DIY Botanical Paper Lanterns
Craft these lanterns for a fresh, summer patio update, and learn how to press florals in minutes with an iron.
![DIY Botanical Paper Lanterns Five Botanical Paper Lanterns Hang in Patio Above Outdoor Table](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern-01.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1621338179499.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/editors/Rachael-Jones/rachael-jones-headshot.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.85.suffix/1677080765411.jpeg)
It’s officially patio decor season. Skip the bistro lights and make these whimsical, affordable paper lanterns for a fresh summer look. Dress up basic paper lanterns with pressed ferns using this easy how-to guide by HGTV Handmade’s Danielle Boaz. Just add LED lights to seriously impress summer party guests.
![DIY Botanical Paper Lanterns Five Botanical Paper Lanterns Hang in Patio Above Outdoor Table](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern-05.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1621338181046.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
Materials + Tools
- 10'' white paper lanterns
- mini LED lights
- 8-10 fern sprigs
- parchment paper
- iron
- ironing mat
- decoupage glue
- foam brush
- low-temp hot glue gun
- glue sticks
- scissors
How to Press Ferns
First, protect your work surface with an ironing mat (Image 1). Next, take two pieces of parchment paper and place them on the ironing mat. Then take one fern sprig and place it between the two pieces of parchment paper. Set your iron to medium-high heat; when ready, apply direct heat to the parchment paper for 10-15 seconds (Image 2). Check the fern sprig to ensure it's completely flat (Image 3). Repeat steps above to iron all fern sprigs (Image 4).
![Prepare the ferns for pressing by placing two pieces of parchment paper on an ironing mat.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern_Step-01.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1621338177457.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
![Place one fern sprig between two pieces of parchment paper on an ironing mat. Then, use an iron set to medium-high heat to press each fern sprig.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern_Step-03.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1621338178156.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
![In between ironing, check each fern sprig to ensure they are pressing firmly and not burning. Each sprig should need about 10 seconds of direct heat from the iron.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern_Step-02.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1621338177806.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
![Pressed ferns on work table. To press ferns, use parchment paper, an ironing mat and iron set to medium-high heat. Apply direct heat for 10 seconds.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern_Step-04.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1621338178452.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
Glue + Trim + Decoupage
Apply a few dots of glue along the stem of a pressed fern using a low-temp hot glue gun (Image 1). Then press the fern stem onto the 10-inch white paper lantern. Continue adding ferns around the lantern as desired. Once all fern sprigs are secured, use scissors to trim any overhang. Next, use a foam brush to apply a thick coat of decoupage glue onto each glued fern sprig on the paper lantern (Image 2). Let dry overnight (Image 3).
![Use a low-temp hot glue gun to adhere the stems of the fern sprigs to the paper lantern.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern_Step-06.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1621338179176.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
![Add decoupage glue to the fern using a foam brush. Coat the entire fern sprig with glue. Then let dry overnight.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/6/1/0/HGTV-Handmade_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern_Step-Decoupage.jpeg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.85.suffix/1622560367238.jpeg)
![HGTV Handmade’s Danielle Boaz makes a pressed fern paper lantern for summer. To make your own, you will need 10’’ white hanging paper lanterns, LED mini lights, a low-temp hot glue gun, decoupage glue, pressed fern sprigs, a foam brush and scissors.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern-10.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1621338183130.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
Add Lights + Enjoy
Once the lanterns are dry, add mini LED lights to the inside. Hang the botanical paper lanterns on the patio and enjoy the beautiful glow after dark.
![DIY Botanical Paper Lanterns Five Botanical Paper Lanterns Hang in Patio Above Outdoor Table](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2021/5/18/0/Original_Danielle-Boaz_DIY-Botanical-Lantern-09.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1621338182797.jpeg)
Danielle Boaz
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