There’s nothing like the smell of fresh-cut cedar and a cool fall breeze to get me in the Halloween spirit. This weekend, I spent some time in my garage workshop making rustic Halloween lanterns out of cedar fence pickets—and I’ve got to say, these little projects are some of my favorites.
Cedar fence pickets are cheap, easy to work with, and full of character. I love using them for seasonal decor because they have that rough, rustic look that fits perfectly with Halloween. Plus, I can usually grab a few for a couple bucks at the local hardware store.
My Process:
I started by cutting the pickets into panels for each side of the lantern. Each lantern has four sides, a bottom, and a lid. I used my CNC to cut out simple spooky shapes—like pumpkins, ghosts, and bats—right in the middle of each panel, but you could also just use a jigsaw if that’s all you have.. (You can use templates or just freehand if you’re feeling brave!)
After cutting, I gave the edges a light sanding but left most of the surface rough. The imperfections add to that weathered, haunted-house vibe.
Assembly was quick—just some wood glue and brad nails. Once the boxes were together, I added flameless LED candles inside. When the lights go down, they cast spooky shadows through the cutouts, and the cedar gives them a warm, natural glow.
Finishing Touches:
I experimented with a few finishes:
- A quick black paint wash for a “burnt wood” look
- Orange and white dry-brushing for pumpkins and ghosts
- And some I left bare for that raw, rustic feel
- Green paint Frankenstein face ones
Why I Love These Projects
What I enjoy most is how simple and satisfying these builds are. They’re easy enough for beginners, make great gifts, and bring a little handmade charm to Halloween decorations. Plus, working on them in my garage with a hot cup of coffee and the radio playing—there’s just something peaceful about it.
If you’re looking for a fun seasonal project, grab a few cedar fence pickets and try your hand at some Halloween lanterns. You don’t need fancy tools or expensive materials—just some creativity, a little time, and a love of making things with your hands.