As the sun shines bright this summer, there’s no denying the allure of spending leisurely moments in your garden. Whether it’s sipping morning coffee amidst blooming flowers, lounging with a great book on a warm afternoon, or hosting a lively barbeque with friends and family – the possibilities are endless. However, to truly unlock the full potential of this outdoor oasis, careful planning is key.
This extends far beyond simply selecting comfortable furniture; it’s about crafting an inviting atmosphere that beckons you to linger long after the sun dips below the horizon.
That’s where we come in – your go-to resource for DIY enthusiasts. We’re thrilled to share our passion for creative outdoor living with you, and show you how to prolong the fun well into the evening hours.
Our collection of innovative garden lanterns is designed to provide ample illumination, allowing you to make the most of those precious summer days. And don’t worry – we’ve curated each project with ease, fun, and uniqueness in mind, ensuring that even the most novice DIYer can join in on the excitement.
Coastal Look Rope Mason Jar Lanterns
When it comes to creating DIY garden lanterns, our trusty Mason jars are a staple material. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into stunning glass lanterns that can be placed on your patio table or suspended from the porch ceiling using a rope handle. The thick rope is cleverly tied onto metal drawer knobs protruding out of a metal clamp, adding a rustic touch to the overall design.
To give your garden lantern a unique nautical twist, try covering the glass jar bottom with fine sand. This not only adds a coastal vibe but also serves as a functional feature, holding the candle in place and preventing it from falling onto the surrounding surface. For inspiration, check out A Lo and Behold Life’s creative take on this DIY project.
Ice Sculpture Colored Candle Holders
If you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy to your outdoor gatherings, consider creating these unique, ice-based light features. Not only do they make for a stunning display, but they’re also surprisingly easy to craft. By using plastic containers as molds and adding a splash of food coloring, you can create mesmerizing textures and hues that will elevate the ambiance of any gathering.
Even without a special occasion in mind, these icy wonders are sure to become a staple in your outdoor decor arsenal.
Wire Wrapped Fabric Collage Lantern
Elevate your outdoor space with this vibrant DIY fabric lantern, perfectly suited for a lush green backdrop. The spherical wire frame serves as a canvas for scraps of colorful fabric in playful patterns, adding a whimsical touch to your exterior decor. To complete the piece, simply attach a length of twine at the top, allowing you to suspend it from your front porch or secure it to a sturdy tree branch.
Patterned Metal Makes Graphic Reflections
Transform your outdoor space into a haven of elegance with these ingenious DIY lanterns. The intricate metal mesh pattern creates a mesmerizing display of light reflections when the candle is lit, making them a perfect addition to your porch, deck, or patio table. These versatile decor accents can be enjoyed during the day as a stylish touch and converted into soft, warm lighting in the evening, inviting your guests to linger and appreciate the beauty of your outdoor oasis.
Whimsical DIY Fairy Lantern
These enchanting lanterns are a delightful DIY project that offers a unique blend of whimsy and functionality. The glass jar’s interior provides a charming setting for a miniature fairy arrangement, which remains visible even when the light is not lit.
nThe real magic happens when you add a tea candle, transforming the scene into a captivating display that can inspire both children and adults.
Hole Punched Painted Tin Can Lanterns
Transforming tin cans into unique and eco-friendly metal lanterns is not only an innovative idea but also a great way to reduce waste. By utilizing a simple hammer and nail or bradawl, you can create a star-shaped design on the surface of the can. The resulting pattern will be beautifully illuminated by a tea light placed inside the can. To ensure safe handling, consider attaching a wire handle to prevent burns from the metal’s heat.
Repurposed Bottle With Fairy Lights
Transform any ordinary glass container into an elegant and effortless garden lantern by inserting a string light inside. A Mason jar, glass bottle, or vintage vase with transparent glass will do the trick. This DIY project can be easily repurposed to serve as a centerpiece for your patio table or a hanging garden feature with the addition of a loop for attaching. It’s a simple yet charming way to add some ambiance to your outdoor space.
DIY Illuminated Fairy Scene Lantern
Transform your Mason jar into an enchanting outdoor lantern by employing a clever technique. Start by applying a thin layer of white tissue paper or vellum to the exterior of the jar. This will provide the foundation for your magical design. Next, cut out intricate shapes such as stars and grass blades from additional sheets of tissue paper or vellum.
Apply these cutouts to the inside of the jar using instant glue, taking care to gently curve them to follow the natural contours of the jar’s shape. For added whimsy, consider applying a layer of glitter over the tissue paper for an extra touch of sparkle and shine.
