Plexiglass Lantern
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![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6292989/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
This type of LED bulb looks like a real flame but is cool to the touch and safe to use.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6292993/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
* Some kind of finial for the top
First, measure the plexiglass’s long size and divide that number by 3.14. This will give you the size for your base. For example, my plexiglass measures 40 and a half inches long. Dividing that number by 3.14 gives me 12.89 and I’m rounding up to an even 13. Which means the inside of my base will need to be 13 inches square.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6292994/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Use the miter saw to cut the 2 by 4s to size. Cut four to the same length as your base measurement and another four at 3 inches longer than the base measurement. This will accommodate for the width of the two by four. For my lantern, I’ll need four pieces cut at 13 inches and another four cut at 16 inches.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6292997/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Your base will be assembled by lining up two of the shorter 2 by 4s perpendicular with two longer ones’ ends.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6292998/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Drill pilot holes with the bit and use two screws to secure.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293000/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Once you have your two-by-four square, cut fence pickets to size. I want a little overhang on the sides so I’m cutting my pickets at 16 inches long. I’ll need three to fully cover the top.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293002/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Secure the pickets with a nail gun.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293004/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Disassemble the clamp light so you separate the light socket and cord from the clamp and hood. I found that it’s easier, cheaper, and faster to go this route than to purchase a lamp kit and have manually wire the socket.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293005/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Create a second base using the same process as the first. When nailing the fence pickets on, run the light socket’s cord between two of the boards so you don’t have to drill any holes.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293007/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Paint the wood over a drop cloth. I’m using Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch 2x Paint and Primer in Rustic Pink.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293010/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Then use the frosted glass spray over the entire surface of one side of the plexiglass.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293013/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Once the paint and frosted spray has dried, secure your finial to the base piece with the electrical cord. Place it so that the cord is hidden behind it.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293014/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Place the base piece without the electrical cord where you want to assemble your lantern.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293019/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Screw the LED bulb into the socket and ensure that it’s switched to the ‘on’ position.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293024/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Bend the plexiglass into a cylinder and insert the bottom end into the base piece.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293027/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Place the other base piece on top to secure the plexiglass in a cylinder shape. Adjust the top piece as needed to straighten.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293030/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Plug the socket’s outlet in so that the bulb illuminates. Raise and lower the cord until you have the flame at your desired height.
Tie a small knot in the cord so that the bulb remains at that height. The finial will hide the cord and the knot from the front.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293032/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
The Plexiglass Lantern can be used outdoors however it should not be left out to be exposed to the elements.
![plexiglass lantern](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2020/08/05/6293035/plexiglass-lantern.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)