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    Home » DIY Projects

    DIY Patio Oil Lantern

    May 25, 2021 by Patti Estep 10 Comments

    Jump to How-to Card
    Blue gems in round vase with lamp oil and insert for a patio lantern.
    Burning round oil lamps with blue gems, inserts and a image of filling the vase.

    Learn how to make an inexpensive patio oil lantern for your porch. All you need is a lamp insert, a dollar store vase, and gems from the dollar store. In total, the cost is less than $10.

    Blue gem patio oil lantern with bowl of blue gems behind.

    While visiting my sister in Florida, I was inspired by her latest decor idea. She was going to make oil lanterns with stemless wine glasses, oil lamp inserts, and tiny shells for her balcony. I loved this idea, so when I got home, I set out to create a similar inexpensive patio oil lantern, that would be perfect for any outdoor seating area.

    Materials to make patio oil lantern. Blue gems, glass vases, lamp oil and inserts.

    Supplies

    • Glass container - stemless wine glasses or a votive vase
    • Oil lamp insert
    • Colored gems, shells or other decorative filler 
    • Clear premium lamp oil

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    Patio oil lantern insert parts.

    This is what the glass insert looks like. You can get three of them at Amazon from the link above. I also bought the lamp oil there, but you may be able to find that locally. The glass inserts measure approximately  4-1/4"L x 5/8"W.

    Patio oil lamps filled with paraffin lamp oil.

    The wick lifts out so you can pour the oil into the tube. Though I liked the idea of stemless wine glasses, the ones I had were too big for the inserts, so I went to the dollar store and found these perfect glass votive holders.

    Filling the glass vase with blue dollar store gems.

    Making Patio Oil Lanterns

    To create the lantern, all you need to do is nestle the insert within the filler. I also picked up a few bags of colored gems at the dollar store. Each holder used about 2 bags of gems. These particular bags were marked 14 oz each. I have linked gems and shells to Amazon, in case you don't have access to a dollar store and want to order some online.

    Deck Oil Lantern Burning.

    Per the manufacturer's suggestion, make sure to cut the wick as short as possible before lighting. Otherwise, you will have a really high flame.

    Two patio or porch oil lanterns burning.

    The lanterns turned out great. The only downfall is that they don't hold a lot of oil, and will only burn for 1.5 hours. Still, you can refill them, and I think they are really nice, especially considering how inexpensive they are to make.

    Patti signature

    More Fun Candle Lamp Projects

    • Mason Jar Candles
    • Floral Oil Candle Lamps
    • Homemade Citrus Candles
    Two patio or porch oil lanterns.
    Print

    Make Your Own Inexpensive Patio Oil Lantern

    Pick up a few inexpensive supplies to make a beautiful DIY patio oil lantern. Oil lanterns can be expensive, so this is a great way to keep costs down.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Active Time15 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Crafts
    Yield: 1 Oil Lantern
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $5-$10

    Equipment

    • Candle & Lamp Oil Is Odorless Premium Paraffin (Lot of 2)
    • Artisan Supply Royal Blue Glass Gems 1 Lbs. — Fills 1 1/4 Cups Vol. —Non-Toxic Lead Free Vase Filler, Table Scatter, Aquarium Fillers — Beautiful, Smooth, Fun, Vibrant Colors Crafted in The USA
    • National Artcraft Make a Candle from Anything with These Glass Oil Lamp Inserts (1 Pkg/3)

    Materials

    • Glass container - stemless wine glasses or a votive vase
    • Oil lamp insert
    • Colored gems shells or other decorative filler
    • Clear premium lamp oil

    Instructions

    • Remove the wick from the tube and pour the oil into it.
    • To create the lantern, nestle the insert within the filler.
    • Add a few bags of colored gems. Each holder used about 2 bags of gems.
    • Make sure to cut the wick as short as possible before lighting.
    « DIY Solar Water Fountain
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dani

      April 03, 2018 at 8:38 am

      I love this idea! When lights go out this would help out too. Could you also put that citronella oil in during the summer to help with mosquitoes? I’m not very crafty so this is great. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        April 03, 2018 at 9:24 am

        I have not tried citronella oil but if it can be used in other oil lanterns and I really don't know if it can I would think it would work here.

        Reply
    2. Asha

      May 11, 2017 at 2:18 am

      Great idea mam

      Reply
    3. Karen

      March 02, 2017 at 8:32 am

      These are so pretty, Patti. I love the colored gems - they're so festive and perfect for spring. I can imagine these on an outdoor table all through the summer.

      Reply
    4. Terri Steffes

      March 01, 2017 at 9:05 am

      Too cute! I am inspired! Love the new look and name.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 01, 2017 at 9:09 am

        Hi Terri,

        I'm so glad you like the lanterns. Lots of possibilities here. Thanks for the kinds words about the rebrand. I've been wanting to do it for a long time.
        Have a great week!
        Patti

        Reply
    5. Carole @ Garden Up Green

      March 01, 2017 at 7:57 am

      I'm imagining these at Christmas... in red and green.... Love this idea and it's so simple!! Thanks for the inspiration my friend.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 01, 2017 at 8:15 am

        Hi Carole,

        Thank you for the great Christmas idea.
        Have a great week!
        Patti

        Reply
    6. Sandi C

      March 01, 2017 at 7:52 am

      Hi Patty,
      These oil lamps are really cute. Think I'll make some with shells for our Florida condo. Just an FYI, I have an oil lamp that uses glass inserts that are open on the bottom so you can pour the oil into the container instead of the insert for longer burning time. They came with the lamp but think I'll look around and try to find some.
      Love the new name!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 01, 2017 at 8:20 am

        Hi Sandi,

        Shells would be perfect, especially on the coast or anyone who loves the beach and I think that applies to most people.

        Love your comment about the other kind of inserts. Let me know if you find them and I'll post it on the site.

        Thanks for your kinds words about the new name, and enjoy the rest of your week.
        Patti

        Reply

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