Dollar Store Glass Jewel Lantern Project
To bring this radiant luminary to life, start by taking a brief stroll to your local Dollar Store. Stock up on essential supplies, including round Mason jars and faux transparent gems. Using your trusty hot glue gun, secure the gems onto the exterior surface of the jar. Allow the glue to set before adding a votive or tea candle inside. As the sun dips below the horizon, revel in the warm, soft glow emanating from within.
Simple Chain Hung Jam Jar Candleholders
Transform your backyard into a serene oasis with creative and budget-friendly garden lanterns that serve as both a source of light and a beautiful fence decoration. This unique DIY project inspires you to repurpose ordinary jam jars into captivating boundary markers, adding visual appeal to your property’s limits at night.
To create this enchanting display, start by attaching a plain chain to both sides of the jar lids, allowing for effortless attachment to preliminary hammered nails.
While traditional tea light candles can be used in the jars, consider an alternative approach by inserting short LED light candles for added convenience and energy efficiency.
Boho Macrame Mason Jar Lantern
Transform your porch into a serene bohemian oasis by incorporating these hanging lanterns. The key element is twine, which is used to create a macrame net that wraps around the jar and extends upwards, leaving loose strings for securing to existing supports such as ceiling beams, window frames, or posts. This rustic yet elegant design adds a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space.
To complete the look, each lantern is filled with pebbles, providing a stable base for the candle and allowing the melted wax to be safely absorbed.
String Light DIY Paper Stars
Transform your outdoor space with these versatile paper star lanterns, perfect for a summer garden decor, unique Christmas garland, or even a 4th July celebration idea. With minimal effort, you can turn these stars into twinkling wonders by inserting a string light bulb into the back of each piece, made easier with the help of a Cricut cutting machine. Alternatively, pre-made paper stars can be found at craft stores for those without the necessary equipment.
Once assembled and lit, enjoy the magical ambiance they bring to your yard or garden.
Found Object Autumn Leaf Luminaries
Create a unique and eco-friendly DIY project with your kids! This autumn-themed activity combines learning with fun, as they collect and glue fallen leaves to learn about the colors of the season. The best part? They’ll be creating their own luminary using recycled milk cartons, teaching them the value of sustainability. Plus, instead of a traditional candle, you can use a flameless one for added safety and peace of mind.
This project is perfect for kids, regardless of your level of crafting expertise.
DIY Painted Dowel Candle Cubes
In a minimalist garden, these lanterns will seamlessly blend into the clean and airy atmosphere. Their design and vibrant colors will transform the backyard into a warm and inviting summer haven. What’s more, each lantern is carefully crafted from 13 wooden dowels, precisely cut to fit together like a puzzle, forming a cube that cradles a votive candle on a washer.
The simplicity of this design allows it to be just as stunning when left unpainted, making it an excellent inspiration for Scandinavian-inspired outdoor decor.
Rustic Natural Element Lanterns
Transforming a natural setting into a warm and inviting ambiance can be achieved by creating DIY garden lanterns using materials found in nature. To begin, gather twigs of varying lengths and shape them to form the structure of your lantern. Secure the framework with a natural adhesive, such as plant-based glue or beeswax. Next, cover the twig frame with layers of white tissue paper or vellum, allowing the candlelight to filter through and create a soft glow.
To add texture and visual interest, apply leaves or pine needles to the interior surface of the paper, where their shadows will dance across the lantern as the light is lit. For added safety and peace of mind, consider using flameless candles instead of traditional open flames.
Beach Vibe Sand And Rope Lanterns
Infusing an outdoor space with elements inspired by the nautical style can instantly create a more serene and inviting ambiance. If you’re seeking to bring a beachy vibe to your garden, consider crafting these easy-to-make rope lanterns as part of your summer-themed decor. The best part? These DIY decorations won’t break the bank or require a significant time commitment, making them perfect for a quick weekend project.
Glass Jar DIY Chandelier
Envision an outdoor chandelier that not only provides soft illumination, but also adds a touch of elegance to your porch. To create this unique piece, start by gathering a dozen small glass jars. Wrap wire around each jar’s neck to accommodate a fine ball chain from the hardware store. Secure the ends of the chain to both sides of each jar, which will serve as both a balance for the candle holder and a means to attach it to the round metal base.
