Photo Frame Lantern

Here is something unique to do for someone's Birthday to give as a gift or something special to add to the table at your party.

Maybe your party is a craft party and this is something everyone can make.

If this is an idea for a party you are having, make sure to buy enough frames and mats. You will need three frames per lantern.

You can start at the dollar store to look for frames and mats or the thrift stores (you can get really good deals) or your local craft store. If you go to a craft store, look in the paper or online for coupons!

A photo frame is a nice way to display your memories of you and your family, you and your friends, or you and your pet.

When you're done, it can be used as a centerpiece on your table to be used anytime.

It's easy to do and fun to make. Here are the supplies you will need:

Supplies.

• Three photo frames per lantern (the sizes are up to you)
• Photo mat for frame (if desired)
• Paint or stain
• Cloth tape
• Vellum paper
• Printer (and scanner if you are using a printed photo)
• Votive candle and a clear candle holder

How to Make Photo Frames.

Decorate the Frame.

• When you get your frames you will only use the glass and the frame so if you do get them at the thrift store don't worry about it if there is no backing.
• Paint or stain the frame. It can be a solid color, you can use a crackle medium, you can paint it then rough it up a bit - whatever your style is - go for it!
• If this is going to be used as a centerpiece for a party, you can buy some decorative cut-outs, chipboard letters, etc. to decorate the frame. Otherwise use your imagination and decorate it with some favorite thing you like to do - like going to the beach.

Preparing the Picture.

For the picture you will be using vellum paper to print on. Vellum is a light yellowish to light beige color. When you print the pictures on the vellum paper it will be translucent enough for the pictures you use to show through the candlelight.

If you are using an old photo or something where there is no electronic copy, you will need to scan this to your computer first, then print it out.

If are using a picture from a digital camera and it's already on your hard drive, open it up and get it ready for printing.

Using a photo editing software, size your pictures to fit the frames you purchased and change the color to black and white. There are many free online editing software applications if you don't have one.

Using an ink-jet printer, print the photos on the vellum paper.

Putting the Lantern Together.

Now that you have all these tasks done, it's time to put it all together. How you do the next step is up to you.

• Put the pictures in the frame; you can either put the glass in first (in front of the picture) or last (behind the picture). I put the glass behind the picture to protect it from the heat of the candle.
  
  If you put the glass behind the picture which leaves the front exposed, you can use some clear plastic (like a heavier sheet protector) to put in front of the picture for protection.
  
  Something I did one time was I bought a semi-gloss spray from the craft store, something for pictures, and sprayed a layer over the picture.
• Once you have all your pictures in the frames, place the frames side-by-side and tape them together with the cloth tape to make a hinge. Make sure you stick the tape nice and good. Stand the frames up and make a triangle around the votive candle (in the candle holder).

Viola! Light the candle and enjoy.