How to Build a Flickering LED Candle Lantern

camping image by Colin Buckland from Fotolia.com

Every camping trip should have a lantern, if not for lighting a path, then for atmosphere alone. Many types of lanterns are available on the market, however, that doesn't mean that you have to buy one. You can make your own LED light lantern with a few simple supplies, and if you want atmosphere, flickering LED lights give off the illusion of a candle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Wire snips
Picture hanging wire
Mason jar
Flickering LED candle light
Battery
Velcro

Step 1

Cut a length of picture frame wire 24 inches long. This might be more than you need, but it is always better to cut too much than too little.

Step 2

Bend the wire around the mouth of the mason jar below the lip that the top screws onto. Have the two ends of the wire meet on the other end of the jar. Adjust the wire so that one end is only 6 inches long and the other is the rest of the wire.

Step 3

Twist the wires once around each other and pull them back around to the other side of the jar on the same side they were on originally. When they meet again on the other side, twist them several times to secure the shorter end. Trim off any excess from the shorter end.

Step 4

Bend the longer end up and over the jar, creating an arch. Slip the wire through the wire loop on the opposite side of the jar. The loop was created when the wire ends were twisted once and wrapped back around the jar. After slipping the wire through the loop, twist it around the handle that you just formed to secure it. When done, this forms the hanger for the lantern.

Step 5

Place a battery-powered flickering candle light inside the jar. If you want it to stay in one place, use hook-and-loop closures with an adhesive side to attach it to the bottom of the jar.

Resources

100 Candles: Battery Candles

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

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