I found this old lantern at a thrift store, and with a little love I turned I revamped it. I also found a way to change it up every season with a fun new twist. I’ll show you how I updated this lantern and it’s yellowing candle.
Joining my friends for a monthly blog hop and this month’s theme is Christmas in July. Check out their posts below this tutorial.
Here is the original lantern. It was full of cobwebs, and in need of being cleaned.
How To Update A Lantern Video
Clean the lantern
I washed the entire lantern and cleaned it all up. The metal looked great still so I didn’t need to repair or paint it.
Fix the yellowing candle
The candle inside was turning yellow and was discolored from being exposed to the sun.
Add contact paper
I added some contact paper to the outside from Dollar Tree.
Paint on the accents
I used Apple Barrel black paint and made some little dash lines on the contact paper. My goal was to create a birch or aspen tree effect.
Add spray snow to the glass – optional
While the paint was drying, I added some spray snow to the glass window on the lantern. This would create an effect and perfect for the winter season. When the season is done, simply wipe off the spray snow. It’s super easy to clean up.
I put the candle back inside the lantern.
My lantern was ready for display.
The great think I learned about this lantern is that the candle had a timer. So I turned the candle on when I wanted it to turn on in the evenings, it’ll turn off after about 6 hours, and then it will turn back on the next day at the same time.
Another option…
If the candle was too far gone, I was planning to add this flat solar light to the base. It fit in the candle hole perfectly.
Then each season, I can add a glass decoration I have created on top of the solar light and it will glow in the evenings.
The only trick is to make sure it’s glass so by day the solar light can receive enough sunlight to run in the evening.
If you want to see some of these projects I created, the links will be below
How To Update A Lantern Video
Shop any of these stores and I receive a small commission at no cost to you.
The lantern is so pretty. I’m adding a lantern to my thrift store list. I really love seasonal decorations that can be used all year. The snow and the aspen tree looked beautiful together in a winter scene. It really reminded me of Frozen 2.
Thank you so much Jenny and I’m thrilled you like it 🙂
Super cool ideas on updating a lantern, Chas! Using contact paper on a discolored candle is the best idea ever! I have several to try this on! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Gail, I’m so glad you like it and want to try it too 🙂
Wow! I love the makeover you did on the candle! I have thrown candles away because they were discolored. And adding spray snow makes everything awesome!?
Thank you so much T’onna, Im’ so glad you like the updates I made to it.
Love the idea of changing it seasonally. It looks great, Chas.
Thank you so much Beverly and thanks for hosting the hop
That was very clever covering the candle with contact paper! That’s wonderful you can decorate the lantern to fit all the holidays and seasons.
Thank you so much Allyson, I love how you can see the glow through it too.
Such a clever idea to hide a discolored candle. I also love the idea of using a small puck light inside to illuminiate seasonal items. Pinned
Thank you so much Erlene, I’m thrilled you like it and thanks for the Pin
Cute idea! I have a ton of these lanterns laying around and am always looking for new ways to update the look of them. Thank you and excited to try these ideas!
Thank you so much Traci – love that you like lanterns as much as me! Happy Updating
So pretty! I will also be featuring this beauty in this week’s Creative Compulsions.
Michelle
mybijoulifeonline.com
Oh my goodness Michelle, thank you so much for the second feature. You’re just so sweet!
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Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
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Thank you so much Marilyn, I hope you’re having a great week.