How to Make a Fall Lantern Swag Video
Have you heard of them? The floral arrangements that sit on top of a lantern. Apparently they are called lantern swags and they are growing in popularity. Decorating with lanterns became a trend a few years ago and I guess people are now tired of looking at their plain lanterns and are searching for ways to jazz them up. I mean, why just add a bow when you can add a whole floral arrangement on top of it!!
My ebook customers and Facebook followers kept asking me if I knew how to make a lantern swag; of course I didn’t. Okay let’s be honest, I had to Google the darn things to find out what the heck they were talking about. Haha!! Then I noticed a lot of people asking this same question in other groups and forums I follow. So I decided I need to figure out what all the buzz is about and learn how to make these things.
After extensive research, which lasted all of an hour because, let’s face it, there were only about three tutorials online and they were still not very clear on the process. I decided I would buy one to get a closer look on how to make them. So I ordered a gorgeous one from Kristen’s Creations. It is amazingly beautiful and full of flowers and after closely examining it, decided I think I can make this. Well my first attempts were, shall we say, lacking in shape and style. After I made a few, frustration set in and then I realized that I may be over thinking this process and started playing around.
Then a technique took shape that seems to work for me and maybe it will work for you too. Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
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Below is my DIY Fall Lantern Swag Tutorial
(scroll to the bottom for the complete video)
What you will need:
- Scissors, Wire Cutters, Floral Wire (or pipe cleaners if you have fat fingers like me), Zip Ties, Glue Gun
- Ribbon 2.5” & 1.5” widths for a bow with 5 loops measuring a yard each
- Floral picks –Here is a tip, purchase floral picks that are premade with items that are already wired together in layers and give a cascading effect. I purchased mine from Carolina Pottery and Hobby Lobby
- Filler – These can be cut from larger flower bushes but can be small flowers, fall leaves, berries, etc. I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby
- Add-ins – These are items like pine cones (save money by using fresh see my blog post on How To Prepare Pine Cones for crafts), pumpkins, ornaments, flowers, etc.
- Larger focal points – This can be hanging ornaments, larger flowers, etc.
- Lantern – The one used for this tutorial measures 18” tall but I’ve used this technique on lanterns measuring 14-26” tall and it works great! You can also find decorative lanterns on Amazon.
Now let me show you my technique for making a fall lantern swag, if you want the video, scroll to the bottom.
Step 1 – Choose Your Colors
I find that for beginners, it is best to pick three colors from the floral pick and then make sure all the other elements in the arrangement contain these same three colors. For example; once your floral pick is selected, choose filler flowers, picks, add-ins and ribbon that contain these three colors. Of course, this is not a hard rule but only my suggestion for beginners. Once you get the feel for color coordinating, you can mix and match any color under the rainbow.
Step 2 – Base Assembly
Assemble the base by gathering and layering the floral picks, fillers, add-ins, and focal piece in your hand. I find it is best to stagger the items all the way up. Make sure that it is long enough to cover the entire length of the lantern on one side to create a cascading effect. Then switch and add shorter pieces of flowers, filler, add-ins and picks going in the opposite direction. Use your hand to gather all the items and this also saves a space for the bow so make sure to leave enough room so that your bow is not too crowded. Once you have the items positioned in your hand, use zip ties and zip tie the stems together. I use two zip ties for added security. Once you like what you have, zip tie the stems together in two places.
Step 3 – Bow
For the bow, you can easily make a regular bow, but for me I like to have more ribbon colors so I make a funky bow. Start by cutting two pieces of the 2.5” width ribbon and three pieces of the 1.5” width ribbons 1 yard long. I like to be able to form 5 loops, so 5 pieces of ribbon whether you choose all one ribbon or mix it up like I did, but all measuring 36” long.
