How to Make a Wood Lantern

• 1” x 6” board cut to 5 1/2” x 5 1/2” – Need Two
• 1/2” dowel cut to 10” – Need Four
• 4” x 4” Wood Pyramid Post Cap
• 1 1/2” Wood Cabinet Knob
• Circular Saw or Sliding Compound Miter Saw
• Random Orbit Sander or Sandpaper
• Drill and/or Drill Press with bits
• Wood Glue
• Clamps

Using the 1” x 6” board, cut two pieces 5 1/2” x 5 1/2”. Use a chop saw or sliding compound miter saw for this step.TIP: Set up a stop block so that you only have to measure 5 1/2” one time.

The next step is to cut four dowel pieces 10” long. I moved the stop to 10” for this step.

Use one of the 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" pieces for this step.The dowel placement will be 1/2" in on both sides. To mark the holes, use a carpenter's square to draw a line 1/2" in on all sides, then use the carpenter's square to draw a line from corner to corner.

Use a drill or drill press to drill pilot holes.I made three lanterns, that's why you see three lantern bases in the picture.

Switch the drill bit to a 1/2” Forstener bit and then drill the holes on all four corners.

I made three lanterns, so that’s why there are six pieces shown in this picture.For the lantern top pieces, using the 1/2” Forstener bit and drill press, drill holes 1/2 " deep.Note that the lantern bottom pieces have holes drilled all the way through and the top pieces have holes drilled 1/2” deep.

Mark the center of the end cap, then use an aul to make an indentation, then drill a pilot hole for the screw. (Detailed picture on my blog post.)Screw the knob into place.

Start by doing a dry fit of the pieces to make sure that they fit together perfectly. After a successful dry fit, glue the dowels into place starting on the lantern bottom.Tip: Keep a damp rag nearby to wipe up oozing glue

The next step is to glue the top to the dowels. Finally, glue the end cap in place.

After the glue dries, paint the lantern. I used Benjamin Moore White Dove in semi-gloss that I had leftover from painting the trim in my living room. It took three coats to fully cover the raw wood.

I used quart sized Mason jars for my lanterns with 50 count copper mini LED lights inside. The lights use two double A batteries which I hid behind the lanterns on my mantel.

I would love for you stop by my blog, Sweet Pea, for the full tutorial as well as to sign up for my latest creations, posts, recipes, exclusives, and more including access to my free printable library.