Glowing Garden Lantern Makeover

Several weeks ago, just as fall arrived, I shared a list of all the things I'd found at the curb, thrifted or was handed down over the summer.

Among those treasures was this very large, round garden orb lantern.


At least that's what I called it.

To be honest, I think it was supposed to be a planter or a light, but I had no idea what I was going to do with it, until I saw an ad go by on Instagram for fall porch lanterns like these and I knew.

It had a lovely scrolled pattern that would cast a pretty shadow on my front stoop, next to the mums in their galvanized tubs.

And look interesting as the light danced through it on chilly fall nights. 

Plus, like my friend Pattie says,  I'm a serious sucker for any kind of candle holder. They're some of my favorite seasonal DIYs. Like:

• Mummy Lanterns
• Thrifted Glass Ghost Lanterns
• Model Magic Mini Ghost Lanterns
• Angel Globe Lanterns

However. This old orb needed a serious update.

Structurally it was in great shape. Cosmetically, it was a mess.

Now, I'm all about a vintage look, but this was rusted, dirty, marred, stained, and in some spots, just plain icky.

But I knew spray paint would fix all that.

I chose a matte black color, meant for metal...and handed that can over to my husband who did the dirty work.


And it only took one coat to transform that drab orb into a shiny new lantern.


With the simple makeover complete, I moved on to the lantern phase.

Step one, I had to find a light that would fit inside. I measured the opening and then I went online to look for one that had a glowing candle effect.


Naturally, there were tons of options.

Especially since it's pumpkin carving season. Everyone needs something to light up their Jack-O-Lanterns- unless they're painted, like mine.

Step two. I had to find one that wasn't solar powered. There are far too many grey days in my neck of the woods from October to May, for that to work.

Another problem I found was that many of the battery lights said they were safe for outdoor use and waterproof, but once I got them home, I realized they really weren't.

Oh sure, if they were protected in some way, on a covered porch or a stoop with an overhang. Even tucked inside a carved pumpkin with a top.

But my lantern was open, on all sides. Sitting on a porch with no overhang.


Exposed to the elements and those nasty nor'easters.

No. I needed something truly waterproof.

After several attempts, and return trips to UPS, I finally found this one. It's nothing fancy, but it works. I will say that when we did have a terrible storm a few weeks ago, with several inches of rain, I dropped that light into a small zippy bag. 

Just in case and it worked out really well. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention...

Anyway. It came with a remote and a timer function, so once I set it, I could forget it.

My timer light/ candle

And I have.

It goes on and off on its own, lighting up my front porch in elegant style.


It glows like a candle, the fake flame dancing inside my shiny new lantern.

The one that matches the scroll on my front door mat.


Adding a bit of life to that tiny stoop.

And keeps my homegrown pumpkins company.

In thrifted autumn style.

Fabulous.

🕯

What's on your porch this fall?

Happy Crafting, Friends!