To form the loops of the bow, I come up 6-8” from the bottom of one streamer and pinch. Then fold the ribbon away from you making a 6” loop and pinch. Twist the ribbon so that the pretty side is facing you. Continue adding each ribbon in this same manner. Once all the ribbon is added, tie it off with a pipe cleaner. Watch the complete video below demonstrating how I make my funky bows or watch another video here.
To add the bow to the swag, twist the pipe cleaner of the bow around the swag base, trim the excess pipe cleaner off and tuck it into the swag.
Don’t forget to dove tail the ends of the ribbon to give it a professional look.
Step 4 – Add a Tie
You can use moss covered wire or jute cover wire for the tie but in this video I used a 1.5” wide ribbon cut 50” long. I tie it in a knot on the back up the swag base above the bow on the side containing the shorter picks.
Once you have the tie knotted around the swag base, attach it to the lantern. For my lantern, I tie it around the large part on top, you may need to secure yours on the handle as each lantern is different. I tie it in a bow on the back of the lantern. Continue decorating the swag while it is tied onto the lantern.
Step 5 – Adding Filler
Using extra pieces of filler such as leaves, berries and flowers, hot glue these stems into the ribbon loops of the bow making sure the glue adheres to the ribbon.
Cut the ends of longer picks short so they can’t be seen from the front. Feel free to trim the ribbon tails if needed if they are too long. Move the ribbon tails around the swag so that some are in the front, sides and back. I like to have long ribbon tails on the same side as the cascading flowers. Use Uglu Dashes by Oasis to help the ribbon stay in place by taping the ribbon to the flowers.
Step 5 – Hide the Mechanics
Once you have added all the filler to the bow and you like how the swag looks, take it off of the lantern and turn it over. Hot glue leftover silk leaves such as ivy on top of the pipe cleaner and zip ties in order to hide the mechanics. This gives your swag a professional look.
There you have it, a fall lantern swag. Here is the full video on each step above.
Here are other lantern swags I’ve made using this same technique. Aren’t they beautiful?
Do you think you can manage this technique? I do! It may take some practice but it gets easier with each one you make.
Let me know how you like this video by commenting below. And tell me, Where do you display your lanterns?
Happy Wreathing,
Julie 🙂
PS- If you are an ebook customer, I’m emailing you a video on how to box your lantern swag for shipping.
I have been waiting for this video and now I want to make one so bad!! Of course I can’t with my broken arm…..so I will just admire yours and practice in my mind for now. I want to thank you so much Julie for taking the time to do these videos for those of us who are not so creative. You make it look so easy. I can’t wait to try this and the wreaths also when I can. Once again, thanks so much.
Awesome! So glad you liked it. I hope your arm heals fast so you can start creating!!
Loved this swag, very very cute. And you make it look “do-able” for those of us not gifted enough to figure it out on our own 🙂
Thank you, the video was very helpful??
Thanks julie for this video. Just last evening I was wondering how to attach and make these lantern swags.
LOVE! Thanks so much!
Thank you! Can’t wait to make one. Love it!
Thanks.
I really like this and you make the instructions so simple to understand.I am going to give this a try this weekend.Thanks Julie.
Cool, glad you liked it Lillian!
Oh yes Julie I will be trying some of your other wreaths and things
Great!
Julie – I always get excited when I have an email from you or see new FB posts about a new technique, design or tip! Thank you so much for taking such good care of your faithful followers!
Yay! So happy to hear this. Thank you so much for your kind comments!!
Hi Julie,
Do you think it’s worth it to build a site or do you think the Etsy store is enough?
I love going to your site and looking around but it is just as easy on Etsy
LOVE your lanterns Absolutely gorgeous ! As for lighting , do you use all 3 at the same time and 175 per light correct???
Thanks for sharing
As always,
Betty
I new website takes a lot of time up front. I hired a designer to make it look “pretty” but I do all the work of loading content and SEO traffic. Etsy to me is just as good. You can drive traffic there just like you would a website. However the customer must create an Etsy account to shop.
