Ben Carter
Candles have a certain allure to them, with their warm glow and soft light. If you want to take your candles outdoors, a DIY candle lantern is a great option. You can make a lantern with a bare minimum of tools and materials, and there are many different styles to choose from. You can use glass jars, aluminium cans, or even scrap wood to create a lantern that is perfect for your patio, camping, or even just to create a magical ambiance inside your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to make | 5-10 minutes |
| Cost | $5-10 |
| Materials | Glass jars, wire, wood, scrap wood, aluminium cans, wood glue, wood screws, paint, tuna cans |
| Tools | Razor blade scraper, guitar string, wire cutters, router, chamfer bit, jigsaw, miter saw, sandpaper, drill |
| Use case | Decorative, camping, survival |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing materials: glass jars, scrap wood, or cans
Sourcing materials for your DIY candle lantern is easy and affordable. You can use glass jars, scrap wood, or cans.
For glass jars, you can buy large jars from Walmart, which are available for $4.99 in the bulk food aisle. These jars are filled with pickles, so if you enjoy pickles, you can eat them and then use the jar for your lantern. Alternatively, you can use any large glass jar you may have at home.
If you prefer the look of wooden lanterns, you can use scrap wood to build one. You will need ¾" or 1" square dowels, which you can make yourself if you have a table saw or buy pre-made if you don't. You will also require wood glue and 2" wood screws to assemble the lantern.
Another option is to make a lantern out of a can. You can use an aluminum can and a simple marker to draw a large sideways "H" on the can. The top line should be at the shoulder of the can, where it angles toward the mouth, and the bottom line should be about an inch from the bottom. You can then cut along these lines and bend the wings to create a flat place for your candle to sit.
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Preparing the glass: removing labels, cleaning, and drying
Preparing the glass for your candle lantern is a straightforward process, but it requires some care and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Removing Labels:
Start by removing any labels from the glass jar you plan to use. Soak the jar in hot, soapy water to loosen the adhesive. This will make it easier to peel off the labels. If any stubborn residue remains, use a razor blade scraper to gently lift and remove it without scratching the glass.
Cleaning:
Once the labels are removed, give the jar a thorough cleaning. Wash it with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Ensure you remove any dirt, dust, or grease that may be present, especially if you're using a recycled jar. Rinse the jar well with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Drying:
After cleaning, dry the jar thoroughly. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or towel to wipe down the exterior and interior of the jar. Ensure no water streaks or spots are left behind, as these can detract from the final appearance of your lantern. Leave the jar to air dry completely before proceeding to the next steps of assembling your candle lantern.
By taking your time with these steps, you'll ensure that your glass jar is properly prepared, creating a beautiful and functional candle lantern.
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Creating a handle: using wire or string
When creating a handle for your candle lantern, you can use wire or string. If you're using wire, you will need about 24 inches of it. You can use #5 acoustic guitar string, or safety wire, or picture hanging wire. You can also use copper wire, which has a steel wire core, as this will allow the wire to stay in place better when you wrap it on itself.
To attach the wire to your lantern, first, wrap a tiny loop in one end of the wire. Then, wrap the wire around the neck of the jar to mark the length, leaving about half an inch of additional length. Cut the wire and wrap the cut wire around the neck of the jar, feeding the unlooped end through the loop. Finally, bend the unlooped end back on itself to secure the whole wrap around the neck of the jar.
If you're using string, you can create a detachable hanger wire by using stainless fishing dual leaders with swivels on each end. Alternatively, you can use twine made from the bark of a cedar tree.
If you're making a lantern out of an aluminium can, you can use the empty mouth of the can to hang your lantern from a tree branch or hook.
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Adding decorations: staining, painting, or rope
Once you've built the structure of your candle lantern, it's time to decorate! You can paint your lantern in any colour you like, or even add a stain for a more rustic look. If you're using wood, you can opt for milk paint to give your lantern a pretty, high-end finish. You can also get creative and try painting techniques like gradients or a matte finish.
If you're working with a glass candle lantern, you can give it a nautical vibe with some sisal rope. Alternatively, you can attach a rope handle to your lantern, which is especially useful for hanging. To do this, cut a piece of rope to your desired length—around 16 to 18 inches is a good length for a handle. Use hot glue to secure one end of the rope to the top of your lantern, and then glue the other end to the other side, creating a loop. You can also glue rope around the rim of your lantern, covering any metal clamps you may have used.
For wooden lanterns, you can use wood glue to attach decorative elements, but be sure to pre-drill before adding any screws to avoid splitting the wood. When decorating, always ensure that any flammable decorations are kept away from the candle flame.
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Inserting the candle: tealight, votive, or homemade
When it comes to inserting a candle into your DIY lantern, you have a few options: using a tealight, a votive candle, or making your own candle.
Tealight candles are a great choice for DIY lanterns as they are shorter and fit well inside a jar, so the flame is protected. They are also readily available and affordable. If you opt for a tealight, simply place it inside your lantern and light it. You can adjust any wings or reflectors until they reflect the maximum amount of light.
Votive candles are another good option. Beeswax votives are a popular choice for their natural properties and pleasant scent. Votives typically offer around 2 hours of burn time and provide reasonably good wind resistance. However, be mindful that if the candle is bumped and hot wax spills onto the sides of the lantern, the wick may burn down too low and struggle to stay lit. It's important to let the wax cool and harden before inserting the candle to avoid this issue.
If you want to get creative, you can even make your own candle using bacon grease and a wick. Cut about half a pound of bacon into large chunks and cook over low-medium heat until all the fat is rendered. Let the grease cool, then carefully pour it into the bottom of your lantern. Place your wick in the bacon grease and wait for it to harden. Once hardened, trim the wick if necessary, ensuring it's no more than an inch or so higher than the grease, then light your homemade candle.
For any type of candle, ensure you take the necessary safety precautions. Keep an eye on your lantern while the candle is lit, and avoid leaving it unattended. Always place your lantern on a heat-resistant surface and keep flammable objects at a safe distance.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a candle lantern using a variety of materials, such as scrap wood, glass jars, aluminum cans, or baby food jars. You will also need tools like a router, a jigsaw, or wire.
To build a wooden candle lantern, you will need scrap wood, wood glue, and wood screws. Cut the wood to your desired length and use a router or jigsaw to cut a chamfer around the edges. Drill pilot holes and assemble the lantern using the wood glue and screws.
Remove any labels from the jar by soaking it in hot soapy water and scraping off any remaining residue. You can then wrap wire around the neck of the jar to create a handle, securing it with a loop. Place a small votive candle inside the jar and light the wick.
Draw a large sideways "H" on the can with the top line at the shoulder and the bottom line about an inch from the bottom. Cut along the lines and fold out the sides to create wings. Place a candle inside, light it, and adjust the wings to reflect the maximum amount of light.
