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Easy Cheap DIY Outdoor Lantern: Illuminate Your Garden on a Budget

As the evenings grow longer and the warm summer nights beckon us outdoors, enhancing your garden or patio with lights can create a charming, inviting atmosphere. However, purchasing lanterns or outdoor lighting can quickly add up, straining your wallet. Fortunately, making your own outdoor lanterns can be a simple and inexpensive project that allows for creativity and personal flair. Here’s a guide to crafting easy, budget-friendly outdoor lanterns that will brighten up your evenings.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following materials, most of which can be found at home or purchased cheaply:

1. Containers: Glass jars, tins, or sturdy plastic containers work perfectly. Recycled items like mason jars, tin cans, or even old lanterns can give a rustic touch.

2. Wire or Twine: You’ll need this for hanging or creating handles for your lanterns. Natural twine or wire from garden centres or hardware stores can be used.

3. Tea Light Candles or LED Lights: Choose traditional tea lights for a classic glow or battery-powered LED lights for safety and longevity.

4. Decorative Elements: This can include paint, washi tape, lace, or twigs. Get creative and personalise your lanterns!

5. Drill or Hammer and Nails (optional): If you’re using tins or want to add ventilation holes, a hammer and a sturdy nail or a drill will be handy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Container

Select a container that suits the aesthetic you want. Clear glass jars give a more modern feel, while tins can evoke a vintage charm. If you choose to use tins, remember to remove the labels and thoroughly clean them.

2. Prepare the Container

For glass jars, you may want to paint them or wrap them with yarn or twine for an artsy look. If using tins, you can create a pattern by gently hammering nails into them—this will allow light to shine through. Be sure to create the holes before adding any candles or lights to avoid accidents.

3. Add Your Light Source

Place a tea light or an LED light inside your container. If you’re using a candle, ensure that the container is heatproof, and never leave it unattended. For added safety, use LED lights that can mimic the flicker of a candle without the risk of fire.

4. Create a Handle (optional)

If you’d like to hang your lantern, create a handle with wire or twine. Simply attach it around the neck of the container, ensuring it’s secure but not too tight, allowing for a rustic or whimsical finish.

5. Decorate Your Lantern

Now comes the fun part! Add your decorative elements to enhance the look. You can paint the outside for a splash of colour, or add lace ribbons for a romantic feel. Sticking some leaves, flowers, or twigs for that natural touch is also a lovely idea.

6. Display Your Lanterns

Once your lanterns are complete, find the perfect spots to display them—either hanging from trees or on tables and paths. If you’re using LED lights, they can be strategically placed along garden paths or around seating areas to create a magical ambiance.

Tips for Long-lasting Lanterns

• If you choose to use glass jars, make sure they are thick and sturdy to withstand outdoor conditions.
• Seal your lanterns with a clear coat or waterproof tape if you’re using materials that may degrade with exposure to moisture.
• Regularly check the batteries of LED lights, especially if they’re placed in a hard-to-reach spot.

Conclusion

Creating DIY outdoor lanterns is not only an affordable way to enhance your outdoor space, but it also offers a chance for you to express your creativity. With just a few materials and some time, you can transform your garden or patio into a glowing haven for summer evenings, all while keeping your expenses in check. Gather your friends or family for a fun crafting session and enjoy the fruits of your labour as you bask in the warm glow of your homemade lanterns. Happy crafting!

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