A Pretty Lantern for Dark Autumn Days

My friend Kim introduced me to this craft several months ago ... I think it was back in March because I originally planned to make a "Lenten" lantern out of these materials. Alas, it all sat in my craft bin until just today. :)

Instead of a Lenten lantern, I decided to make something for the coming fall. This will look nice in our learning room, tucked into the corner where I enjoy my afternoon tea. (Remember my Tuesday Tea posts? They will return after the autumn equinox.)

So in the top photo you see most of the materials I used: small framing mats, plain vellum paper, adornments (butterfly stickers, floral acetate sheets), ribbon and a battery-lit candle.

I started by cutting pieces of vellum to fit the mat openings - I taped them down on the backside of the mats. 

I then did the same thing with the acetate sheets.

I could have used glue, but tape seemed to work rather nicely. (Though glue might hold things down more permanently ... a light hand would work best.)

I then applied the pop-up, slightly translucent butterfly stickers to the front side of the vellum. Finally, I attached the three mats at their corners using a hole punch and a sheer green ribbon.

(Note: I had an awful time with the hole punch - I ended up using very sharp scissors to complete the holes.)

Finally, once the three panels were secured, I added the battery-lit candle ...

This whole project took me about an hour and with a little help and adult supervision I think even young children could make something like this ... I think it would make a lovely homemade birthday or Christmas gift.

I'll keep mine in my reading corner ...

... and as the afternoons grow darker, I'll enjoy its soft glow all the more.

:)

Now it goes without saying, this lantern could be made in any and all colors and designs - it could be made for a season, a holiday, to match a room or to celebrate a special person or event. It's such a simple project but quite versatile and the colorful results are so pleasing. Thanks to Kim for sharing this wonderful idea with me!

*❤*

Well, I hope you've all had a nice day, and thanks so much for stopping by and sharing in my "craftiness" today. Have you been working on any crafts lately? If so, I'd love to hear about them!

Have a good night, my friends ... see you here again very soon!