your garden or patio is very dark at night, try making some of these beautiful decorative lanterns. As you can see, they are easy to make and add a very special touch.