We seem to use a lot of recycled items for crafting here at The Shabby Tree. I was cleaning up and getting ready to throw away some soda boxes. These are the boxes that you get your 12 count soda cans in. After looking at the box I decided that we can easily turn it into a lantern.

The supplies that I’ll be using are:

1. One recycled cardboard soda or lemonade box

2. Decoupage by DecoArt

3. Paint brush

4. X-acto knife

5. Scissors

6. Scrap piece of lace

7. One roll of metal ribbon from the Dollar Tree

6. Eight small Brads

7. Warm Caramel colored spray paint by Rust-oleum

8. Sienna colored Stone spray paint by Rust-oleum

The first step is to cut the box as shown in photo below.

You’ll be using the bottom half of the box as shown in photo above.

My box measures about 7 1/2 inches tall.

I want to create a cross cut out going around the lantern. You can create a cross pattern out of a piece of paper. I cut 2 strips of paper as shown in photo above.

I glued the smaller strip of paper across the longer strip to form my cross pattern.

Once you have your cross pattern you’ll then trace the cross onto the box. To center my cross I came about one inch from top and bottom of the box and about 3/4 inch from the sides.

Once you have the crosses all drawn on all four sides of the box you’ll then use the x-acto knife to cut them out.

You’ll want to cut out all four crosses.

The next step is to paint the box. I first covered the entire box with the Warm Caramel colored spray paint.

Once the Warm Caramel was dried I then sprayed on the Stone spray paint.

Once the Stone spray paint is dry you’ll then cut your lace.

I cut four pieces of lace to cover the inside of each side of the box.

I added decoupage onto the cardboard then placed the piece of lace on top and then added more decoupage.

Once you have the lace in place I then added the metal ribbon.

I cut two pieces of the metal ribbon each 12 inches long.

I cut a slit above the cross and inserted the metal ribbon.

I folded the end up on the inside as shown in photo above. You’ll come across to the other side with the ribbon and do the same thing.

You’ll do this to both pieces of ribbon. I then decided to add the metal ribbon going around the top edge of the box.

I used a small brad on each corner of the box to secure the metal ribbon in place.

My Brads are a creamy color so I added some silver Rub’n Buff over the Brads.

This turned out so pretty and looks great with a batter operated candle.

You can use any type of spray paint that you want. I love the look of the Stone spray paint. I hope you’ll get creative and give this lantern a try.