4. Picture Frame Lantern

Upcycling old picture frames is a brilliant way to create a lantern with “glass” walls. You can find these at thrift stores for as little as a dollar. This design gives you a substantial, heavy-duty lantern that looks perfect on a hearth or patio.

How to Make

Remove the glass and photos from four frames of the same size. If the frames are different, keep them to create a eclectic “shabby-chic” lantern. Glue the frames together at the edges to form a box. Use strong, heavy-duty wood glue and secure with painter’s tape while it dries. For the roof, use four triangles cut from a piece of thin plywood to form a pyramid top. Paint the frames a neutral color like cream or grey and distress the edges with sandpaper for a worn-in look.

Things Needed

  • 4 identical wooden picture frames
  • Thin plywood for the roof
  • Heavy-duty wood glue
  • Painter’s tape
  • Sandpaper for distressing
  • LED pillar candle