Skip to main content

DIY Wood Lantern Centerpiece

Level of difficulty:  Beginner

Patriotic Plaque

This easy DIY wood lantern is so simple and beautiful, no one will be able to tell it is made from a wood block game! Using wood blocks, dowels, and beads, you can create a rustic wooden lantern centerpiece for weddings and other events. This DIY project also makes great home and party decor. Place a faux candle inside to create a beautiful luminary!

Patriotic Plaque Supplies

What You'll Need:

Let's Do This!

 

Step 1:

Stain 26 blocks, 2 dowels, and 4 large beads. Let dry.

 

 

Step 2:

  1. Assemble a corner post by gluing 3 blocks together, end to end. Tip: For all future steps, hold the blocks together until the glue sets up.
  2. Repeat this process to create the other three corner posts. Let all four sides dry.

 

 

Step 3:

  1. Assemble the lantern base by gluing 8 blocks together, stacked side by side. Let dry.

 

 

Step 4:

  1. Glue a block on one long side of the base. Center it between the ends. Let dry.
  2. Glue a block on the other long side of the base. Center it between the ends. Let dry.
  3. Glue a corner post on each end of the block from Step 4a. Let dry.
  4. Glue a corner post on each end of the block from Step 4b. Let dry.

 

 

Step 5:

  1. Glue a block at the top, in between the first two corner posts.
  2. Glue a block at the top, in between the second two corner posts.
  3. Glue a block at the top, on the third open side.
  4. Glue a block at the top, on the last open side.

 

 

Step 6:

Glue the four wood beads to the bottom corners of the lantern base. Let dry.

 

 

Step 7:

  1. To add dowels, measure and mark the length of each side with a pencil. You will need eight pieces. Tip: Be sure to measure each section individually, as the lengths may vary slightly between corner posts.
  2. Use a craft knife and score around the dowel on the pencil line.
  3. Break at the score mark.
  4. Sand the ends until smooth.

 

 

Step 8:

  1. Glue the dowels to the top sections of the corner posts. Let dry.
  2. Glue the dowels to the bottom sections of the corner posts. Let dry.