I love Goodwill. It’s like a goldmine with all its discarded goodies. Among these goods was this roughed up lantern. Look at the chipped paint and ugly flowers. Ugh. That has to go.

It’s definitely in rough shape but I knew I could save it, so i bough it… for $2.99! I immediately went to buy spray paint and headed home to beautify it.

Lantern improvement supplies

• paper (optional)
• pencil (optional)
• scissors (optional)
• razor blade (optional)
• spray paint
• old lantern

If you can remove the glass, the first four supplies aren’t necessary.

Step 1: remove or cover the glass

If you’re lucky enough to find a lantern with removable glass, then celebrate and remove it because this project just became a lot easier. I spray painted the outside before I realized I could take the glass out. Duh!

If you can’t remove it, measure it, cut paper to that size and tape it on. You’ll have to repeat this on the inside as well.

Step 2: spray paint the frame

Spray paint your lantern and let it dry.

Flip it and repeat until the whole lantern is covered.

Step 3: remove spray paint from glass

If you get spray paint on the glass, don’t worry! It comes off. Get yourself a razor blade, hold it at a 45 degree angle and, with light pressure, scrape away the paint. Be careful not to scratch it.

You might want to clean the glass before decorating it.

Since it’s fall, I added some craft pinecones and turned on my flameless tea light. It’s beautiful!

Don’t pass up the “junk” in thrift stores. There’s a lot of value in the old and unfinished. Sometimes you have to rummage for them, but they’re there.

Happy crafting, and upcycling!