How to Make a Boho-Style Halloween Lantern
Not every piece of Halloween decor needs to be outright scary. In fact, sometimes the more subtle decor is best—that way, you can keep it out even longer! This bewitching luminary features phases of the moon and little star accents, which feels atmospheric for Halloween but won’t look out of place in any other time of the year, either.
This lantern’s an easy afternoon project that you can customize any way you like. But here’s one of the best parts: All the customizations are removable, so if you do get tired of the design, it’s easy to change things up. Here’s what you’ll need to make it, and how to do it.
What you’ll need to make a Halloween luminary
1. Clean the glass panels
Use glass cleaner and a microfiber towel to clean off the panels on your glass lantern. This will help the privacy film adhere.
2. Apply the privacy film to the glass panels
Cut the privacy film to fit your glass panels. Apply the privacy film to the glass panels, following the manufacturer’s directions. You’ll probably need to smooth out bubbles with a scraper or credit card. Use a craft knife or scissors to carefully trim any excess.
3. Tape printed designs inside the luminary
If you’d like to trace a printed design, tape the paper to the inside of the luminary. You’ll be able to see the design through the frosted finish to paint over it from the outside. If you’d rather free-hand, you can skip this step.
Note: Our design features phases of the moon, but you can choose any design you like.
4. Paint designs onto the privacy film
Use a small craft paintbrush to trace or freehand the designs on to the surface of the privacy film. When you’re done, remove any paper from the inside of the lantern and put an LED-powered candle inside.
The lantern will cast a soft glow at night, illuminating your painted design—but it looks equally striking during the day, too. When you grow tired of it, simply peel off the privacy film to reveal the plain glass beneath.
Want more Halloween DIY projects? We have four more spooky creations for your front door that you can do in just a couple hours each.