Create a sleek, modern floor lantern using plastic chopping mats, crystal doorknobs, and round mirrors.
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I am so excited to show you this transformation because it uses one of my favorite “secret” crafting materials—plastic chopping mats! Today, we are taking two basic round mirrors and using those flexible mats to create a beautiful, tall lantern that shimmers from every angle. With some mini mirror tiles and elegant crystal legs, this piece has a high-end, weighted look that you would never guess came from the dollar store. Whether you fill it with LED candles or fairy lights, it adds a stunning glow to any corner of your home.
📺 WATCH: See the DIY Tall Glam Lantern tutorial here.
Materials
Browse my curated list of Favorite Craft Supplies, Tools & Embellishments.
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Two Round Mirrors: (Dollar store staples)
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Two Plastic Chopping Mats: (From a 2-pack)
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Mini Mirror Tiles: (Self-adhesive)
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Silver Rhinestone Ribbon
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Silver Beaded Necklace String
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Three Crystal Doorknobs: (Used as legs)
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Wooden Dowels: (To stabilize the frame)
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Two Foam Sheets: (To reinforce the base)
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Silver Metallic Marker: (Or silver paint)
Tools
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High-Temperature Hot Glue Gun
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Miter Shears: (For cutting wooden dowels precisely)
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Scissors
💡 Sandy’s Crafting Tips & Hacks
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Structuring the Curve: Plastic chopping mats are wonderful because they are flexible, but they need a solid anchor. I apply hot glue to the edge of the mirror first and press the mat into it, ensuring the edges are perfectly aligned so the lantern stands straight.
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The Stabilizing Rod Hack: Sometimes the edges of the chopping mats can have a slight curve or wave. To fix this, I cut wooden dowels to the exact height of the lantern and glue them along the vertical seams. This acts like a metal rod, making the sides “pin straight” and professional.
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Creating a Solid Base: Since the back of most dollar store mirrors is hollowed out, you’ll need a surface to glue your legs to. I cut circles out of stacked foam sheets to fit snugly into that hollow space, creating a flush, sturdy bottom for the crystal doorknobs.
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Seamless Bling: If you find gaps where your mirror tiles meet, don’t worry! I always keep a strip of rhinestone ribbon handy to cover those small seams. It hides the “start and stop” points and adds an extra layer of sparkle.
Instructions
Project 1: Building the Lantern Frame
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The Base and Top: I apply hot glue around the rim of the first mirror (facing up) and wrap the plastic chopping mat around it. I repeat this process for the second mirror at the top to create the cylindrical lantern shape.
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Straighten the Sides: I measure the height of the opening, cut two wooden dowels to size using my miter shears, and color them with a silver metallic marker. I glue these dowels vertically along the edges of the mats to stabilize the structure.
Project 2: Embellishing and Adding Legs
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Mirror Tile Wrap: I apply four rows of self-adhesive mini mirror tiles around the black frame of both the top and bottom mirrors.
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Detailing: I frame the edges of the mirrors and the vertical dowels with silver beaded necklace string and rhinestone ribbon to hide all the glue lines and seams.
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Installing the Feet: I cut a foam circle to fit the hollow bottom of the base mirror. I then glue three crystal doorknobs to the foam in a triangular shape to give the lantern height and elegance.
Related Content & Resources
▶️ Watch Next: More DIY Candle Holder Designs.
▶️ Browse the Collection: See all my DIY Lighting.
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Disclaimer: I’m not a professional. All my DIY’s are for entertainment purposes.