For lighting, I started with 3 and then purchased another 3-light package and now use 5 lights for one photo. It makes editing photos quicker but I recommend the 3 light package to get started and see how you like them. You can always add more cheaper lights using shop lights from the local hardware store. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035H9Y0M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0035H9Y0M&linkCode=as2&tag=soutcharwrea-20&linkId=6KBODW2QNBZ7QBRX
I think this is beautiful. I just hope I can do it.
IN LOVE! This video answered every question I had regarding making a lantern swag. Thank you so so much for doing this. Guess what I’m doing this weekend?! (wink wink).
Yippee! They are a little tricky at first but just keep practicing!!
Thank you for another awesome video!! Yes! I will be attempting to make one of these this weekend. I figured out parts of how to do it, but thank you for bringing it all together! I only hope mine looks half as good as yours!
Thank you! Hugs!
Lisa Kellum
Glad you liked it Lisa! Thank you for commenting. Where do you display your lanterns? Or do you sell them?
Video is awesome….do normally sell the swag with the lantern or just the swag? I have tried to sell decorated bird cages and laterns but even getting the lanterns wholesale the prices are pretty high and in my area I have trouble getting the price I need to turn a profit.
On no, I just sell the swags. Shipping the lantern would be a nightmare. Have you tried selling online Eugenia?
Julie, I am so glad you did this one! I have a large lantern on the porch that really needs a swag and now you have shown me how to do it! I love all your work and have learned so much from the your ebook and youtube videos! Most of what I have learned has been watching videos over and over again. You are the best ! Thank you again! Nancy
Awesome Nancy! Thank you for your kind comments. I saw some amazing floral picks at Hobby Lobby and they are larger/longer. They work great for a base. Here is one I made using a 20″ lantern. https://southerncharmwreaths.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/fall-lantern-swag-20inch-sunflower-pumpkins-11.jpg
Thank you Julie. I know it is not as easy as it looks., but with your help I can do this You are a fantastic tutor and give great instructions. You don’t leave out the little details that are so important to us, like using the glue dots to hold things in place. I hate using glue on my flowers and ribbon and have just recently tried to wire everything in that can be wired. Of course some things can’t without distortion so then they get glued. I have bought (2) 15″ black lanterns with battery candles 50% of at Hobby Lobby, so I am not so intimidated after seeing this tutorial. Bless you and your talent.
That’s great!! So happy you liked the video.
One more thing. Is there a way that your could make written instructions as well as the tutorial for those of us that are challenged with memory problems? I have to keep going back to the tutorials and it is very time consuming. I can do better with instructions in front of me. It must be from pinning my patterns to a cork board when I use to sew so much. I still use the cork board but write out parts of tutorial and pin it while I work on my creations. Just thought I would ask. Thanks for all your help. Blessings your way.
Yes. I will had a PDF download file to this post this weekend. Thank you for the suggestion!
Thank you. I love your creations. You make it so easy. Could you suggest a shipping box size for the lantern toppers? I know they will vary depending on size but if I sale mine I don’t want it to be smashed. Wreaths are no problem. Lantern Swags, not so sure. Haven’t sold one yet.
Blessings to you my dear.
Gloria
I use a box size 18x18x5.
Awesome video, Julie – thank you so much! I’ve made some of these for myself in the past but they ended up being rather huge and elaborate and I knew that I needed to find an easier method to use if I was going to make them to sell them and you did a great job figuring that out! Thanks again!! Debbie
That was my problem too Debra!! This technique works much better for me.
Greetings Julie
You’ve done it again! I love your tutorials and the attention to detail presented resulting in another beautiful creation. Since I am a visual learner I am confident I can do this in watching this tutorial. Thank you, as always, for sharing your knowledge. =)
Great. Thank you for the feedback. Post your creations on my facebook page here: facebook.com/southerncharmwreaths
What a lovely lantern. Who knew by adding fall elements it could look this lovely.
