How to Make Garden Canopy Lanterns
Create outdoor lanterns using materials found around your home. Old tin cans and vases can be used to create an eclectic yet functional outdoor light. Use them under your canopy to create a dome of sparkling lanterns. Hang a set from your patio umbrella to create an outdoor chandelier. Use them on your dining table as a magical centerpiece that will light up the night. For magical dinner parties with friends, place them along your sidewalk or pathway for an inviting nighttime stroll. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Jelly jar
- Soap and water
- Sponge
- Wire
- Metal chain
- S hooks
- Sand
- Tea light
- Matches
Instructions
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1
Remove labels and residue from a jelly or jam jar by soaking them in soapy warm water. Scrub with a sponge to remove the labels and allow to dry thoroughly.
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2
Take a piece of wire and wrap around the perimeter of the lip of the jelly jar. Make sure it is taut and twist the ends together so they are secure.
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3
Create a loop with with another piece of wire. For an average-sized lantern, use 10 to 15 inches of wire. This will be the "handle" used to hang the glass lantern. Bend the piece of wire and attach on either side of the jelly jar by twisting the ends around the wire that was already wrapped around the lip.
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4
Cut the metal chain in 10 inch to 15 inch lengths and attach an S hook to the top of each. Alternatively, you could have your local hardware store cut the chain for you. Slip the hook over the canopy. Attach another S hook at the bottom end of the metal chain. Attach the handle of the jelly jar lantern to the S hook.
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5
Place a 1/2 inch layer of sand at the bottom of the jar. Nestle a tea light into the sand to keep the light snug.
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6
Light the tea light with a long match.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wrap a piece of bendable greenery like willow around the jelly jar lip for an added decorative design. Use jelly jars in different sizes to create a unique collection of lanterns.
Always make sure an open flame is away from flammable objects.
