Turn an Old Lantern into a Mini Greenhouse
Yesterday I was outside all day, I pinned laundry on the line, mowed the yard, weeded the flowers, added a new birdhouse in the maple tree, and planted a fern in my old bike basket. Why doing all that work my wheels started turning and an upcycle project emerged.
You see I had these old black lanterns in my pile of junk to go to the trash, when my brilliant idea hit. That’s what I call them anyway, and every time I have one of my “brilliant ideas” hubby just shakes his head. Fortunately this time it didn’t require him doing any work. Lucky him!!
Anyway I rescued the lanterns from the trash and decided to turn them into mini greenhouses. The black was faded from the sun, and I knew I wanted a lighter color so I carefully removed the glass and gave them a quick coat of white spray paint. That alone made them look 100 times better. Next I added small terracotta pots and a cute cascading plant. Wow, Im in love with the lanterns all over again.
To make them a true greenhouse I will need to add the glass again, but right now I like the open concept and it adds a pop of color on my front porch. I just love it when I can create something new from something old, and save it from the landfill. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend everyone!
These look really great. I like the white paint and the plants are a great idea. It’s a really nice look for spring. Don’t you love it when the light bulb comes on and creative juices start to flow. My neighbor had two really large lanterns I think she got for free because the glass was broken in them. She has a large home and entryway and put them on the entryway table. Every time I went over she had them decorated with a different look. Grapevine and a flameless candle, a cute framed picture of her grandson inside, little boo pumpkins stacked up, and small faux Christmas trees, just to name a few. Those are things she couldn’t do had they not had the glass removed. Sometimes a minus ends up being a plus. Love all your creative ideas.
Becky, I like them white better too, it shows up against the logs better. I did do the boo pumpkins in them for fall, but now that they have new life I think I’ll use them for other seasons 🙂
Exceptionally cute project!!! Thanks for the idea!
Anne, thank you 🙂 Have a great weekend
Beautiful repurpose! What a great idea.
Thank you Mary, I’m always happy when I can reuse something and enjoy it a while longer. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
I love them without the glass too, Dawn. Very clever.
You always come up with the best ideas!
Susan, I think I’ll keep the glass and put it back in for fall and load the lantern with tiny pumpkins.
I love what you did to up cycle the lanterns. Fresh and summery, Kathleen in Az
Thanks Kathleen, they look much better now, and I’m enjoying them again.
I have two lanterns like yours..I am going to do this..love it Dawn!
Nancy, good for you, they will be charming 🙂
Love this idea!!! Wish I had two latterns like that …..juts got back from shopping and not about to go out again!! LOL!!! Maybe next time….thanks for the share!
I think I originally purchased them at Target, if you go looking again 🙂
LOL!! That is exactly the mall I went shopping. Target unfortunately closed their doors early this year (March I think) in Canada after being open only one year….and I do remember seeing them there only they were still at 10% off…when I returned on the day before they closed, there was nothing left!!! I did get a nice soap pump for $2 which was originally $8! and 48 Everready batteries for $4.00!! LOL!! Nothing more interesting!! I think I saw some at our local hardware store of all places!! I will continue looking… I have one from Ikea but it is too small for a plant….maybe Micheals!! Thanks for the inspiration
I bet they have them at Walmart too 🙂
Super cute Dawn. Loooove this.
Have a wonderful week end.
Kris
Thank you Kris, a zero dollar project is always fun 🙂
We are two peas from the same pod. I have painted my rusty, old lanterns twice now. I put candles in a jelly jar
in them. Going to turn one into your great idea. Thanks Dawn. Still loving your blog!!!
Debbie, great minds think alike 🙂 I bet you will find several ways to use them.
LOVE this and will be stealing 🙂 Thank you for sharing. Sue x
Sue so glad you liked it, steal away 🙂
Already eyeing up contenders 😉 I’ll be sure to tag you in as my inspiration when I do it. Thanks again x
Thank you Sue I appreciate the love!
Super cute! Did you use a real plant or a fake one! Thanks for the great ideas!