Have you ever been driving around during big trash week, spotted something out of the corner of your eye, and thought, I KNOW I don’t need that, but it’s just too awesome to end up in the landfill? This rusted lantern was just one of those items. I picked it up quite a while ago, and it’s been languishing in my garage ever since. Needs a little help, don’t you think? I thought it was a great project for Funky Junk Interior’s Saturday Nite Special.
I pried the panels out, sanded the metal, and primed it. After a couple of coats of white spray paint, this is what I ended up with
It’s pretty, don’t you think? I loved the scallopey trim even when it was rusty, and I like the shabby chic look even more now. I filled the lantern/now candleholder with some river rocks and moss, and a couple of leftover candles that I dug out of my potting shed. Some green, earthy candles would look really nice, too.
Here’s the funny thing … it’s not glass! I had this in my garage for months and didn’t realize the panels were plastic until I took it apart to paint it. That’s probably the main reason that they were all still intact! Glass would have been nice, but it still works for me.
Hope this inspires you to remake some of your junk into treasures! To see more trash-to-treasure gems, visit Donna for Funky Junk’s Saturday Nite Special.
That is really beautiful! Great project!
Posted by: Michelle @ Sweet Something | May 08, 2010 at 06:58 AM
Gorgeous! Good job!
Posted by: The Happy Homemaker | May 08, 2010 at 08:28 AM
This is so pretty!
Posted by: Kendra | May 08, 2010 at 08:42 AM
I am glad you saved it. It looks like glass and the beveled cuts are great.
Posted by: Tracy | May 08, 2010 at 09:30 PM
Wow! It has been reborn! It looks so beautiful.
Posted by: Heidi Roylance | May 08, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Very pretty! But I'll admit I loved the rust too. :) Lanterns that are protected from the wind are soooo awesome for the outdoors! Bet that candlelight as a wonderful effect with the cut glass.
Thanks for linking up to SNS!
FJ Donna
Posted by: Funky Junk Interiors | May 09, 2010 at 01:43 AM
Oh my goodness Andrea! You did a beautiful job on this make~over! Wow, it is sooooo pretty! You had a vision and it worked! Happy Mother's day!
Hugs,
Maryjane
Posted by: Maryjane | May 09, 2010 at 02:53 AM
Wow...what a transformation! And NOT glass...holy cats. Its gorgeous and the cut panels are my favorite part. You did good - its gorgeous!
-c
Posted by: Cindy | May 14, 2010 at 04:17 PM