Fill each jar with gravel and insert a tea light candle, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
Cute Polka Dot Tealight Candle Holder
Elevate your outdoor space with this charming garden lantern, a creative and budget-friendly solution to add some summer flair. The vibrant polka dots on the smooth glass jar surface infuse the piece with a cheerful aura, perfect for a sun-kissed backyard or patio. To ensure safety and durability, the author fills one-third of the jar with play sand and uses a battery-operated tea light instead of an open flame.
The twine-wrapped handle not only serves as a functional grip but also allows for easy hanging, transforming this jar candle holder into a beautiful lantern that can be suspended from above, adding ambient lighting to your outdoor oasis.
Easy Wax Paper Lantern DIY
To bring these enchanting wax paper luminaries to life, you’ll need to cultivate patience and a steady ironing hand. The intricate leaves and flowers adorning each lantern are carefully ironed onto the paper, requiring attention to detail and a smooth touch. To achieve the cube shape of each lantern, simply use washi tape as a joint between the square wax paper pieces or opt for more rustic wooden dowels.
Once your creations are complete, place a tea light candle inside and marvel at the soft, ethereal glow emanating from the fused waxed paper.
Make Your Own Lantern From Scrap Wood
Transform your porch or backyard with rustic charm by upcycling scrap wood into unique lanterns! Using reclaimed wood pieces, you can create one-of-a-kind lighting fixtures that add a touch of aged elegance to your outdoor space. This DIY project is adaptable to the size and shape of the wood you have on hand, so feel free to modify the measurements as needed. To bring out the weathered texture, apply a layer of dark stain for a finishing touch.
Get creative with scraps from your garage and enjoy a functional piece that’s both eco-friendly and eye-catching.
Wooden Frame Glass Hurricane Candle Holder
These versatile lanterns can transform your garden and front porch into a warm and inviting space, offering curb appeal all year round. Their innovative design allows for multi-functional use as a candle holder, planter, or seasonal decor display. The cedar boards used to create the lath-style structure can be custom-sized to fit your needs, with one crucial consideration: the bottom of each lantern should feature a sturdy plywood base capable of supporting the weight of the glass vase.
Depending on the surface texture, you can alter the wood’s color by applying a dark stain or oil, creating a striking contrast against a stone base. This clever design makes them a great DIY project for crafty enthusiasts, as seen on Addicted 2 DIY.
Paint Or Whitewash Your DIY Lanterns
The rustic charm of an outdoor lantern is skillfully recreated using weathered wood lathes that have been carefully coated with grey paint and finished with a touch of white-washing. To ensure a safe and pleasant ambiance, the traditional candles are replaced with energy-efficient LED lights, which emit a soft, warm glow in the evening hours.
Tiki Torch Mason Jar Project
Inspiration for these charming outdoor lanterns stems from the iconic tiki torch design. The beauty of this project lies in its affordability, making it an effortless DIY endeavor. To recreate this look, visit your local Dollar store and pick up Mason jars, torch fuel, and wick. With these simple supplies, you’ll be well on your way to illuminating any garden party with a touch of rustic charm.
Flameless Pretty Paper Lanterns
Transforming your outdoor space into a vibrant oasis is just a fold away! Paper lanterns offer a unique way to add a burst of color and personality to your surroundings. By selecting a pattern and color that harmonizes with your existing decor, you can create a cohesive look that reflects your personal style. When choosing the perfect paper for your lanterns, opt for thicker sheets to fully appreciate the intricate folds and cuts.
With a little creativity, you can turn your outdoor space into a stunning reflection of your unique taste.
Colorful Bead And Paper Hanging Lantern
Create a memorable experience with your kids by making these vibrant garden lanterns together. Let them unleash their creativity by gluing multicolored tissue paper inside glass jars, weaving wood beads onto wire handles, and watching their design come to life. These cheerful lanterns are perfect for adding a pop of color to party decor or a lackluster garden nook. You can also hang them from the fence, allowing the bright hues to reflect off the night sky. The possibilities are endless!
Upcycled Can Lanterns With Hole Punch Patterns
Transform your outdoor romantic dinner setting into an intimate oasis by incorporating DIY tin can lanterns strategically around the table or among the trees. This charming addition is achieved through a simple process of drilling holes into the tin, allowing you to personalize the design with a ‘love’ inscription. To ensure a precise fit for your drill bit, take a moment to create a small pilot hole using a tiny nail and hammer prior to drilling.
Inspired by Bren Did’s creative approach, this DIY project adds an extra layer of romance and whimsy to your evening.
