DIY Lantern Ideas
In need of some light? Here are two fun ideas for making your own lanterns, using common household items (and a glow stick, which can be found at the dollar store). They’re perfect for camping trips with kids!
1. Glow Stick Water Bottle Lantern
This simple lantern can be made in just seconds, and will last as long as the life of the glow stick. These lanterns would be good party favors for an evening event such as a late picnic, sleepover or stargazing. Remember: do not drink the water once you create your lantern.
You can find glow sticks at the dollar store.
What You Need:
- A glow stick
- A clear water bottle
To Make:
Remove label from a water bottle. Activate a glow stick and drop it into a filled water bottle. Tighten cap, and go!
2. Headlamp Water Bottle
Using a headlamp and a gallon of water, you can make an instant glowing lantern that will last for a long time. When you’re done, the components can be reused. This lantern is a great addition to a campsite, or as a night light in a tent or on the patio.
What You Need:
- A headlamp
- A gallon of water
To Make:
Wrap a headlamp around a gallon of water, with light facing in toward the water. Turn on and activate your lantern!
Heather Mann is the mother of four boys, and is constantly on the lookout for fun games, activities, and recipes to keep her busy boys, well, busy. She designs and shares clever crafts with a frugal twist at her site Dollar Store Crafts and ideas for being the best mom ever (on a budget) at Dollar Store Mom.