Lanterns Made From Frames

13 Materials

$20

2 Hours

Easy

Here's a project that is inexpensive, yet looks nice and can be used for any season, or just to have as part of your home decor. What's even better is that you're turning something as mundane as Dollar Tree frames into useful lanterns! Candle lovers, this one is for you! :)

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lanterns made from dollar tree frames, outdoor living

SUPPLIES:

Frames with removable backs (4 for each lantern)
Spray paint (I used satin Wildflower blue and satin Heirloom white.)
Glue gun & sticks
Foam board

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES IF YOU WANT TO MAKE LIDS: *Note: the lids are not functional, they are just for esthetics.

Nails (I used upholstery nails I had on hand.)
Jute rope
Knobs
Chop saw (not pictured...if you don't have a saw, you may be able to have your common board cut at Amazon)
Fine grit sandpaper (not pictured)
Danish oil (not pictured)
Rag (not pictured)
Box cutter/X-Acto knife (not pictured)
1x6 common board

STEP 1: Prep & Paint frames First, I removed the backing and the glass of all of my frames. I used an old butterknife I keep with my art supplies to push the tabs completely back.

Then I laid my frames out and sprayed them with paint...

...you'll want to let the fronts dry completely, then flip them over and spray the backs. Make sure to get the sides as well!

STEP 2: Secure glass in frames & assemble lantern Next, I used hot glue to put a small drop of hot glue on the inside corners of the frame, then laid the glass down so that it wouldn't fall out when the frames were sitting up. *Note: I had my glue gun on for too long which is why my glue looks yellow.

Once the glass in all of my frames was glued and secured, I assembled my two lanterns. I applied a strip of hot glue to the long edge of each side, sat them up vertically and held them together, tightly, until the glue set.

STEP 3: Trace, cut & glue foam board bottom After my lanterns were assembled, I sat each of them on my foam board and traced around the bottom of the lanterns.

Then, I cut the foam board bottoms out, along my traced outline, with a box cutter.

Here are my foam board bottoms.

After I cut out the bottoms, I applied hot glue to the edges and sat the lanterns on top.

STEP 4: Trace & cut common board for lids (optional) If you want a lids for your lanterns, you'll want to follow this step as well as the next. Much like I did for my foam board bottoms, I also sad my lanterns on a piece of common board and traced around the edge. Then, I cut the marks with a chop saw, lightly sanded the cut boards, and applied Danish oil to them.

STEP 5: Add rope to lids Next, I hammered a nail into some rope on two sides of my lids to create a rope handle.

STEP 6: Finish knobs and install Finally, I applied Danish oil onto my two knobs and installed them into the middle of my lids.

Even though the lids are just for looks, I love how these little lanterns came out! They're perfect for any occasion and all year round.

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3 of 19 questions

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Debra Devenport Tharp
on Aug 22, 2019

I am a little confused as to why you set the frames on top of the foam board instead of placing it inside of them so that you wouldn’t have the white strip showing.

3

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- Dianne Spillers Gregory
  on Oct 7, 2019
  
  Nice and easy job , i like it , thank you for posting it.
  
  2
  Reply
Christina Avery
on Aug 23, 2019

Just wanted to say Great Job! I luv this!

1

Answer this
- Donna
  on Oct 19, 2019
  
  So do I, think it's a great idea & I have a ton of old frames lying around.
  
  1
  Reply
Brian Spencer
on Nov 30, 2019

Does the heat of the candles loosen up the hot glue?

0

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2 of 312 comments

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Wha49973243
on Nov 12, 2020

If you're going to blog, you seriously need to proof-read. Very unnerving to see so many mistakes.

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Reply
TinerBean
on Mar 21, 2021

I've been thinking and wondering what to do with my Dollar Tree/store frames. This is a great idea. Anyone have any ideas for 2x2x2 wooden boxes? Or little boxes w/clasp? Small wooden trays?

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Lanterns Made From Frames

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