Thursday, July 01, 2010

string of lantern lights tutorial

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We spend a lot of time grilling, eating and watching the sun set on our deck and for the summer I typically hang all kinds of lights and lanterns for an extra dose of whimsy. I wanted to purchase more lights to hang for the holiday weekend festivities but just couldn't bring myself to pay for something I knew I could make! I decided to pull out a string of red Christmas lights and transform a bag of tiny paper cups into a string of lanterns for a little red, white and blue decoration.


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I started by painting the paper cups in a pretty shade of blue.


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When they were dry I added simple doodles with a sharpie pen


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and then filled in some of the doodles with white paint (for a little variation)


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I covered all of the cups with doodles and set aside to dry.

If you don't want to doodle you could use collage, messy paint, a solid color or a even a stamped pattern on the surface


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Last, I poked a hole in the bottom of the cups and inserted each of the lights.


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And there you have it- a little bit of red, white and blue decoration for the holiday weekend entertaining- though I may just leave them up for the rest of the summer!

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30 comments:

Home and Heart said...

Cute and clever!!

Alison said...

You never cease to amaze me! You are sooooo clever and creative!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Oh, fabulous! I love the doodles.

the cardigan-inn said...

Love it! I have to try that!

indie grrrl said...

Alison took the words right out of my mouth...You completely amaze me with your creativity. LOVE these lights! Oh the possibilities....

Cranberry Morning said...

How CUTE!! Thanks for the clever idea!

Carol B. said...

I am continually stunned by your creativity. How does your brain do that? You should have an online class on how to tap into that kind of creativity!

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Ooooh! I HAVE to make these! Thank you for sharing your brilliantly creative ideas! ~Kathy

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Too cute!!

Rebecca Anthony said...

These look so pretty! I absolutely love the colors blue and red together and your painted patterns are just gorgeous!

martha brown said...

Where did you get these cute little paper cups???? I want to make these!

Lisa said...

Oh i love it!

Stephanie ;) said...

such a fun and innovative idea! :)

Sarah Whitmire said...

Adorable!!! You are one clever girl. Thanks for sharing. :)

*HUGS*

Sarah

www.caspiana.com
www.souljournaling.com

Kittyj said...

OOH - I just LOVE these! I must make some! Thanks as always!!!

Jenny said...

You are so clever - wish I had that kind of creativity!

Anonymous said...

Too cute!

Silvia said...

I love these.

Lorie said...

Those are beautiful!!! And the paper cups are SO CUTE!

Natalie of TheBusyBudgetingMama.com said...

i LOVE this idea!! for sure going to be bookmarking you so i can post about this fabulous diy idea later and make them myself one day!

Anonymous said...

so cute, I think I will borrow this idea for my sons upcoming rehearsal dinner, thanks for sharing! Sue

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Those are so, so pretty Alisa- I love them! You're home must be so beautiful and art filled. Your photos are some of my favorite. Thanks so much, I'll be linking.

Anonymous said...

Your art & the photo of you on the sidebar remind me of Frida Kahlo - but you're much prettier!

creativejewishmom/Sara said...

You are my new favorite source of inspiration! Just love these cups, thanks for sharing! I'm in love with sharpies too.....all the best, and do drop by my international blog linking party if you have a moment!

Unknown said...

I love this project, please link it up to Sister Sister Sunday!

http://blog.kuzakscloset.com/2010/07/sister-sister-turn-off-your-oven-and.html

Amanda

maggy, red ted art said...

Wow, these look LOVELY

I do a monthly Get Crafty feature, this month's theme being "Summer" and think that these would be a lovely addition.

Would you like to take part?

Just drop me an email info (at) redtedart (dot) com or leave a comment on this month's "ManMade Get Crafty": http://redtedart.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/get-crafty-july-2010-made-by-man/

Would love to have you "on board"

Look forward to hearing from you!

Maggy, red ted art

Ann said...

What a great idea. I would love to dine on your deck!

jen said...

Totally adorable!

www.asturias-3d.com said...

Wow, there is a great deal of effective material above!

Unknown said...


great, its very beautiful !!
really fentastic Idea ..
like it.

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