Mini Camping Lantern Dollar Tree Kids Craft

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Create a Mini Camping Lantern Dollar Tree Kids Craft using simple supplies. Raid that recycle bin and stack up some leftover lids to make the most adorable lantern with a battery-operated votive base. The perfect miniature size for hours of imaginative playtime with that favorite large doll or the ideal accent for a camping playset. Camping crafts are a great way to spend time with the kiddos this summer. The instructions below will walk you through the process, so let's get started!

Recycled Kids Craft Camping Lantern

This post, Mini Camping Lantern Dollar Tree Kids Craft, contains affiliate links. Using links to these sites means I will earn a percentage of the purchase at no extra cost to you.

What do you need to Create a Camping Lantern Craft from Recycled Parts?

• Votive, Battery Operated – Dollar Tree
• Tinsel Chenille Stem, Silver – Dollar Tree
• Pony Beads, Silver – Dollar Tree
• Americana Acrylic Paint by DecoArt – Forest Green
• Basecoat Paintbrush Set – DecoArt
• Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – Dollar Tree
• Scissors – I love my Fiskars!
• Craft Knife
• Recycled – Mini Medicine Cup
• Recycled – Large Plastic Lid
• Recycled – Medium Plastic Lid
• Recycled – Small Plastic Lid

How do you Make a Mini Camping Lantern Kid's Craft?

STEP ONE

To begin the Mini Camping Lantern Dollar Tree Kids Craft, gather all supplies. Using the plastic medicine cup from a bottle of liquid cold medicine match a large recycled lid to the top of the cup. Mine is from a vitamin bottle. The medium lid is from a bottle of liquid cold medicine, and the small recycled lid is from a water bottle. Don't worry about any printing or dimensional words on the lids, as they will all be covered with paint.

STEP TWO

Center the bottom of the plastic medicine cup on the plastic flame of the battery-operated votive and push gently to create an indent. Make sure an adult helps with the steps including the craft knife. Flip the plastic medicine cup upside down and carefully cut an “X” in the center with a craft knife. Cut the triangular flaps of the “X” away with a craft knife to create an open square. Carefully insert the plastic flame of the votive through the hole. This will become the base of the lantern.

STEP THREE

Stack the three recycled lids on top of each other from largest on the bottom to smallest on the top. Secure the lids together with a glue gun and glue sticks. This will become the top of the lantern.

STEP FOUR

Basecoat the outside edge of the votive and the recycled lids with Forest Green or Country Red acrylic paint. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary. Three coats were necessary to create a solid color. I love Americana Acrylics from DecoArt because they have one-coat coverage on most surfaces.

STEP FIVE

Attach the lantern top to the lantern base with a glue gun and glue sticks. You can definitely use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.

STEP SIX

Cut a silver tinsel chenille stem in half with scissors. Remove two silver pony beads from the package. Slightly bend half of the chenille stem into a curve. Attach it to the top right and left sides of the lantern with a glue gun and glue sticks. To finish, attach one silver pony bead to the top of the lantern, and the other to the front center of the base of the lantern using a glue gun and glue sticks.

Recycled Camping Lantern Kids Craft

Create this quick and easy Dollar Store Camping Lantern craft with the kiddos to not only promote learning skills, but also to spark conversations about camping, recycling, and fire safety. Sometimes craft projects turn out better than you ever imagined, AM I RIGHT? This mini lantern is just darling and I am so happy that it lights up!

Creative Camping Crafts for Kids

Download and print this Free Printable S'mores Coloring Page from my blog. This adorable digital download is a great addition to your next family camping trip or campfire, an easy activity for the classroom, ideal for improving fine motor skills, or even a fun way to keep kids of all ages busy during Summer break. 

Learn how to make Dollar Tree S'mores Kids Craft from simple jumbo wooden craft sticks. Camping and campfires are a few favorite summer activities. What better way to enjoy that summer fun year-round than creating popsicle stick S'mores from supplies you probably already have on hand in your craft stash?

Sharing is Caring! If you LOVE it, Please PIN it!

Too busy to make this super cute Mini Camping Lantern Craft with the Kids right now? Pin it for later!  I'd love for you to pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and then it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.

I'd love to hear what you think about this project, or if you want to know more about Dollar Tree crafts. If you've made your own recycled projects, I would love to see your creations! Share them on Instagram, and Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #CreativelyBeth

Thanks for stopping by!