How to Make Your Own Patio Lights

Patio string lights are the perfect way to add ambiance to your backyard. They hang high and give off a warm glow. Something as simple as lantern lights that hang around the patio give off a sparkle like no other at night time. Chinese and Japanese cultures often use lanterns, and you can make your own decorative lanterns at home without breaking your budget.

Things You'll Need

• Craft paper (a few packs, variety of colors)
• Stencils
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Tape
• Glue
• String lights

Instructions

1. Lay out your craft paper in groups of four. Your lamps will have four sides, so you can decide how many to make with the paper you have.

2. Stencil different shapes and pictures onto the pieces of craft paper. Then cut out the stencil so that each lantern will glow in the shape of the stencil once it is put together.

3. Tape the four sides of the lantern together. You will wind up with a box-like lantern that has cut-outs on all four sides, or on as many sides as you choose.

4. Cut strips of paper about 2 inches wide and long enough to make a strap over the top of each lantern.

5. Glue the strips across the top of each lantern so you can slip them onto the string lights.

6. Hang one end of the string lights, slip the lanterns onto the lights and then hang the other end of the lights.

7. Slide each lantern light into position. Leaving several twinkle lights showing between each lantern will add to the ambiance, and it will also save you from making an individual lantern for each tiny light bulb.

References

• Repair-Home.com: Homemade Lantern Lights
• PaperLanternStore.com: Paper Lanterns