Lantern Love

We all know I have a thing for lights, but what you may not know is that I also have a thing for lanterns.  When I'm strolling through the aisles at Homegoods they always catch my eye.  So many pretty shapes, sizes, and styles!  These lamps were inspired by these from Pottery Barn.  I love the simplicity of them and the fact that you can fill them with all kinds of stuff. 


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So, it got me thinking...what if I made a lamp out of a lantern?!?  I could fill it with all kinds of treasures and have easy access through the door to change things out.  I could also hide the cord along the inside edge so you wouldn't see it hanging out the side like the pottery barn one.  I was on the hunt for lantern trying to decide which one to choose and then I saw this one on clearance at Homegoods for $5!  Can you believe it?!?

It sat flush against the table so I had to find a way to elevate it so the cord wouldn't make it sit unevenly.  So, I found this frame for $0.99 at the Goodwill, spraypainted it black, drilled a hole in the side of it for the cord to come through, and attached it to the bottom.  (I removed the glass and everything else so I was just left with the frame)

Then, you all know I'm too cheap to buy the lamp kit from Lowe's so I bought this light from Goodwill for $3.99.  It was actually a brand new lamp with the original price tag still on it.  Works for me!

I drilled a hole in the top of the lantern for the cord to come through and then just assembled the lamp.  I ran the cord through the lantern and taped it along the inside edge with black electrical tape so you wouldn't see it.   

and now we have the finished product! 

My husband thinks we should put snakes in here, I think NOT!

I've seen so many cool lanterns, I might just have to make another one!  This project only cost me about $10!