DIY Large Wood Lantern Tutorial

Spring is here; now if the warmer weather would only stay! I am getting all amped up and ready for those 80 degree temps. In preparation, I'm adding some great new additions to my patio and porch. I've been wanting to make some over-sized lanterns for quite some time for my porch. I think lanterns just add that extra something to outdoor areas.

Today, I'll be sharing with you a tutorial on how to make one of these, in three varying sizes.

I built the largest lantern first, so here are the sizes for it:

For the smaller lanterns, I ended up using 3/4" square dowels at 14" for the medium and 11" for the small. Both the bases and top on these are from 1x8s. I made those square. My 1x8 was actually 7". So, the top and bottom were 7"x7" for both the medium and smaller lantern. Depending on the actual size of the 1x10 for the large lantern, and the 1x8 for the others will determine the actual size you need to cut your 1x3s. As you go through this tutorial, just make sure you measure what wood you have and don't go entirely on my given measurements; just use them as a guide.

Supplies:
Wood glue and/or 1 1/4" brad nails and nail gun

DecoArt AmericanaDecor Outdoor Living Paint in: Picket Fence, Wildflower, and Frosted Glass.
DecoArt AmericanDecor Mediterranean Tile Stencil
Jute
Staple gun

Step 1 

(this tutorial is for the largest lantern. It will be similar for the smaller ones besides size and minus the 1x3s at the top):
Secure the wood dowels to the corners of the 1x10. The easiest way to do this is to stand two dowels up vertical, place the 1x10 on top and then shimmy one of the dowels to one corner. Secure with wood glue and nails. Then do the next corners with the other dowels.

 Step 2:

Secure the next 1x10 to the wood dowels to all corners.

 Step 3:

Measure the distance between each dowel. Cut the 1x3's to that size. Reminder that each side might have a slightly different distance. Secure the 1x3s to the outside part of the wood dowels making sure they are flush on the outside.

 Do the same to the top part against the other 1x10.

 Step 4: 

Secure the 1x2s to the bottom of the lantern. Place each in a corner, glue and nail.

 Step 5: 

Now it's time for the top. First, place the 1x4 in the direct middle of the 1x10. Secure in place. Second, place the 1x3 on top of the 1x4, centered. Secure in place.

 This finishes up the wood part of the lantern. It should look like this.

For the smaller lanterns, I decided not to put the 1x3s on top just because they are smaller and it took up too much visual space.

 Step 6:

Paint all the lanterns with Outdoor Living Picket Fence. This took about 2-3 coats for full coverage. Or another option would be to pick a stain.

 Step 7: 

Paint the inside bottom and top of each lantern. I chose Wildflower for my small sized one. This took two coats.

 For the largest and medium sized lantern, I chose Frosted Glass.

 Step 8: 

Use the Mediterranean Tile stencil and add some embellishment. I chose to do the bottom corners of each 1x3.

 And I also stenciled the top.

Step 9: 

Add the handles. Take three pieces of jute cut at about 10" each. Knot one end, braid, and then knot at the opposite end.

 Secure the jute into the 1x4 using the staple gun.

 Here are the finished lanterns! 

These are great and big enough to add a lot of things in. Keep them empty, fill with faux flowers or potted flowers. You can even add some battery lit candles.

 I chose to use the faux variety of plants in my lanterns since we don't have many growing plants yet besides the one in the back.

 Here's a good look at the colors from above. It's almost so pretty that you wouldn't want to add anything in them, which is what you want! Something that looks good on it's own, but totally works with additions.

 The way that I see it, even though it's still cool outside, warmer weather is on it's way and it's definitely never too early to get started on all those outdoor projects! Plus, this is a great project that can be used for indoors too!



Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

5 Minute Pillow Cover Hack - Tutorial

This post contains affiliate links.

When decorating my home, I know one of the easiest ways to change it up a bit is adding new throw pillows. When changing things up as much as I do, it can get expensive :) Also, buying full throw pillows take up a lot of space when not in use. So, in order to save money and space, I learned some quick tips..or hacks, over the years to make my own DIY throw pillow covers. 

Below is about a 1:30 video on how I make two 18-20" throw pillow covers from 1 1/2 yard of 54" fabric. I can do one of these in under 5 minutes, probably could do two if I tried hard enough! Which means....they are so easy, if I can do them, you can too! 

You can even skip the sewing part and use hemming tape instead...bonus! My favorite kind is here:

I found this fabric at Hobby Lobby. I loved the vintage/english print on it. I loved this so much, I have made 4 to place in other rooms in my house.

I have many other DIY pillow cover tutorials found here.

Also for a more clear step by step tutorial on how to do this "hack", click here.

 ( I guess back in the day it took me 10 minutes, but I timed it this time for 5! 

And for those who have asked, below is the sewing machine I use. It's lasted for years and worth the investment! 

 Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Paper Bag Rose Wreath Tutorial

This post contains affiliate links.

I've been holding on to this tutorial for over a year! There are many more where this has come from. I'm excited to finally share it with you! This is the perfect flower, or specifically, rose wreath tutorial in time for spring. It's easy to make, fun, and unique! 

Supplies:

• Cardboard, about a 12x12 square will do...or bigger or smaller, depending on how big you want the wreath.
• Large bowl and slightly smaller plate to trace
• Pen, scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Paper bags (I used these)

Step 1: 

Trace the large bowl onto the cardboard.

Step 2: 

Trace the plate in the center of the circle you traced from the bowl. The plate should be about 1 to 1.5 inches smaller than the bowl. This will give you just enough space, but not too much to glue the paper roses on.

Step 3:

Cut out the "wreath form". I cut off the outside first, and then created a hole in the center to allow my scissors to fit in, and then went in a swirl to cut out the middle portion.

This is what it should look like. Doesn't have to be too pretty since it'll be hidden.

Step 4: 

Grab your bags. I used 5x7 kraft bags. I did try lunch bags for this, and it was a major fail. These bags need to be flat without a folding bottom like the lunch bags...also not so thick that won't twirl. So, after three bag fails...these ones were the ones that worked!

Put your hand into the bag, and use your fingers on the inside to crinkle it down a little bit. Try to find a spot in the middle for them to grab onto.

Step 5:

Then with your other hand, pinch the middle.

And start twirling it in a counter clockwise motion using your hand on the outside, and then clockwise with your hand on the inside. Every counter clockwise turn with the outside hand, you'll need to release and repinch. 

Then keep going until you're at the end with no more paper bag to "twirl". Not all of them will turn out perfectly... or maybe none! Some may have a weird "tale" of paper left, but it won't matter too much once they are together in the wreath.

Step 6: 

Using the hot glue gun, glue them onto the cardboard wreath form. 

It's as simple as that! This paper rose wreath has gone around my house over the year either standing on my dresser in a vignette, or on my peg rails. It's a great little wreath for year round decor! 

It's easy projects like this that keep my creative side going amidst otherwise crazy days! Plus, it's a great project to get little one's involved in too! You can easily change this up and add different color "paper roses". Add different things into the wreath as well! I kept it simple to match my decor for every season.   

Tell me what you think! Do you like easy craft ideas like this? I'll be sharing more fun ideas soon! Until then, follow me on social media for behind the scenes and more ideas! 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”