Beautiful Lantern with Cardinals,Pinecones and Poinsettias Wall Art

Materials & Thickness

Backer layer: 1/4 inch wood

Top outline layer + detail pieces: 1/8 inch wood

Painter’s tape

Wood glue

Paints of your choice

1. Preparing Your Pieces

When I originally created this design, I saved most parts individually. If I were making it again, I’d do it this way (and you can too):

Use the scored design on the backer as your placement map.

Cut and save only the main raised pieces like birds, lantern, and top outline layer.

All smaller elements (flowers, leaves, accents) can simply be painted directly using the score lines as guides.

2. Painting Technique

Keep your cut pieces organized by sticking them onto strips of painter’s tape.

I use a separate tape strip for each color to stay organized.

Paint the top outline layer black or your chosen outline color.

Paint your saved detail pieces as desired.

Allow everything to dry completely before moving on.

3. Dry Fit Before Gluing

This step saves headaches:

Assemble everything without glue first.

Once you’re happy with the paint job and alignment, place pieces back into the outline layer.

Use painter’s tape across the front to hold the entire top assembly together.

This turns the outline layer + detail pieces into one solid, movable unit that is super easy to glue.

4. Flip Trick for Easy Assembly

Here’s a handy method I always use:

With the taped top assembly facing upward, lay a piece of scrap plywood or cardboard on top of it.

Hold everything together and flip it over in one motion.

Think of flipping a cake out of a cake pan.

Now the top assembly is upside-down, and the backer is on top.

5. Gluing Everything Together

Carefully lift the backer.

Apply glue to the outline layer and the saved detail pieces while they are still taped in place.

Lower the backer back down onto the glued pieces, aligning it with the score lines.

Press gently and allow to dry.

Once dry, remove the tape and admire your masterpiece!

Need Help?

I’m still fairly new to making tutorials, so thanks for hanging in there with me.
Feel free to reach out with any questions, and please share your finished design pics in the comments—I'd love to see them!

Enjoy your project!