Chinoiserie Lantern

Time needed: 1 hour

1. Choose your napkin

   As you know, I love chinoiserie so I have linked so many beautiful chinoiserie napkins in my Amazon Shop (Click Here)
   I got these napkins at my Tuesday Mornings a few weeks ago. They are Spode, but I could not find them online anywhere!
   You can also use tissue paper and decoupage paper for this project.

2. Separate your napkin plys

   Most napkins have 3 layers. The top decorative layer and 2 white layers underneath.
   This one had 3 and the first ply separates so easily but the 3rd ply is tricky.
   

3. The secret to separating the last ply

   I made the mistake of always trying to separate the layer on the outer border where they are embossed or pressed together. You can tell because it has a little texture.
   
   Here’s the secret… get your fingers damp ( I don’t lick my fingers cause that is a no from me), but I get them damp with a washcloth and place my thumb on one side and my middle finger on the other side of the napkin but just below where the embossing ends. It will cause a “bubble” and from there you can easily separate the 2 final ply’s of the napkin.
   Trust me this will save you from tearing the edge of every napkin you separate from now on!

4. Adhere your napkin to your canister

   I applied my mod podge in an even layer and in even strokes around the entire canister including the curve just under the threads of the canister top, and slightly over the bottom edge as well.
   Because my canister is not curvy laying the napkin on smoothly was a breeze.
   I laid the napkin, right side facing down, and gently lined up the top of the napkin knowing I needed about 1/4 of an inch at the top to fold down over the curve at the top and bottom.
   This napkin fits almost perfectly on this canister lengthwise but I lacked about an inch on the circumference so I cut a piece of the border and placed it in the open space. It looks great.

5. The border piece

   

6. Cut the top and bottom circles

   I used the lid to trace 2 circles.
   I lined up my favorite part of the pattern that fit the lid and traced the circle.
   I cut the circle just inside my trace line so that no sharpie shows.
   Cut 2 circles.

7. Cut a border piece

   I cut a border of the napkin to use around the lid circumference.

8. Adhere the bottom circle

   I was able to apply mod podge to the bottom of the canister as it was resting on the top.
   I first made sure that the ends of my napkin were secured down with mod podge and then I applied an even coat across the entire bottom and placed my circle down.

9. Cover your lid

   I did the border of the lid first and then the top with a small overlap that I secured down with mod podge and then adhered the circle on top. I place the lid on a candlestick to let it dry.

10. Sand the leftover on the lid

    After the mod podge dried I used 220 grit sandpaper to sand off the excess napkin on the lid.

11. Seal your lantern

    After the mod podge dried to the touch, I put a thin coat all over the outside of the napkin to seal it. Just in case I ever need to wipe it off it is protected.

12. Add a remote control puck light

    I ordered these remote control puck lights to pull off some faux sconces in my kitchen, and they come 6 in a package so I had extra and I find all kinds of uses for them!
    I have linked them here.
    I used some adhesive velcro to adhere the light to the inside of the lid.
    It is better in the lid rather than the base because it is hidden and it looks more like a “real” light!
    Also, I use velcro because I may need to remove it to change the batteries someday.
    PS – I centered it better than this LOL!
    

13. Put the lid on and enjoy!