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These Christmas in Heaven Lanterns are so special and make gorgeous Christmas decor. Find out how to make them and grab your supplies too!
Christmas in Heaven Lantern – Find out How to Make Your Own!
Last year my friend Jamie shared a picture of the cutest Christmas Lanterns that she found on Pinterest. As soon as I saw it it basically brought up every time I ever dreamed of a fancy dollhouse as a kid (and then even thought of making one for my girls), but it just wasn't a project we'd ever had the time or money to tackle.
But when I saw this Christmas lanterns idea?
Oh my word. I knew I could maybe just do this.
Because these Christmas lanterns weren't an entire doll house, but just a simple glass room really, I figured this project might just be doable. (And since we were home quite a bit at the time, I figured I might as well enjoy a little happy inside my home)!
What is the meaning behind Christmas in Heaven Lanterns?
Some folks create these tiny welcoming rooms as a way to remember a lost loved one – a way to “save them a seat” to be with them on Christmas. There's even a sweet little empty seat poem that goes with it:
Christmas In Heaven What do they do?
They come down to Earth to spend it with You.
So save them a seat Just one empty chair.
You may not see them but they will be there.
It's something lovely you could make for yourself OR a friend or loved one who's lost someone – and it's such a sweet thought!
How to make a Christmas in Heaven Lantern
This is probably one of the easiest projects I've ever put together – and so fun! I've been to the Dollar Tree recently and already knew that they didn't have anything “special” enough for what I wanted. So I headed to Hobby Lobby, snatched up my supplies, and set to work.
(The sweetest lady was with me in the dollhouse aisle and I'm convinced she was making the exact same project. Every time I got near any of the cute miniature Christmas lanterns supplies, she scooted a little close . . . )
What you need for your Christmas Lantern?
I gathered all of my supplies from Hobby Lobby, so I have those items listed here. We've also linked the Christmas Lantern supplies to Amazon for easy ordering at the bottom of this post (and there's a one click list at the end of the post too to make it easy!). You can of course customize this to however you like too – this is just a starting point.
Supplies
- Distressed Terrarium (I was looking for Christmas lanterns, but for this project the size of this terrarium is just perfect!)
- Miniature Wreath
- Miniature Couch Set
- Decorative Mini Christmas Trees
- Miniature Christmas Gift
Tiny Christmas Star Lights(These Christmas Star lights aren't currently available right now. I'm hoping as we get closer to Christmas they'll be back in stock again, but for now, you could use these tiny lights for the same effect. These are battery operated as well)
Then I just brought everything home, set to “decorating” my little glass house, and this happy little home project was done.
My son came home from college and we hung out. He talked. I crafted. It was golden.
The only real “crafting” I did was to spray paint the red sleigh grey, because my happy little silvery house just wasn't quite up for a bright red sled. You could also add a small pillar candle or votive and turn this into a candle lantern as well if you don't want to use the tiny lights.
You now have a gorgeous Christmas decoration that can hold a lot of meaning and can be used year to year.
How do you hang Christmas lanterns?
This particular lantern we made can just sit on a mantle or a end table. However, if you happen to purchase a lantern that you would like to hang, be sure to grab the right supplies so that it doesn't crash!
Reader Melisa shared this variation that she made – isn't it just DARLING? Thanks so much for sharing with us 🙂
Share Your Christmas Lantern Ideas!
If you have made one of your own Christmas lanterns I would absolutely love to see your pictures! And maybe I will even include some of them here if you'll give us permission?
I think it would be so fun for everyone to see different little room décor and get inspired with all of your ideas! If you're willing to share your picture – email jamie@passionatepennypincher.com with the subject line “Christmas lantern picture”. 🙂
If you prefer to order from Christmas lantern supplies from Amazon, we've found very similar items as the ones I used from Hobby Lobby. You can click add to cart and all your supplies will be there!
Click the "Add to Amazon Cart" button below to add all items to your Amazon cart with one click.
Here are some additional links to other stores if you prefer 🙂
Decorative Lanterns for DIY Christmas in Heaven Memorial Lanterns:
Furniture:
Tiny Trees & Lights:
Have you started dreaming up DIY projects for Christmas?
I can't wait to use these printable gift tags again and fluff up my home using this Pinecone Wreath. You can also create a TON of super cute and unique gifts using glass etching (and it's easier than you'd think!)
I'd love to hear what you've made are hoping to make this year! Leave a comment to share ~ I love hearing from you!
I found this on your website recently, and I loved it. I lost my mother in March, and we have a six year old, foster son who lost his mother in February. I made this, for both of us, the other day. He loved that I put up something in memory of his mom. I may, or may not, have been a little teary-eyed. Thank you for sharing this idea!
What a sweet thing to do as a special way to remember your mother and your foster son’s mother Christina ~ so sorry to you both for your loss! Hugs!
Loved this idea. I made this for my boyfriend’s mom for Xmas this year. We lost him 3 yrs ago. She loved it!!
This is adorable! I love it. I have it on my to do list. Now, if you could make a tutorial or video about how to use it all year and swap out the decorations for each season I would love it even more. 😉
I love that idea and may try it in 2021 – so fun Crissy! 🙂 There would be so many cute ways to decorate for Valentine’s, Eastern, and ever season!
I love this! I have to make one. Where did u get your large lantern? I love the size. It’s bigger than normal. Thanks!!
Oh wow!! These are so cute!! I teach a Religious Ed class with 8 1st graders and an amazing aide! Hmmm…. (I haven’t been around 1st graders in about 25 years!) Thanks for all the blessings you share and bestow on us! I hope your daughter is getting better after her surgery (ACL?). Hugs!
You’re very welcome Cheryl ~ thanks so much for your kind words, and well wishes (yes, it was her ACL!). Hugs! 🙂
Laurie! This is adorable!!!!!! I love, love, love it! And I am excited for Sunday so I can order my New planners! I can’t tell you how much I love my planner.
This is stunning! What a great job. Have to tell you, you ARE crafty!
Oh Laurie I’m in tears but happy ones . My hubby and I have watched you for years . He loved your recipes . He passed in April and I’m still trying to put one foot in front of the other every day . I’m definitely making this craft for him . I need this so much . Thank you
Oh Deb ~ sending hugs and prayers for comfort for you today, I can’t even imagine and my heart aches for you. I’m so so sorry! Thank you for sharing ~ I love the idea of you making one for him. Hugs sweet friend ~ praying for you right now and only the happiest memories today!
I am sorry for your loss. Lots of hugs to you.
Deb, wishing for strength for you! Difficult in normal times and just much more so with Corona. Hope it turns out beautiful! Hugs!
Oh my goodness… I am so sorry… I do not know you – but you are in my prayers Deb –
I hope you find a small spark of joy when you look at your Heaven Lantern.
This is so cute! I have a little iron set my mom’s best friend gave her (after finally finding each other after over 35 years!). My mom has since passed away and my oldest wanted the set but asked me to hold it for her. She just got a new apartment and I am going to make this for her with the furniture!!
What a sweet idea Robin ~ LOVE that! 🙂
These are so dang cute! I have a few lanterns in my yard with fairies and gnomes but I would have never thought of this. I am so excited to give it a try! Thanks for all the fun ideas and everything you do for me and this group. I feel like I have a million friends from all of the country. Have a blessed day!