You seem to have a gift for making such lovely items from wreaths to swags and
so much more. Love getting e-mails from you showing new techniques would
love to see more with all the instructions or a pdf download Keep those
videos coming they are just beautiful.
Happy weekend
Sharon
I will try to add a pdf download this weekend. Thank you for the feedback! Blessings and have a great weekend.
Thank you for showing us how to make that funky bow! I cannot make a bow to save my life! I love the lantern decorating, I am going to try it and may just give some as gifts!
So glad you liked it. Here is another funky bow tutorial I did last year for Halloween https://southerncharmwreaths.com/blog/how-to-make-a-whimsical-funky-bow/
Julie, thanks for the great video. Still trying to master some of the other wreaths, as I am new to this. I wish you make a video on doing saddles for gravestones incorporating deco mesh with the flowers and also one just using the styrofoam and flowers. Thanks for all that you do for us.
Hmmm, I’ve never done a saddle. I will keep that in mind. Thank you for the suggestion. Blessings,
Julie! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I was one of the *patiently* waiting peeps from your FB group…and I am sooooo happy with this video! Jumping up and down! Perfect! I can’t wait to try one this weekend…I’ll post a pic when I do 🙂 ~Victoria
Great Victoria. Can’t wait to see it. Post it here; http://www.facebook.com/southerncharmwreaths
Thank you so much for the video showing how to make the lantern swag and funky bow. You are so talented!
Thank you Vickie!
The video was great. I saw Kristen’s Etsy shop last year and purchased 2 beautiful swags from her. I tried making several myself. I used a small floral styrofoam square to attach the picks to. I would like to share the lantern swags I made with you but not sure where to post them. I also made a swag and attached it to a apothecary jar for Christmas and filled the jar with Xmas balls. For Halloween, AC Moore last year carried small witch’s legs and I inserted them upside down into the ribbons in the swag. I tell my customers that I highly recommend a battery operated candle if they choose to use one.
Thanks for all your videos and keep them coming.
Ann Vaccarino
Yes, I can’t quite get the styrofoam method for the style I like, mine would turn out too tight and compact. Here’s however, are gorgeous and very popular.
Julie, Once again you had a very helpful video…I never was really interested in the Lantern’s…but you have inspired me…Guess I’ll be getting me a Lantern to decorate.
Like you mentioned this lantern decorating is a great way to use left overs Thanks for the video.
Thank you for your comment Debra!!
I have seen them in the stores and are very pretty. Glad to see a video on how to make them. You make them look really easy. Will have to try one and see. thanks so much! Your videos are great!
Thank you Margaret. It’s a little tricky at first but keep practicing and they get easier.
Dear Julie,
I LOVE your lantern swag! You gave us such clear directions that I think I will be able to do one. Your willingness to keep on giving us such valuable information based on our purchase of your original E-book continues to amaze me. I don’t know any other teacher who is as generous as you are. Your students are so blessed to have you.
Carol
Thank you so much Carol!!
Hey there! I have forgotten my password to get the instructions on how to box and ship a lantern. Is there any way you can tell me my password? Thank you. 🙂
The password was given in the body of the email that was sent yesterday. Reply to the email if you still cannot locate it and I will resend it.
I love love love this lantern tutorial. I got a lantern last year and didn’t know what to do with it. I used it to hang from my hanging tree for Halloween, but it wouldn’t sit the way I wanted it too. So this year I will try this lantern swag. Thanks.
Awesom Shelley, can’t wait to see how it turns out!
I love this video. Thanks so much for sharing your skill with us. I pray blessings for you in return.
Awe thank you so much Ester! Blessings to you as well.
Your video is wonderful. You are great on camera-such a natural. Thanks for sharing your talents and creativity with us. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Well I wouldn’t say I’m a natural, but thank you so much.
This is great. i have lanterns on both sides of my front door. Guess what I’m doing for Halloween and Christmas! Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for the Video! It is exactly what I was looking for!
