Learn how to make a photo lantern and use this method to make gifts for everyone on your list. These lanterns are so easy to make, and they look amazing once complete. They are perfect for your own home or giving as gifts. Everyone loves a personalized gift, so give them a sentimental gift that they really love.
How To Make A Photo Lantern
Before we start this project, you first need to pick a photo that will look good in your lantern pane. You can use any photo that you like, but it needs to be a photo that will look good when printed vertically.
If you don’t know what image you should choose, below are some ideas that you can use for inspiration!
- Couple Photos
- Kids Photos
- Pet Photos
- Wedding Photos
- Vacation Photos (this could be pictures of you/your family or places you visited)
Once you have an image, you can continue below to make your own photo lantern!
Supplies Needed To Make A Photo Lantern
- Lantern (with panes smaller than 8×11 inches, so it works with your vellum sheets)
- Vellum Cardstock
- Inkjet Printer and Ink (you can see my favorite printer here)
- Scissors
- Glue
- LED Candle
- Photos of your choice (try editing before you print)
Step 1: Print Photo Onto Vellum Cardstock
Measure the window where you would like to add your image. Choose the image you want and print it on your vellum using an inkjet printer. You will want to make sure to print where it will fit inside the window you measured. Allow the ink to dry completely on the vellum. It will be wet when you remove it from the printer.
Step 2: Trace Around Lantern Pane
Cut the vellum to the size of the pane of your lantern. I was able to remove the pane from my lantern and trace it with a pen. If you can’t remove it, just measure and use a ruler to make the lines on your vellum.
Step 3: Cut Out Vellum Photo
Cut around the lines you made with scissors so that your photo is the same size as the lantern pane.
Step 4: Add Glue Around Vellum Photo
Once you cut with scissors, it is time to secure the vellum to the glass pane. Use a very thin bead of glue around the outer edge.
Step 5: Add Vellum Photo To Lantern Pane
Then add the vellum to the glass. Remove any excess glue. Allow to dry completely.
Step 6: Add Lantern Pane Back To Lantern
Once dry, add the pane back to the lantern and place an LED candle inside if you wish.
I only added a picture to the front of my lantern; however, you can repeat this same procedure on all four sides of the lantern. Add a different picture to each side for something they will cherish for years to come.
The best part of this project, for me, is that the lantern looks great with a candle glowing inside or with nothing at all to light it.
So, pull those pictures and start picking a lantern you love. I ordered this lantern online, but you can find similar versions at a local store. As long as you have vellum and a printer, you are ready to make a gift that they will love.
Will you make a photo lantern for your home? Be sure to pick up several lanterns because once you make one of these, you will totally be hooked. You will want to make these for everyone in your life. I love giving these as presents for moms, grandmas, and so much more.
Actually, making gifts with photos is one of my favorite things to do. You can make coasters, jewelry, or even a mason jar. Any of these would be great paired with this photo lantern. They will think you are the best gift-giver on the planet!
FAQs About Photo Lantern
Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about this photo lantern. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see your question? Leave it for me in the comments!
Where Can You Buy Lanterns?
You can buy lanterns at your local home decor store, craft store, and online!
Where Can You Buy Vellum?
You buy vellum at your local craft store in the art section, or online.
Can I Change The Size Of The Photo Lantern?
Yes, you can! As long as your vellum can fit your lantern panes, you can make this project any size that you like.
When The Glue Dries, Will It Be Noticeable?
It shouldn’t be. I only used the glue on the very outside edges that were all covered by the sides of my lantern.
5 More Photo Projects
Did you love this photo lantern, and are looking for more photo projects? Then check out the ideas below!
- Photo Transfer Candles
- Make a Bobble Head Card With Your Custom Photo!
- How to Make a Banner with Photos
- How to Make a Photo Cube
- Adding Cricut Foil on Photo Paper
The picture lantern is beautiful. I’m making this for my heavenly son
thr candle inside is it real candle? Will the flame ruin the vellum. Thank you Angie
I generally use a battery operated candle just because that is what I use in my home!
Hi! I plan on making this lantern today. My question for you is when the glue dries will it be noticeable? I’m going to apply a quote and the image will be translucent so I’m wondering if the glue will show?
I only used the glue on the very outside edges that were all covered by the sides of my lantern.
I was going through try to make this for a family and was wondering if I could get the vellum at hobby lobby and if so what should I look for? Don’t do a lot of paper crafts. Also, I was wondering what kind of glue I need for this project? Thanks for sharing your projects!!
I bought the vellum online but I would say you could find it in the art section at Hobby Lobby. Any glue would probably work here. You are just adding a small bead around the edges.
I want to make this for my mil with photos of her children (her sons) and their family. I then noticed how often it is made as a memorial for those in heaven. Is it generally made for memorial gifts? Can I still make them as Christmas gifts with photos of living people? I don’t want my MIL to think I gave her a memorial gift.
I made it with living people. I think either way works!
Hi Angie. Great post as usual! Are you using regular vellum? When I go to the link, it takes me to regular white cardstock. Vellum is thinner and less opaque than cardstock, so I want to make sure I use the right thing. Thanks for all of your creative posts and Cricut exertise!
I did use regular vellum. The link is probably messed up as this has been several years ago!
Thank you so much for replying! And I actally have regular vellum. I plan to do this as a gift. Thanks for all the ideas and tutorials!
That’s awesome, I can’t wait to see your finished project!
i am just seeing this idea now, and would love to make one for my mom for her bday (catch is.. i need it done for tomorrow)
can regular parchment paper be used?
Sorry that I am just now seeing this. I’m not sure how you would be able to print on parchment paper.
Difficult to find the lanterns like your one or something similar. Any idea where to get please. Thanks
absolutely love this… i love lanterns and have them all over the house. thank you
Thank you! I’m glad you like it 🙂
Good morning this is beautiful. I am setting up for a memorial service this Saturday and wanted to include this in my decor. Does the lantern have to have glass or can you glue the picture to the inside of an open-aired lantern
I think you could do that and it would be fine as long as it’s inside. If it’s outside wind and rain may mess it up.