Fall is officially near and that can only mean that Halloween is right around the corner. My inner child is crazy giddy right now. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fun, freedom, and heat of summer. It doesn’t speak to my soul like fall. The beautiful colors, pumpkins everywhere, and the chill in the air all create an ethereal atmosphere that is pure comfort. Whether you love the fall or not, you can’t deny that September is the official go ahead to start your fall decorating. These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle.
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These easy #DIY mini #pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle! Click To Tweet
Materials
- Cardboard Pumpkin Boxes
- Small Paint Brush
- Black Acrylic Paint
- Orange Acrylic Paint
- Utility Knife (I used the one in this kit)
- Cutting Mat
- Electric Tea Lights
Step 1
Remove the lids from 4 pumpkin boxes and set the lids aside.
Note:
- You can use the lids to make this Sweet DIY Pumpkin Banner.
Step 2
Next, paint the inside of each pumpkin box with your black acrylic paint.
Step 3
Let the paint dry completely.
Step 4
Then cut out 2 small triangle eyes on each pumpkin box with your utility knife.
Tips:
- Cut from the inside of your pumpkin (the part you painted black) to keep the box from bending or collapsing while cutting.
- Also cut on top of a cutting mat to protect your work surface.
Step 5
Next, cut a mouth beneath the eyes on each pumpkin box with your utility knife.
Tip:
- Again, cut from the inside and on top of a cutting mat.
Step 6
Turn your pumpkin boxes over and cover the outside of each one with black acrylic paint.
Step 7
Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.
Step 8
Next, add a light layer of orange paint over the black paint on the outside of your pumpkin boxes.
Tip:
- The layer should be light enough that you can see the black show through.
Step 9
Let your orange paint dry.
Step 10
Lastly, add electric tea lights to your lanterns and place where you would like to display them.
**Warning**
Do not use actual flames with these. They are flammable. Use electronic candles only.
These DIY mini pumpkin lanterns turned out so fantastically. Add them to stacked books on your mantle for gorgeous fall décor. I also paired mine with a brown pillar candle on a wrought-iron pedestal. It adds that touch of vintage spook that is perfect. Don’t forget to check out the Sweet DIY Pumpkin Banner that is made with the lids to the pumpkin boxes. Then come back next week for a fun Halloween game made from the boxes. Can you believe one little item can lead to so much fall fun?! Talk about an awesome buy to rock your autumn season.
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I’m a nerdy, crafty mom of three adorable little kids. I love writing and creating, but in my non-existent free time I also love karaoke, taking my kids to the zoo, and reading. I got my degree in Science (no idea how that happened) but I took every English class I could get my hands on because, yeah, I’m that girl.
