Decorative Lantern (the ones I used were candle holders from Target, but I’ve seen similar models at Goodwill and rummage sales)
String Lights (length will depend on size of the lantern, but I used one 20’ string of white lights for each of the lanterns I made)
Power Tools: handheld drill and jigsaw (it’s not too much of an obstacle if you don’t have these…you’ll just have to find a creative way around it!)
Steps:
On the bottom face of the lantern, draw a circle slightly bigger than the outlet plug at the end of the string lights.
Drill a large hole on the perimeter of this circle, then cut along the rest of the border using a jigsaw (make sure the lantern in stationary and stable while doing this!)
Clean the lantern of metal shavings and dust (especially the glass). During this step you may want to cover the perimeter of the cut hole with electric tape or similar material to guard you from the sharp edges.
Fill the lantern with the string lights. Pull the end of the string lights (with the outlet plug) out of the hole you cut, along with sufficient length to reach an outlet.
Hang or place your lantern somewhere pretty! My favorite part is that I can move them around as needed, and in the complete dark they look like a lantern of captured fireflies!
