This is the second post in a series that I am putting together on the history and construction of traditional tin lanterns. I will be using a variety of primary sources showing tin lanterns and have attempted to properly site each image. I hold no copyright and offer the information freely.

Did you ever have one of those hobbies or activities that started out as no big deal, but over time became sort of an obsession? Well, about 12 years ago I took a weeklong tinsmithing class at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown North Carolina.