Knotted Macrame Lantern

 

Guys, I know it’s been some time since I last posted a craft project, summer has been more about food & drinks for me this year. But since outdoor soirees are far from over and adding new DIY pieces to your decor is always fun, today I’m going to show you how to make fishnet style knotted macrame lanterns!

I’ve been eying these nautical inspired pieces for a while, but always found something more important to do. I guess most of you understand the phrase „pinned for later” all too well. 🙂 The other day though, arriving home sweaty and exhausted, I was in need of an instant distraction and decided to instead of procrastinating, just go for it. Grabbed a glass of rosé, a spool of twine and a jar, and took it to the patio.

Well, not just any jar. I have this really old one from my 90-year-old granny that’s been filled with the most delicious jams every year for decades, but got out of rotation because it has no proper lid. I absolutely love the color of antique glassware! Did you know those stunning shades of bluish to greenish aqua are actually the result of iron impurities in the sand used for making glass? They are considered lower grade as opposed to their boring unstained siblings. Total beach vibes though!

I’m pretty OCD about candles too (aren’t we all?), and there’s never too many lanterns and candle holders in my home. So pour yourself a glass of your poison and join me crafting!

What you’ll need:

• empty jars in whatever size you’d like
• jute twine
• scissors
• ruler (if you don’t trust your visual estimate)

Instructions:

Turn your jar upside down and measure twine around it (from top, to bottom, to top). Multiply this length by 10 if you want to hang your lantern, or by 5 if you don’t. Cut 8 pieces of twine at this length.

 

 

Divide twine into 2 bunches of 4, cross them at the center and tie a lanyard knot. Here’s how (Thanks, Martha!):

Measure the diameter of the bottom of your jar, divide it in half. Tie 2 adjacent strands together with an overhand knot at this distance all the way around (totaling 8 knots). This makes the bottom part of your net.

Continue tying the strings with this method until the net is enough to cover your jar. You don’t have to use the same distance as for the bottom, make net as dense as you prefer but keep knot distances consistent throughout.

Fill jar with sand, pebbles or shells and add a candle or LED tea lights to be extra safe. If you planned to hang the lantern, tie to a branch with the remaining length of twine, careful to never let the flame come in contact with the twine.

And you are ready! If you need further visual guidance, you can check the video tutorial over at Martha Stewart. Invite family and friends over, and enjoy chats and good eats illuminated by your new light fixtures!

Fruzsi