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Thrifted Lantern Makeover

Who’s in the mood for another DIY adventure? You know this #trashure lady is and am always eager to share with you. I’ll be honest, I’ve been taking a backseat to bringing home more things because I’m trying to not only (1) unload work on what I already have (2) declutter and focus on what God has in store for me. I’m feeling a little cluttered and need to refresh my heart, mind, and body. With that, I was at the store for the sake of my kids and laughed OUT LOUD when I saw this thrifted lantern.

Thrifted Lantern Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Instantly, I turn to my kids and say…”I gotta relive this poor thing!!” Here’s a better look at it.

 

Thrifted Wooden Lantern Before Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Ain’t that snazzy? I mean, those faux flowers really add so much. {{emphasis on sarcasm}} Okay, so you know I can’t let this poor thing suffer any longer. Let’s get ‘er done!

PURGING BLOOMS

First, as you can imagine, I can’t wait to yank off those flowers and see what I’m dealing with. Oh, and just for fun, I have a video demo of my crafty ways for you below too. Then, as soon as I clean it up, I begin by adding a one-coat wash of a blue milk paint. Blue, of course…tee hee.

Painting Thrifted Lantern Blue Milk Paint | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Next, as soon as the paint cures, I pull out my leftover cedar shakes (shingles) leftover from my garden shed remodel. It’s a must-see!  In addition, you can see how I use the same shakes on my son’s DIY birdhouse or built two lanterns from one board. Okay, so if you want to do this yourself on your own thrifted gem, you just need:

  • pile of cedar shakes
  • tin snips or utility knife
  • hot glue gun/glue sticks
  • pencil

SHAKIN’ IT UP

As I mention, I share the demo in the video tutorial, but the basics of it are:

  1. find the narrow end of the shake (they are tapered to promote drainage)
  2. snip with the tin snips on the narrow end to the length/height you need
  3. trim to fit for placement – varying widths adds texture
  4. place in alternating over seams
  5. glue down with a bead of hot glue

Adding Cedar Shingles to a Thrifted Lantern | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

WEATHERING

Last, but not least, I need to age that wood just a bit (you know me, right? PATINA!) In order to do that, I use my weathered reactive stain to make it a gray wood. It ages right before your eyes! Better yet, it doesn’t have the toxic effects, nor needs to be wiped off. You can see all the different stains and applications in my past posts HERE.

Weathered Reactive Stain on Cedar Roof of Thrifted Lantern | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Soaking the wood is the best way to make sure you get in all the nooks and crannies. Then, let it air-dry and watch the transformation happen.

LIGHTING THE WAY

Finally, folks, my little thrifted lantern with a brand-new look. It’s refreshing to be able to actually see in it and also have a candle be able to shine light instead of being smothered by flowers.

DIY Thrifted Wooden Lantern Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #thrifted #diy

A thrifted lantern makeover video tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Upcycled Lantern into Beautiful Home Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #thrifted

Oh so fun, right? The blue is always a favorite of mine, and then also adding the aged cedar really gave this a time-worn vibe that I adore. I’m curious…what would you have done with this?Cedar Shakes on Upcycled Lantern by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #upcycled #farmhouse

Thrift Store Lantern Makeover with Milk Paint and Cedar Shakes by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cottage #diy #homedecor

Likewise, the best part is that lanterns serve so many purposes. You can tuck in that candle, or baubles of your choosing, or even use it for a picture vignette showcasing your loved one’s photos.

Blue Ball Jars with Cottage Lantern by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cottage #diy #upcycled

Dried Hydrangea Blooms in Blue Ball Jar by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #flowers #nature

My limelight hydrangeas are such a blessing to me at this time of year when snow is covering the ground and blooms are a rare find. Do you dry any flowers for winter cabin fever?

Blue Milk Paint Thrifted Lantern Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #makeover #diy

Farmhouse Milk Paint Blue Lantern by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #blue #farmhouse

Antique Ampersand Typeset Block | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Also, if you’d like to make this lantern a part of your home, you can find it and more available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARE

While you’re at it, be sure to leave some comment love below, and then also pin and share my thrifted lantern to inspire others. I do what I do to not only inspire you, but to reach those that need a little boost in confidence to try DIY.

A thrifted lantern gets a much-needed makeover with the help of Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Video Tutorial at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #thrifted #upcycled #farmhouse

WAIT! Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes of another goodie I picked up the same time as the lantern…a metal compote bowl. hmmm… Come see its new look over HERE.

Thrifted Compote Bowl Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

PLUS, you will get your free Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
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Additionally, check out these other makeovers like this thrifted lantern:

DIY: Thrift Store Glass into Coordinating Collection by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.comA $3 Thrifted Side of a Vanity Becomes a Shabby Chic Piece with The Graphics Fairy by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    I don’t know how you could even see that was a lantern through all those fake flowers!!!! 🤣 It sure is cute now!!! 🥰

    • Larissa says

      haha. That’s what made me stop and see what’s under there at the store. crazy!!

  2. SANDI ALLEN says

    Oh my goodness! I’m sure glad you rescued that poor thing!
    I’m amazed at how you always see the Beauty beyond the Beast! This was another amazing transformation! Love it!

    • Larissa says

      It made me giggle to no end to see it, Sandi. I tickled with your words. Thank you!

  3. Sigrid Buchanan says

    That poor lantern looked claustrophobic ☹️ Beautiful project. Thanks for all your hard work and testimony. Merry Christmas.

    • Larissa says

      tee hee! I kept thinking fire hazard if anyone tried to put a candle in there. 😀 Thanks, Sigrid!

  4. Niki says

    What a cute little lantern it turned out to be! I abhor faux flowers- save for maybe the “real touch” or whatever they are called that Hobby Lobby occasionally has. Even those are not my favorite. This poor thing just looked so weighed down, now it is open and pretty!

    • Larissa says

      You and me both! Give me real (even dried) any ol’ day. haha. Here’s to no more faux flowers! 😀

  5. Michele M. says

    Oh my gracious that is super cute now!!!! Well done!!!

    • Larissa says

      I knew you could appreciate the “before”. Thank you so much, Christy. 😀

  6. susan says

    I’m sure glad you rescued that thing 😱!!!! Love the new look!

    • Larissa says

      Happy dance! That’s so fun to hear, Susan. Thank you for the smile!

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