Assuming you already have the glues on hand, the total cost for each lantern is about $11. In the video, the crafter mentions that most of the items came from Dollar Tree.
I just checked and they no longer carry the solar stake light online but I found a set of 12 that works out to just under $2/each. I’ve linked to them in the list above. They’re the right size and have silver caps instead of black which is even classier.
Making the Lantern
Push back the tabs in each frame that hold the glass in place
Remove the back and glass from each frame (you won’t need those)
Use pliers or your scissors to pull the tabs out of the frames
Cut one section of bath mat to fit the inside of each frame where the glass sat before
Use your glue gun to secure the bath mat sections to the inside (back) of each frame with the dips in the bath mat facing out
Use E6000 craft glue to attach the clear gems into each bubble indent on the front of each frame
Run a bead of E6000 glue along the outer edge of the back of one frame and place another frame on its side into that glue – you may need to brace the second frame so it stays straight while it dries
Run a bead of E6000 along the outer edge of the opposite side of the first frame and place the third frame on its side into that glue
Run a bead of E6000 along the top sides of the second and third frames and place the fourth frame on top
Let the glue dry making sure to keep all sides straight
Cut your screen so it fits on the top of the lantern
Fold the screen into quarters and snip the inner corner to create a small hole in the center just big enough to fit the bottom of the solar light
Pull the stake off the solar light and slip it into the hole in the top of the lantern (the cap should stay above the screen)
With the solar bulb in the screen, use your glue gun to secure the screen to the top of the lantern
Charge your solar lantern by placing it in the sun and then you can use it on your patio table or by your front door. The light will shine through the gems and bath mat to create shadow patterns on the ground around the base.
It would make a shiny and elegant centerpiece for a fancy dinner outside.
I bet you could also make this with colored gems for a neat twist.
It’s portable, pretty, and unique. Your friends will wonder where you got it!
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