Create your own Lantern Flower Arrangements
Lanterns are so popular and for good reason. They are inexpensive, can be easily decorated and make a huge impact to your seasonal decor. Today I am showing two fall lantern flower arrangements one in orange and one in neutral whites and greys. Both of these lanterns are lit with electric candles that turn on by remote. These “candles” make me feel much more secure about adding fabric ribbons to any of the lantern surfaces.
I have arranged a multitude of different vignettes inside my lanterns, A miniature winter farm scene may be an idea for this Christmas but for fall the lanterns are being decorated on the outside.
Tutorial
Make the Bows
Decide what size you want your bows to be. This will depend on the size of your lantern. These lanterns are 8 inches wide so the ribbons will be six inches.
Roll the ribbon into a six inch wide loops, do this six times creating six layers.
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Tie the ribbon in the center, I like to use raffia, but you can use ribbon or florist wire.
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Once the center is secure fluff the ribbon. Pull one loop out and lift Up, pull the next loop out and pull Down. Repeat for all loops
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If you prefer a video I illustrated how to do this same style of ribbon on a Christmas gift.
Attach Ribbons to Lantern
Wire your ribbons into place on your lanterns according to your preference. In these examples, the orange lanterns ribbons were placed on opposite sides. When the lanterns are put together the two arrangements meet together in the center as a focal point.
For the white lanterns, the ribbons were attached with wire on the same side of each lantern so there is no central focal point.
Add the Flowers
Build the floral arrangements in groups of threes based on a visual triangle. I have started a triangle using the ribbon and then the two large red flowers.
You can add extra elements building the triangle outwards. Here I have added the orange flowers to the top and side, the bottom of the triangle is lengthened with the raffia tails.
Continue adding other elements anywhere you want more height or width. The hint is to do it in threes if you add to one side add to the others to keep your arrangement balanced.
Once the triangular arrangement is the way you like it, add a focal point to give depth to the arrangement.
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The Neutral Lanterns
Although these lantern flower arrangements look very different the process is basically the same.
The white lanterns are much larger than the oranges lanterns. Create bows the same way but each lantern gets two ribbons. This keeps the loops from being too long and floppy.
For the larger lanterns, I chose larger blossoms but still built the arrangements in triangles.
Filling the Lanterns
With an elaborate arrangement on the outside of the lantern its better to place a simple vignette within the lantern. Something simple like electric no flame candles. If you choose to do real candles I recommend not lighting them and maybe wrapping some tiny lights around the candles instead.
If you like what you see please Pin it for me.
These look amazing!!!
What a fun seasonal project! Easily transition to other seasons as necessary.
Both sets are pretty but I am partial to the off white shabby chic look. They are beautiful. I really need to get some lanterns.
Just gorgeous! I love both of your projects! Great tips on the triangle method also!
Thank you for sharing over at Waste Not Wednesday! Can’t wait to see what you have been up to this week! 🙂
Hi Sam: I am slowly fading the oranges out of my fall decor. I love the orange lanterns though, so I decided to use them as well. Thank you for commenting. Leanna
Your work is absolutely exquisite Leanna! I have to say I am partial to the white pair of lanterns. I’ve been moving away from color this past year.
Hi Mary: Funny you say that, I am moving into the neutrals as well. I ended up placing the orange lanterns on my bedroom dresser where as the white ones are in the main area. I think I will end up painting the orange ones.
Thanks for commenting.
Leanna
These are great tips for creating aesthetically pleasing floral designs! I love both of your lantern sets although since we’re on the cusp of fall, I’m especially drawn to the oranges and reds right now. Thanks for sharing your great tips with us at Merry Monday this week!
Hi Marie: I was hoping breaking it down into little steps would help. I will post on Merry Monday again. Thanks for commenting.
Lovely styling, Leanna! I used the same ribbon (Michael’s right?) for my pumpkin topiaries. Isn’t it just the prettiest!
Hi Marie: Yes I got it at Michael’s, its one of those ribbons you grab when you see it and then figure out how your going to use it. Thank you stopping by. I will look for your pumpkin topiaries on The Interior Frugalista.
You styled them perfectly, love it!
Hi Christine: Thank you for your comment, its nice to know you like them.
These are beautiful — thank you so much for sharing! Love the idea of building the arrangements in groups of three.
Xx, K
http://www.jassamineelaine.com
Hi Kathryn: The groups of three really break the arranging down into manageable steps. Thank you for commenting.
Leanna
Really pretty!!!
Thank you Rebecca. The arrangement add a change to the everyday lanterns.