If you're in the mood to add a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space, consider incorporating a lantern. Not only do they provide a soft, ambient glow, but they also bring a stylish element that can elevate any area, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for gatherings. While decorative lanterns can often come with a hefty price tag of around $40 or more, you can craft your own dream lantern using budget-friendly items from Dollar Tree. By following the creative suggestions of YouTuber The Celebration Co., you can customize the lantern to perfectly suit your yard's individual style. All you need are two Dollar Tree hanging wire baskets, some metal wire, and a few other decorative accents.
The beauty of this DIY project lies in its ability to enhance your outdoor living area with both fun and functional elements, all while being budget-friendly. To start, grab Dollar Tree's Garden Collection hanging wire baskets for just $1.25 each. The first step is to remove the hanging chains, as they won't be needed for this project. You'll need a sturdy pair of wire cutters to eliminate the protruding hooks, so make sure you have them on hand. If you don't already own a pair, you can easily find them on Amazon for under $12. Once the basket rims are even, connect them using black wire from Michaels. For $4.99, you'll get eight yards of wire, plenty to complete the project. Feel free to choose a different wire color for a personalized touch. The key is to make this lantern your own by selecting the decorative elements that suit your style.
To create a handle for your lantern, you can repurpose a Dollar Tree foil cookie pan by trimming and folding it to fit. Alternatively, you can use twine or sturdy material of your choice, such as chains. Secure the handle in place with glue and reinforce it with silver push pins available at Dollar Tree for $1.25. When it comes to decorating your lantern, you can switch out candles for different seasons and add embellishments like greenery or ribbon. Just ensure that any decorations are fire-safe. For a safer option, consider using flameless battery-operated candles, which you can find on Amazon for $5. These versatile lanterns can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them a great gift idea as well.
