You can make a dollar store lantern in just minutes. And yes I did make this one from wood! You might be surprised at some of the supplies that I used from the dollar store to create this craft. It will look great at the center of your Thanksgiving table. Then change up the look for the holidays and beyond! It would even look great with a marbled candle inside if you want to add even more fall fun to the project.
This post is sponsored by Testors, however, all projects and opinions are my own.
DIY Dollar Store Lantern
First, you will want to head to your local dollar store for your supplies. I picked up everything I needed from the Dollar Tree. Then you can grab your Testors craft paint and some tools to make your own version of this lantern craft for your home.
Supplies needed:
- Testors Craft Paint (I am using gold)
- Wrapped canvases (make sure these are the type with a wood frame inside)
- Mini tumbling towers game
- Plastic cutting mat
- Faux leaves
- Candle
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Craft knife
- Paintbrush
- Quick-drying adhesive good for wood
NOTE: You can purchase Testors craft paint at the following retailers: Walmart, Menards, Farm and Fleet, JOANN, and True Value.
How to Make a Lantern
Now that you have the supplies you need, it is time to make your own lantern in minutes. This project is quick as well as inexpensive. You can actually watch the video below and see just how to make your own dollar store lantern.
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? You can also follow along in the card below to see how to make this craft. You can also print the instructions below if you need them.
Supplies
- Testors Craft Paint I am using gold
- Wrapped canvases make sure these are the type with a wood frame inside
- Mini tumbling towers game
- Plastic cutting mat
- Faux leaves
- Candle
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Craft knife
- Paintbrush
- Quick-drying adhesive good for wood
Instructions
- You will need to remove the canvas from four of the wrapped canvases. Just use a screwdriver and pliers to remove each staple.
- Once all of the staples are out, remove the wood frame from inside the canvas. Again, you will need four of these.
- To make your lantern base, cut a piece of the cutting board a little smaller than the size of your frames.
- Then use glue to cover that cutting board piece in blocks from the tumbling towers game. I made a pattern with mine as I am going to use a light coat of paint so that some of the color shows through. Allow the glue to dry completely.
- Gather all of your raw wood pieces and get ready to paint them at this point. I find it is easier to paint now then to wait until it is assembled.
- Add one coat of paint over all surfaces. Be sure to get the backs of your frames as well. Allow everything to dry. NOTE: If you don't like a rustic look, be sure to fill the holes before painting and give your project 2 – 3 coats of paint.
- Once everything is dry, you are ready to assemble your lantern with more glue.
- Add each of your pieces with glue along the bottom as well as up the sides. Allow to dry completely then add anything you want to the inside for display.
For fall and Thanksgiving, I added in a few leaves as well as a candle. I could see a collection of these in the center of your table this year. Gathering together with family and friends is a welcome part of the season. This year, for me, it is all about bringing back all of those traditions and having an amazing holiday.
You can change this up for other holidays and occasions as well. Add in holly and holly berries for a fun look for the holidays. You can fill it with succulents for use all year around your home. It would also look great with a plant inside. Let your imagination run wild and make a few of these inexpensive dollar store lanterns for your home.
I love that this one is actually all wood. The base having that pattern also makes my heart so happy! It is the little touches that really make a craft project pop. So, be sure to make your own dollar store lantern for your home this fall. You will be so glad that you did!
Love this dollar store craft and want more ideas? You might also want to try the links below!
Great Ideas.