How-To make a lantern tree from fallen branches
My intern Grace and I got together one Saturday afternoon to make this cool project. It was fun, easy and best of all quite functional.
It gets pretty dark in the back yard at about 9pm and sometimes, I’m just not ready to go inside. 🙁
After doing a post on lighting it up outside, I felt compelled to create a unique way to do just that.
I picked up a few lanterns from Ikea for $3.99 a piece. I wanted to suspend them from an object, rather than sit them on top of one.
I turned to mother nature (as I often do) and decided to use fallen branches for this project. Afterall, they make great arms, to suspend things from.
I love repurposing branches, remember the coasters from this post? And the sticks used from this one?
I find that mother nature is a true source of inspiration.
Here are the simple steps for completing your own lantern tree project
1. Find a branch with character, if you’re unable to find the perfect branch, combine 2 or three of them together in varying heights and lengths. We used 2 branches.
2. Purchase a pot sturdy enough to support the branches. We decided on a Terra Cotta pot from Michaels craft store (5.99) I’d recommend grabbing one from the Goodwill for a fraction of the cost.
3. Next purchase a small bag or 2 of cement from your local hardware store. This will hold your branches in place when mixed with water. We used 2 bags.
Note: The cement will dry very quickly. Make sure you position the branches in the mixture while it’s still slightly damp. 
4. For an organic look, keep the branches in their natural state. If you want artsy and bold, paint the branches to coordinate with pillows or cushions. 
My daughter joined in and decided to paint more on herself then the pot…..go figure!
5. Attach fishing wire to the lanterns to suspend them at varying heights.
6. And you will have a cool functional lantern tree
Would your lantern tree be natural or colorful?
Do you need help getting a jump start on a project?
Does the process seem a bit overwhelming?
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Refresh Your Space The “DIY Plan” A Total Redesign Contact us to see which plan is right for you; our one hour consultation, can help get you started in the right direction. Ricci Jackson is a Certified Interior Decorator and founder of Your Design Partner. The goal of Ydp is to meet you where you are In your design process. Reserve your appointment today by calling (217) 722-4806 or email us at rjackson@yourdesignpartner.com
Inspiring creativity,
Ricci
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