I was so excited when I received the email about the instruction video for lantern swags. I have several different sizes of lanterns and can hardly wait to decorate them with the swags, plus my daughter is getting married in October and I was going to use several of them for decoration throughout the wedding reception. Now I will make some lantern swags to match her wedding theme. I can hardly wait to start decorating them. Thanks so very much for the excellent video.
How wonderful. Tell your daughter congratulations on the upcoming wedding. She is lucky to have you to help her decorate. So glad this tutorial was useful to you!
Loved this most recent tutorial on lantern swags Julie! Looking forward to adding lanterns to my fall and Christmas decor this year. Thanks so much!
Thank you Becky
I followed along with you just fine… The lantern swag already sold!
Cha Ching!! That is awesome!!
Hi Julie! You are an earth angel for certain! Thank you for teaching your God given talent! You are very generous, amazing & inspiring. I’ve been making seasonal wreaths for about 3 years. Just for my Mom & I, occasionally for gifts. Never sold. I’ve been asked many times, but just can’t bring myself to. My Mom passed away earlier this year after a lengthy illness, so I haven’t been actively wreathing. It was something I mainly did for her as she loved beautiful things & colors. After watching your video yesterday, your enthusiasm was catching. I adore lanterns, have several, so I ran to Hobby Lobby for the supplies. Plan on making my first swag today. Thank you for bring me back to creating…God Bless!
Sorry to hear about your mother. I’m sure she is happy in heaven to know you are creating again. I’m always amazed at how God uses me to help others in ways I can’t even imagine. Blessings to you Karen.
Juliie,
I just watched your video on how to make a Funky Bow. Loved it. Where can I find the next video to see the finished Halloween Wreath made with the bows? I have purchased your ebook in the past.
Thank you!?
It is a wreath recipe. Directions for accessing the recipes are located on the same page as the ebook under bonuses. I will email you today.
Hi Julie,
I purchased your spring wreath video and love, love, love it. I made about six of them for myself. I just saw your video on making the swag lantern and it is so helpful and easy to follow. Your are not only phenomenal at wreath making, but an excellent teacher also. I want to see any video you make!
Thank you Pam!
Hi first thing I would like to say is “WOW” all your work is amazing! Thank you so much for the video how to’s it really helps folks like me that are trying to learn new and exciting wreath swag and ribbons designs. My question is do you use high temp glue gun? I have been using one of those and sometimes it melts the picks! I assumed that if I used a low temp gun that it would not hold the picks to wreath or whatever I am creating! Thank you so much for all the information you give to all of us! ……Mitzi
Yes I use high temp. I’ve not had a real problem of them melting, maybe the very thin ones. You can shoot hot glue on your mat and then run the pick through it, that will help.
Julie, I loved the Lantern Video very informative but for some reason I can’t log into my acct cause I don’t seem to be able to remember my password you don’t give the option to retrieve your password when you sign in. Please help
Contact me Joan so I can help you further. Not sure which password you are referring to as there are a couple depending on the video or ebook purchased. https://southerncharmwreaths.com/contact-us
So glad you did the lantern swag. I kept looking for videos. As always, I love your designs and your videos give detailed instructions and tips. So glad I purchases your ebook. I refer to it often. I just make wreaths and centerpieces for friends and family but I like them to look professional so they will enjoy displaying them. I love getting your emails. I know it means a new project. Thank you so much!!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video. I live in Slovakia and here it is not common to decorate lanterns
But I am bit different. I was wondering how to do it without glueing to the lantern. And you did a tutorial.
Thank you. After seeing your youtube video i did two lanterns. Great, easy to understand tutorial.
All the best from Bratislava. Thanx again.
Thank you!!
Julie, I just finished watching your tutorial on Lantern Swags and I enjoyed it so much. Your tutorials are so helpful and easy to follow. Thank you for your effort in helping me make beautiful items for my home.
