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Looking for a fun DIY craft project to make some new home decor or a craft to sell? Today, I’m showing you how to make a DIY rustic wood lantern!
I’ve been wanting to make a DIY rustic wood lantern for a while since I saw an idea on Pinterest. We found some old tobacco sticks and I knew they would be perfect for this project!
This was a fun DIY project, and didn’t take too long or require many tools – love that!
I’ll show you how I made this fun DIY rustic wood lantern, so you can make some yourself!
DIY Rustic Wood Lantern
Supplies & Tools Needed:
Tobacco sticks or similar wood (1″x 1″ stained pine wood would work great!)
Nail gun and 1 1/2″ finish nails
Drill and large drill bit
Chop saw (or other way to make cuts)
*Note: If you don’t have a nail gun or want to get too involved with tools, you could use a heavy duty hot glue gun instead. (I love our Dewalt one!)
Instructions:
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Make cuts as listed below.
4 pieces cut to 6″
4 pieces cut to 3 3/4″
and 4 pieces cut to 8″
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Assemble your top and bottom squares.
Use wood glue and the nail gun to make two squares for the top and bottom of the lantern. To do this, use 2 6″ pieces with 2 3 3/4″ pieces on the inside.
If using hot glue instead of a nail gun, glue all pieces together and let dry.
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Attach the 8″ pieces in the middle.
To put your lantern together, place one of the squares you just made down flat. Use wood glue and your nail gun (or hot glue) to fasten the 4 8″ pieces vertically on top of the square.
Once you have those 4 pieces attached, glue and nail the top square on.
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Drill holes for your rope.
Using your drill and a large drill bit, drill two holes on opposite sides for your rope handle.
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Add rope handle.
Pull your rope through and knot to make a handle.
Decorating with your DIY Rustic Wood Lantern
I made a different style lantern to decorate these in a pair. 
Since the lantern is wood, I wouldn’t recommend lighting a real candle in these. A flame less, battery powered candle would be perfect!
You could also place decorative seasonal items in the lantern. For fall, add small pumpkins and fake leaves. For Christmas, add pine cones, berries, and greenery.
Want to learn more about starting a craft business?
Make some extra cash and enjoy being creative! Check out these awesome posts:
15 Steps to Start a Craft Business & Make Some Extra Cash
13 Ways to Improve Your Craft Business
Selling at Craft Fairs: Tips & Tricks from an Expert
Need some inspiration about what crafts to make and sell?
Check out these craft ideas!
115+ Craft Ideas to Make and Sell
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