DIY Mini Pumpkin Lanterns :: Easy Fall Decor Idea

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 or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

 

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Materials

 

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

Step 1

Remove the lids from 4 pumpkin boxes and set the lids aside.

Note:

 

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

Step 2

Next, paint the inside of each pumpkin box with your black acrylic paint.

Step 3

Let the paint dry completely.

 

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

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.

 

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

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.

 

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

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.

 

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

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.

 

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

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 easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!

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.

See where I’m linking up!

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These easy DIY mini pumpkin lanterns are the perfect little addition to your fall mantle or bookshelves this season. Find out how to make them now!