Awesome Martha! So glad you enjoyed it!
Julie
Thanks so much for the great video. Been wanting to make one of these for a while but wasn’t sure how to go about it. Very helpful.
You did a beautiful job. Love the lantern swags. My only question is how was it attached to the lantern?
At the end of the video, I tied a ribbon streamer around it. Then tied it in a bow around the top of the lantern.
I love your willingness to share your expertise with others. Thank you for all your excellent tips. I always look forward to all your new videos. Thank you!!
Great video Julie! You never cease to amaze me.
I would like to know if you can use the wacky bows in your wreaths too?
Thanks and have a wonderful holiday!
Nancy
Yes, I use the Funky bows in my wreaths too.
Hi
This video is very well done. It’s not too rushed like some of them are!
Thank you for sharing this with us. Very professionally done!
Please add me to your mailing list!
Loretta Zamer
My pal bought me a lantern last year for the Holidays and I never decorated it until now! I am inspired from your tutorial on the swag lanterns. I am going to attempt to make a swag for it. Thank you for the inspiration & ideas ! You are so creative & fantastic! Thank you most of all for sharing these ideas with us !! I used to think I did pretty good on stuff till I saw your wreaths etc. I really admire you!
Awe, thanks so much for your kind words Patricia!!
So ready to decorate for Fall! I now have a plan to spruce up a huge lantern that I have. Thank you for sharing your talent with us other crafters! Your videos are easy to follow and your work is beautiful!
Thank you so much for this video, it was very helpful.
I love these lantern swags & have been looking for a tutorial on them. This was an amazing video & now I can’t wait to try one myself!
I can make the bow and arrangement but don’t know how you secure it to the lantern. Mine has nothing to secure it to.
the handle?
My lantern has a flAT TOP SO I WAS WONDERING HOW I MIGHT ATTACH THE ARRANGEMENT?
attach it to the handle
Just had to say Thank You for this video. I used to do a lot of wreaths and swags to sell, but stopped about ten years ago. Watching your video inspired me to make swags for three lanterns I have, and I am sure I will continue on with wreaths and other arrangements. Thanks so much for taking the time to make these videos and sharing your talents, Julie!
I have been looking for a video like this. I thought it was very good. I would love to see one using a beach theme.
I absolutely love everything you do!! I’ve learned so much from you! Thank you so much for being an awesome teacher! ❤️
Thank you!
I’m so disappointed that the first one I’m trying is a total fail and taking way longer than it should ???!! I followed along with your video but used individual picks, the base is way to thick and the top to bottom is way to long, ugh! I don’t understand how far to space the top to bottom or front to back or where to place the bow. And my bow was a fail too.
Not you fault by any means ?
It takes time. I have another lantern swag tutorial here on the site (Halloween) and maybe you can learn from that. But it does take practice and like you said, it’s your first. My first of everything is not great either. LOL
Thanks for sharing your talent in video! I made my first lantern swag for a house warming gift for a very special cousin. It is so beautiful I want to keep it myself; so proud to gift it for her new home.
Thank you so much for this video. I have made swags for lanterns before but had a difficult time trying to figure out how to attach some of the décor. You have made this so much easier for me. Thank you so very much. Love the tutorial.
I have multiple lanterns and have been looking for a way to dress them up. I end up with plain bows on top for Holidays. Now I’m inspired to try and do more. Fall decor will be my first attempt! Next Christmas ones! Starting next week. Can’t wait. Well, by for now off to Michaels and Hobby Lobby. ?
Beautiful Julie, I will try this.
Thank you. I really enjoyed and learned a lot. I will look for more of your videos! ?
Beautiful job! I’m definitely trying this swag. Thanks for the detailed instructions.
Thank you! Very pretty. I was wondering how to get the swag effect. I truly enjoyed the video. I just bought this cute lantern and now I have an idea of what to do with it. I love decorating my home. Especially for all holidays.