Learn how to make a DIY Dollar Tree picture frame lantern. These are inexpensive to make, and they make adorable centerpieces for a wedding or other party. I put battery operated candles in mine, but I also have more ideas for different decor items to use.

Picture Frame Lantern Centerpieces

Dollar Tree is my favorite craft supply store, but the best craft supplies come from outside of the craft section.

This DIY lantern craft is made with picture frames from Dollar Tree. You'll only need 4 frames per piece, so this Dollar Tree home decor DIY only costs $5!

I put some battery operated candles inside my lantern. I shopped those from my house, but you can also buy those at Dollar Tree or use something else.

For more Dollar Tree craft ideas, check out these posts:

How Do You Make a Simple Wood Lantern?

There are many DIY lantern ideas and several things that you can use to make them out of wood. You can even cut strips of wood and nail or glue it together for a simply DIY lantern craft.

I don't have the desire to cut wood. Besides, I don't want to to buy a long piece of wood and then have leftover wood to store.

For the price of wood, I can get supplies from Dollar Tree and repurpose them. I made a picture frame lantern from premade picture frames.

No cutting or staining!

What to Put Inside Your Picture Frame Lantern Centerpieces

I used some battery operated candles for a simple Dollar Tree lantern craft. I'd caution against a real candle because of the risk of fire in a small space.

Here are some more ideas for your photo frame lanterns:

Succulents (Get them from Dollar Tree or order from Etsy)
A dish of moss and rocks or flowers.
Seashells from Dollar Tree or Etsy
A bowl of natural bowl fillers.
Pine cones
Ornaments
Small potted plant like this potted succulent or from Etsy

Picture Frame Lantern Variations

This is a very easy DIY Dollar Tree picture frame lantern. Here are some variations that you can make:

Paint the picture frames with chalk paint. They would be really cute distressed!
I used the house shaped picture frames. You can also use a rectangle frame.
You can leave the top open like I did or add a piece of wood.
If you use a rectangle frame, you can use two more frames to make a "roof" on the top.
Leave the glass in the frame or not. I think they look cute with greenery and flowers spilling out of the lantern.
Print photos on vellum or add patterned vellum to the glass to make them glow with a candle inside.
Change what's inside for the seasons.

DIY Lantern Craft Supplies

Here's what you need to make this Dollar Tree home decor DIY:

Picture frames - I used four wooden house shaped frames. The opening is 4x6 for scale. You can use a rectangle frame, but make sure it is flat on the side to glue to the other frames.
Hot glue gun or E6000 - E6000 works better, but hot glue will also work.
Candles - I recommend battery operated candles and not real candles due to the fire risk.

How Do You Make a Lantern Out of Dollar Tree Frames?

Step #1

Remove the glass from the frames. Add a dot of hot glue and place the glass back inside the frame. This helps the glass stay in place without using the tabs.

Step #2

Use hot glue or E6000 to glue the edges of the frames together. Glue all of them together to form a DIY lantern craft.

Let the glue dry and then it's ready to display!

I hope you enjoy this easy and cute Dollar Tree lantern tutorial!

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Yield: 1 frame

Author: Cari @ Koti Beth

Estimated cost: $5

Dollar Picture Frame Lantern Tutorial

prep time: 5 Mperform time: 30 Mtotal time: 35 M

How to make a Dollar Tree picture frame lantern.

materials:

4 house shaped picture frames
Hot glue gun
E6000 glue

steps: