Trashtastic Tuesday- Lantern Project

Welcome to Trashtastic Tuesday! This is a little series around here where I show you something that I thrifted, sometimes I make it over, sometimes I don’t. Or it may be something that I have owned and I am tired of, or no longer like, so I make it over. But nevertheless, it is usually something that I paid very little money for.

I have been busy preparing for my daughter’s graduation party coming up on Sunday, and today’s project is something I did for her party. And, if I do say so myself, it is pretty trashtastic! I finished this awesome lantern!

Too cute, right? Let me tell you about it. We were at AC Moore buying decorations for the party, and we needed a cool idea for a container for people to place cards in. So, we were strolling the aisles, not knowing what we wanted, and we came across these unfinished lanterns! Here is a before shot, I forgot to take one, but this shot was in the background of another picture I took, so I cropped it down to just the lantern to give you an idea of what it looked like when I brought it home. Sorry, best I could do.

So anyway, this lantern is quite large. Big enough to contain plenty of cards and envelopes. And the top opens right up! SHA ZAM! We knew immediately that this was it! And they had one on display that was finished, and I like the way it looked, black and distressed. I knew it was perfect for her party. And bonus! It was only $14.99! It hopped right in my buggy!

I bought some flat black spray paint, and some clear coat spray paint to finish this lantern with. It was so simple, anyone could do this project! I started by placing newspaper in all of the windows and taping everything off, both inside and outside. I also taped off all of the hardware. (TIP: When I taped off the hardware, I placed the tape over top of the hinges, and then I used an exacto knife to cut around it so that it was a perfect fit.) I did not tape off the handle because it was black anyway.

Next, I gave it three light coats of black spray paint, waiting for it to dry in between coats. It didn’t take long because it was a nice sunny day. I then waited over night, just because time got away from me. The next day, I used a sanding block, and distressed all of the edges and corners, just rub off the paint wherever you think will look good. After I had it distressed to my satisfaction, I gave it three light coats of clear coat, to protect it, in case I want to use it outdoors. (Yes, I plan on using this after the party – extra bonus!) Although, I have to say, if I do use it outdoors, I will definitely bring it in during rain.

So, after I had it all finished and it was dry, it was time to remove all of the paper and tape and see the finished product. And look what happened! Oh, the horror!

Now, if the windows were glass, I would not have worried a bit that I forgot to tape off one section. However, they are a clear plastic. And I was worried about scratching it. And if you are asking yourself how I could be so dumb to miss a section, so was I! It is because I had also taped off the inside of the windows (because I painted inside too) and so I got confused because the inside section was taped off already. I had no choice but to break out a razor blade and try to scrape it off, even it is was going to scratch. So I did. And miraculously, it did not scratch! This is the finished product. I threw a candle in there just to make it look nice.

Warning- do not put a real candle in this lantern! The windows are a hard plastic, plus if you have the lid closed, there is no ventilation. I will purchase an electric candle to use in this if I want a candle inside of it.

I am in love with my lantern people! In love! I have always wanted some really large lanterns, but they are so expensive when I see them in stores. This was only $14.99! It was super easy to finish myself, and I will use this for years to come! I think I might go grab another one so I will have a pair!

So, for the graduation party, I plan to put the handle down in front, and make a little miniature bunting that says cards and tape it onto the handle. People can just toss their cards and envelopes right in! And if you are going to be a guest at this party, and you don’t know what to get the graduate, anything that will fit into an envelope would be perfection- wink wink!

I mean seriously, what graduate does not want cash, am I right?

Now, that lantern is trashtastic for sure! What do you think? Have you been eying all of the fabulous lanterns out there, and don’t want to pay those steep prices for one, like me? Well, here is your solution! Go grab one that is unfinished and do it yourself! One of the easiest projects ever! And I think this lantern looks expensive. I bet I could sell it for a lot more than I bought it for!

Thank you for stopping by for Trashtastic Tuesday! Feel free to click on my Trashtastic Tuesday page and see all of my previous posts in this category. Have you ever made over a lantern before? How much would you be willing to pay for a lantern that you love in a store? I would love to hear from you in the comments!

I will be back tomorrow with What I Wore Wednesday, and then you probably won’t be hearing from me again until Miss 18 Year Old is a high school graduate, yikes! We have a lot on our plates right now, A LOT! Wish us luck!Link Parties:

Monday:
Inspire Me Monday
Monday Funday
Between Naps on the Porch
The Dedicated House
Pursuit of a Functional Home
Home Stories A to Z
Tuesday:
The Makers
A Stroll Through Life
Not Just a Housewife
Coastal Charm
Wednesday:
Savvy Southern Style
DIY By Design
Green Willow Pond
Work it Wednesday
Glitter Glue and Paint
Thursday:
Glitter Glue and Paint
Friday:
Remodelaholic
Funky Junk Interiors
Inspire Me Please
The Shabby Nest
Best of the Nest
Sunday:
DIY Sunday Showcase
DIY Showoff