Nothing is better than soft, natural lighting while spending time outdoors in the evening hours. I don’t know about you, but I prefer my garden lighting to have some character! Lighting in the garden is really important if you spend any time outdoors after the sun goes down, and it should definitely be more than switching on a porch light. We found these DIY projects that show us how to make these unique garden lanterns perfect for that spring night or that winter holiday glow, or any night in between!

Recently we came across this great idea for using old insulators to create one of a kind garden lanterns at ‘Vintage Ambience‘, a vintage rental company in the Seattle area. We love these because of the soft color, the gentle glow, the re-purposing of the insulators and the easy and quick nature of the project itself! These old style insulators can be found at antique shops or architectural salvage. There are a few that have become collectable and are quite expensive, but you can still find plenty in the ten dollar range or less. Here’s how to make a unique garden lantern!

Step one: Using floral wire, encircle the middle of the insulator with a “girdle” of wire, twist to secure and then bend back the excess wire onto itself.

Step two: Create a large loop with the wire for the “handle” of the lantern. Attach to the wire on each side to the “girdle” , twist to secure, bend back if necessary.

Step three: Fill the opening with a little sand, then drop a votive candle into the top of the insulator. Hang and light! Easy, unique way to add wonderful garden lighting for any time of year. We love this project!

Ananda at ‘Piece of Rainbow’ has a complete tutorial for her DIY faux metal star lanterns. These lanterns are made from card stock! She has a complete downloadable pattern for this project for you too. Obviously, these can’t be left out in the weather, but can you imagine them for a party or BBQ? Love these!

 

These Pottery Barn inspired Hyannis lanterns from Lo at ‘A Lo and Behold Life’ have a really cool coastal vibe, but I think they would fit into a lot of garden spaces. The rope gives it an organic feel, and the project is easy enough with good directions and photos! Check out her home tour while you are there… Pretty!

 

So any of you who have been around for awhile know that we love a good glass of wine out in the garden. Preferably red, from right up the road here here in Washington state, but hey, that’s another subject! So when we saw this hanging wine bottle lantern from ‘First Step Designs‘ on Etsy, we were quite ready to have some shipped right out. (And still may, BTW! Great price for these!) If you want to try your hand at DIY’ing this, try this tutorial on ‘Instructables‘.

These DIY candle lanterns from Allison at ‘It’s Toile Good’ are an inexpensive project. Do you recognize those dollar store vases? Finally, something cool to do with them! Good instructions and photos.

 

Finally, we love these Pottery Barn knock off sea glass hanging votives from Johnnie at ‘Saved by Love Creations’. She made these for $3! Since PB’s version costs $60, I think this is a tutorial well worth popping over to, don’t you?