DIY Lanterns from thrifted placemats

Have you ever picked something up ie/ placemats and a light bulb went off in your head and you could imagine it as something totally different?? I was shopping at one of our local thrift stores and that is exactly what happened! I saw these orange placemats and instantly knew I wanted to make some lanterns for my fall porch. To learn how I took these placemats and made them into these beautiful lanterns keep reading :)

Supplies Needed:

• 3 placemats from the thrift store

• 3 glass lantern candle holders from Dollar Tree or Dollarama

• Spray paint of choice

• Nautical rope from Dollar Tree or thick rope from Hardware store

• Hot glue gun and glue

• Battery powered candles

Let’s Get Crafting!

Step 1: Spray paint the placemats. You may need a few coats. I had originally sprayed white and it didn’t work as the orange kept coming through. You will need to try it on your placemats.

Step 2: Cut placemats to the height and width of the lanterns. I eyeballed them and tried to keep an edge of the placemats.

Step 3: Hot glue the cut edge (height wise) down the edge of the placemat onto the lantern. Wrap the placemat around the lantern and hot glue the finished edge. Be careful to not burn your fingers :)

Step 4: Make rope handles. I first made a knot on the one end then eyeballed it for the length and added a few inches before I cut. Then I made another knot at the other end. Hot glue the knots to the lanterns.

Step 5: Add battery operated candles (or real but I chose fake) and place lanterns where you want them. I love how they turned out!

I would love to hear your thoughts on how this turned out!!