This Dollar Tree patriotic lantern craft is an inexpensive and easy DIY for summer decorating. Use festive American flag napkins to create stunning Fourth of July home decor on a budget.
How to Make a Dollar Tree Patriotic Lantern Craft using Stretched Canvases, a Plastic Chopping Mat, and American Flag Paper Napkins.
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Looking for an easy patriotic craft idea for summer? This DIY patriotic lantern is made with Dollar Tree canvases, a plastic cutting mat, and festive American flag paper napkins—and the finished project looks so cute on a porch, patio table, or summer mantel.
If you liked my spring reverse canvas lantern craft, this is the perfect red, white, and blue version for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or summer decorating. It’s inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and lights up beautifully with a battery-operated candle.
And the best part? Everything can be found at Dollar Tree!
Video Tutorial: DIY Patriotic Lantern Craft
Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:
Dollar Tree Patriotic Lantern Craft
This Dollar Tree patriotic lantern craft is an inexpensive and easy DIY for summer decorating. Use festive American flag napkins to create stunning Fourth of July home decor on a budget.
Materials
- 4 Dollar Tree stretched canvases (4x6 size)
- Dollar Tree plastic cutting mat (1 sheet needed from a 2-pack)
- American flag paper napkins
- Mod Podge
- E6000 adhesive
- Battery-operated flameless candle
Tools
- Craft knife or precision blade
- Pliers
- Scissors
- Fine-tip Sharpie
- Foam brush or paintbrush
- Brayer roller (optional)
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
- Watch the video. Follow along with the video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to make your own patriotic lantern.
- Remove the Canvas From the Frames. Start by flipping over each stretched canvas and carefully cutting around the back edge using a craft knife or precision blade. Once the canvas is loosened, use pliers to pull the fabric away from the frame. The corners can be a little stubborn because of the staples, so pliers may help. You do not need to remove the staples, just all fabric and any loose threads. Repeat this process for all four canvases.
- Trace the Frames Onto the Cutting Mat. Take one plastic cutting mat and trace each wooden frame onto the mat using a fine-tip Sharpie. Since all four frames are the same size, you can either: trace all four frames individually or trace one frame four times. Cut out all four rectangles using scissors. When cutting, trim slightly inside the marker line so each piece fits neatly inside the frame opening. Test each piece against the frame and trim as needed until you get the perfect fit.
- Prepare the Napkins. Cut your patriotic napkin into four sections. Separate the top printed layer from the plain backing layers. You’ll only use the decorative top layer for this project.
- Decoupage the Napkins Onto the Plastic Panels. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over one plastic rectangle. Place the napkin face up onto the plastic and gently smooth it down. Use your finger tips or a brayer roller to remove wrinkles and air bubbles. Repeat for all four panels and allow them to dry completely.
- Trim Excess Napkin. Once everything is dry, trim away any excess napkin hanging off the edges using scissors.
- Attach Panels to the Frames. Flip each wooden frame over so the stapled side faces upward. Apply hot glue around the inside edge of the frame. Press your decorative plastic panel onto the back of the frame, making sure the napkin design faces outward. Repeat for all four frames.
- Assemble the Lantern. To create the lantern shape, stagger the edges of the frames so they form a square. Apply E6000 adhesive along one side of a frame and attach it to another frame. Continue attaching all four sides until your lantern is complete. Once assembled, allow the lantern to dry overnight.
- Add a Candle. Place a battery-operated tea light inside your lantern.
Notes
Craft Tips
* Try floral napkins for spring
* Use pumpkin napkins for fall
* Use Christmas napkins for holiday decor
* Add ribbon or twine around the top for extra detail
* Never use real candles inside this lantern
A Note on Using Stretched Canvases:
If you already have small picture frames at home, those could work too. But I personally love the unfinished wood look of these Dollar Tree canvases.
Face Up vs. Face Down
For my spring version, I placed the napkin face down, which created a softer frosted look.
For this patriotic lantern, I placed the napkin face up so the design appears brighter and more vibrant.
Both methods work. It just depends on the look you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use real candles?
No! Only use battery-operated candles for safety.
What glue works best?
E6000 works best for assembling the lantern because it gives you more time to adjust the frames before drying.
Can I make this in other seasons?
Absolutely! This reverse canvas lantern idea works year-round with different napkin designs.
The Finished Craft
If you love creating seasonal decor on a budget, this is a fun project to add to your summer crafting list. And once you make one, don’t be surprised if you start planning versions for every holiday.
PIN this craft for later:
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