It would not be summer here in Greece without a nautical theme. Today I am going to show you how to make a nautical lantern from a grill…. yes, that infamous grill that I have been taking apart now for the past two months.
What I Used:
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- The upper half of the saucer part of the grill
- DecoArt Americana Chalky Finish Paint
- Slim nautical rope
- Cardboard Egg Cartons
- Beach Pebbles
- Plastic container smallish
- Lantern
- Tea Lights
This is the upper half of the flying saucer, you may remember that the bottom half was turned into a planter. I also used another piece to create this tealight hanging saucer.
The How To:
The first step was to paint it and get rid of that harsh black, because black does not scream summer! I went to my leftover stash of paint, which I had used to make last month’s Greek beach table. I really love that color. I added two layers of the paint.
I found a slim piece of decorative rope in one of my stashes and thought I could use that. You can see here that the grill cover has these little indentations on the top. I just threaded the rope and let it hang loosely for a nautical effect.
So far so good, my vision was coming along but … I had those holes on the bottom and they would not do.
I tore up some egg cartons and placed them inside so they would be evenly distributed. I wanted something bulky and light because I needed to fill up the space with…
…beach pebbles. But just around, not in the middle. Pebbles are such an easy and inexpensive way to add a summer feel to any project.
In the middle I wanted height but not weight because I already had that with the pebbles so I wedged in a plastic container.
I placed a lantern on top. This is why I needed height, to be able to open the lantern door.
And the final addition was three tealights scattered among the pebbles.
I’ve got this out on the balcony on top of my milk crate table. When it’s lit at night it adds just the right ambience.
And that is it for my nautical lantern. An easy diy project that is perfect for a summer look. To see other projects from the Challenge click here.
Now I know you are all dying to find out if I am finally finished with that grill… truth by told, I have just a few tiny bits and pieces left. You can see all my projects below. I hope you have enjoyed this simple diy project. What would you have used in place of the pebbles in this project?
And now it’s time for you to visit my friends from the Int’l Bloggers Club and see what summer projects they have for this month’s challenge. Simply click on the photos below.
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox.
Beverly
Sunday 2nd of June 2019
Mary, What a great upcycle. Congrats on being featured at Over The Moon linky party. https://eclecticredbarn.blogspot.com/2019/06/over-moon-linky-party.html Hugs, Bev
Mary
Monday 3rd of June 2019
Beverly thanks so much for the feature.
Florence
Sunday 26th of June 2016
Mary, what an awesome project that looks so good. How do you get these ideas?! Thought you were saying the lantern was made from the grill too! I see what you were talking about after I read it all the way through. It does look very coastal though.
Mary
Monday 27th of June 2016
Florence you are right, it should have said the base for the lantern. I couldn't change it now. But you see what I did and I hope it is worthy. It is coastal and very heavy.
Poppy
Sunday 26th of June 2016
Hi Mary! Ah, your nautical lantern is the most beautiful shade of blue! Love the pebbles and rope, so pretty and practical! Happy Summer! Poppy
Mary
Monday 27th of June 2016
If anyone can appreciate blue it is you Poppy. You who have such vibrant colors on your blog and give such inspiration. Have a great summer.
Katrin
Monday 27th of June 2016
Mary it's beautiful and surely screams "SUMMER"! I love the colour and all the pebbles added some fun nautical vibe! Love this and at night it looks even more beautiful! How fun and easy to make your own lantern from a grill! Very creative my friend!
Mary
Monday 27th of June 2016
Thank you Katrin. It was fun but those pebbles turned out to be heavier than I expected. I'm sure that if I hadn't added the egg cartons I would not have been able to lift it.
Wendi@H2OBungalow
Monday 27th of June 2016
How creative, I'm amazed at the uses you've come up with for your grill. I loved the photo with the lights dimmed, I'm sure it's lovely on your patio at night:)
Mary
Monday 27th of June 2016
Wendi it is the grill that keeps on giving. It is very relaxing to sit out there at night with my collection of lights.