Beach-Themed DIY Lantern
Learn how to make this beach-themed lantern to add a little beachy serenity to any home.
What You Will Need
- 4 8×10 picture frames with glass I picked these up at the Dollar Store
- Square dowel pack
- 1×2 furring strip a 6' board is enough
- 1×3 furring strip
- 1×12 pine board cut to square
- 2 3/8″ square poplar dowels
- 6-inch metal roof shingle
- Metal shelf support ring
- 2 hinges
- Wood glue
- Finishing nails
- Hammer
- Paint
- Sandpaper
- Miter saw or miter box
- Hand saw
- Drill
Instructions
- Make the base. Start by cutting the 1×2 board to make a frame around the 12×12 inch board.Miter the ends at 45 degrees. Each piece should be 11.5″ long on the short side. Glue the pieces in place and secure them with a finishing nails.
- Remove the glass from the frames and set it aside.Cut the 3/8″ dowels into four pieces that match the length of the picture frames. Glue a dowel onto each side of two frames. Then glue the third frame in between them to form a “U” shape.After they have dried, use the hinges to attach the fourth frame. Center the frames onto the base and glue the three “U” frames into place. Make sure to leave the door unglued so it can open and close.
- Make the lid. Cut 6 3/4″ long pieces of the 1×3 with each piece to make another "frame". And make one more "frame" from the 1×2 with the pieces measuring 6 1/2″ long. Set them aside.
- Paint the lantern. Paint a base coat of dark brown then add a layer of white. Take some sandpaper and sand off some of the white paint to create that aged, chippy look.
- Assemble the lid. Start by centering the shelving support on the shingle and mark the holes with a marker.Drill the hole marks on the shingle. Use nuts and bolts to attach the bracket and hold it in place. Spray paint both sides dark brown.Form the metal dome by centering the shingle onto the inside of the smallest frame and nailing it into place. Then do the same thing on the other side.Glue the small frame onto the larger frame and secure it with a few nails. Next, glue that part onto the picture frame square. Do not glue the door! Add a few nails for additional strength.
- Make the paned windows. Cut 4 of the dowels to fit the inside of the frame’s length (should be 10.5″). Cut the remaining dowels into (8) 3 7/8″ pieces for the cross-sections.Paint the dowels to match the lantern. Replace the glass in the frames while you wait for the paint to dry.Glue the dowels directly onto the glass to create the panes (1 long piece and 2 small pieces per frame).
- Glue something onto the door to act as a handle. A small seashell or wood bead would work well!Fill your lantern with some sand, shells, and pillar candles then sit back and enjoy the view!