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Halloween luminaries back and front made for outdoors.
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5 from 1 vote

Halloween Lanterns

These DIY Halloween Lanterns are both weather resistant and flameless! Learn how to make these simple and mess-free glowing luminaries to create a spooky path to your door.
Active Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour
Yield: 1 lantern
Author: Rachel
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • X-acto Knife

Instructions

  • Cut the plastic to the size you want. Cut a decorative edge with an X-acto knife if you wish.
    Cutting the edge of a Halloween luminary with a craft knife.
  • To fold, cut a straight line top to bottom through the top layer of corrugated plastic only - do not cut through both layers.
    Cutting the edge of a Halloween luminary with a craft knife.
  • Paint the designs on the front and back if you choose. Allow to dry completely. Tape the two loose edges together so that it makes a box.
    Painting a jack o lantern face on a Halloween lantern.
  • Place the lanterns where you wish. If on the ground, push thin, long stakes through the channels into the dirt to keep from tipping over. Place flameless tea light or candle in the center of the lantern and turn on.
    Halloween luminaries back and front made for outdoors.

Notes

  • Instead of corrugated plastic, I have seen milk jugs, plastic jack o'lanterns, and actual glass lanterns used.
  • Paint applied in 2-3 layers will give the best blackout for your design. I have not used a sharpie, so I would test first but I hear they are waterproof for this sort of design.
  • These hold up great for years. I have used them for 3 years and they are in great shape. They have sat in rain, wind, and heat with no problem.
  • Waterproof flameless candles that are a few inches taller work the best. I trim the wax around the top to get maximum glow.