Step 3: Cover the Entire Frame
Continue weaving additional rows of spoons upward until the entire chicken-wire frame is covered.
Take your time to distribute the spoons evenly. Consistent spacing creates a more polished and professional finished appearance.
If any spoons feel loose, secure them with a small amount of hot glue on the back side of the frame. This step is optional but can improve durability, especially in windy outdoor environments.
Step 4: Install the Lighting
Place LED string lights or a solar-powered LED bulb inside the lantern.
If necessary, use fishing line or thin wire to suspend the light source in the center of the structure. Centering the light helps distribute illumination evenly across all sides of the lantern.
Because LEDs produce very little heat, they are the safest option for this type of decorative project.
Step 5: Hang and Display
Attach fishing line, decorative chain, or hooks to the top of the lantern.
Hang it from a pergola, patio cover, tree branch, or outdoor shepherd’s hook.
As evening falls, the layered spoons catch and scatter the light, producing a shimmering faux-crystal effect that looks far more expensive than the materials used to create it.
Creative Variations
You can easily customize this project to suit your personal style.
• Paint the spoons with translucent glass paint for colorful jewel-like lanterns.
• Spray-paint the chicken wire in copper, bronze, gold, or black for different design aesthetics.
• Alternate spoon colors to create patterns or ombré effects.
• Use smaller frames for tabletop lanterns or larger frames for dramatic statement pieces.
Want to make your lantern truly unique? The finishing touches can completely transform the mood and style of the project.
