Simple Summer Lanterns

If you are thinking of attending a Luminara celebration, or if you just want a frugal way to decorate for a garden party, you might want to make your own lanterns. Why not dig into your recycle bin for inspiration?

Lifehacker has the simplest tutorial with its Hanging Candle Lanterns using clean, empty jars and some wire.

The Frugal Family Blog made some Shamrock Lanterns by adding tissue paper to jars but you could add any design you like!

My favourite are the Tin Can Lanterns -- the tutorial is at Deviantart. I have tried these in the past though and found them quite challenging; the tip suggests that a metal punch would make it easier and I think that's probably true but older kids and some adults may get a kick out of pounding nails into an ice-filled tin can!