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.
What a lovely piece for the center of the table, whilst eating alfresco, during those balmy summer nights. Mind you we have yet to have any balmy nights here it hasn’t stopped raining this June,. Hopefully July will be better.
We have had plenty of balmy nights Claire, and it looks really great all lit up at night.
You are seriously creative my friend and that grill is the gift that just keeps on giving!! Love it!! And as a fellow beach dweller I love your nautical lantern!
That’s exactly what it is Kim. And thanks for the extra vote of confidence as a beach dweller.
Hi Mary, I seriously think you should consider putting all your craft ideas into a book! Your nautical lantern is a perfect ornament for any outside area. And I think the pebbles are perfect, although maybe beach sand with some shells may work too.
xx
Debbie, I refuse to do anything till I get my SEO straightened out. I have been battling with SEO since the start of the year and am still not done with it. You can probably make one of these too, you are so close to the beach. This year it is very quiet around here.
I can’t think of anything better than the pebbles, they worked perfectly! Thanks for sharing your links with us at Celebrate Your Story and have a relaxing weekend.
Than k you Sandra, I’m gonna need a whole week to recover from all this heat. And everytime I go to the beach I end up looking for pretty pebbles.
Who would have ever guessed that so many amazing projects could come from an old grill? And of course I just love when they turn out nautical! This looks so beautiful all lit up. Those little tealights add the perfect touch!
We are now officially calling it “the grill chronicles” haha! Celeste, I have to go and look if I still have any more parts.
You have gotten so much mileage out of that grill, Mary! So much craftiness 🙂 Love its coastal vibe; it looks just lovely. Thanks for linking it up with us at Vintage Charm–
Diana we have renamed it “the Grill Chronicles”, That’s how much I’ve used its parts.
I love this little lantern. The candles in the rocks are really pretty! I could see this out on my porch…
Michele it is time to go to some yard sales and look for an old grill. I still cannot beleive the mileage I’ve gotten out of this old thing.
I am always amazed with the projects that you create. This is absolutely beautiful.
Thanks Celeste. I think this has to be my favorite from “the Grill Chronicles” as another friend dubbed it.
Your grill just keeps on giving and I think that this is my favorite creation from the grill. You are so talented, Mary!
I have to agree with you on this one Sherry.
This is so beautiful Mary and it screams “Greek summer”! You could easily see it as part of a resort’s decoration in a Greek island and no one could believe this is recycled!
Thank you Ntina, you just gave me the BEST compliment!
Mary, I could not imagine where you were going with that grill pan! What you did turned out great! It’s actually so perfect for summer nights on the patio. Good thinking.
Thanks so much for sharing with Thoughts of Home.
Thanks Stacey. This is defiitely my favorite grill repurpose project. We light it every night and sit out on the balcony and enjoy the fresh air.
Μαίρη μου δε ξέρω πως τα καταφέρνω και χάνω τις αναρτήσεις σου και τις βλέπω μετά απο καιρό! 🙂 Κάλιο αργά παρά ποτέ βέβαια!! Είναι πάρα πολύ ωραία ιδέα και ειδικά για εμένα που στο χωριό δεν έχω πολλά πράγματα να διακοσμήσω!! Μπράβο άλλη μία φορά για τις ιδέες σου!! Πολλά φιλιά!
Είπες ότι άργησες, και εγω τώρα τι να πω, που μόλις το είδα το σχόλιο σου. Ποια άργησε; Ευχαριστω Ελεανα μου για τα καλά σου λόγια. Πιστεύω ότι και το πιο άχρηστο πράγμα μπορεί να ξαναχρησιμοποιηθει. Και σίγουρα στο χωριό θα βρεις πολλούς θησαυρούς.
I love this project, Mary! So imaginative… something like this would look so pretty on my wee porch! Make sure to link-up at Tuesday Turn About coming this Tuesday! 5pm CST! 😉
I bet it would be perfect on your porch Julie.
What a gorgeous, summer centrepiece! Well done 🙂
Thanks so much Sarah. It looks so good at night!
Still love this lantern and its coastal beach theme with the rocks and grill base, Mary! Happily featuring your post at this week’s Share Your Style #210, thank you.
Happy spring and almost summer,
Barb 🙂
Thanks so much Barbara. It really made a difference in the ambiance.
What an innovative use for a grill! I love it. If you’re interested in participating in another link up we just started a new one today! Your content would be perfect for it. Here is the link… https://handmadeweekly.com/handmade-otherwise-link-party-week-1/
Thank you for the invite Hannah. I will be right over!
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
Beverly thanks so much for the feature.
I love that; it’s so pretty especially at night.
It had such a nice and soft glow to it.
Great project, Mary. I’m always looking for ways to reuse tins. Love the fabric!
Thank you Marilyn! I always love reusing everything!
Love this Mary! Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
I love anything Nautical and this looks so fun. Thank you for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things blog hop.
Very beachy! Thanks for sharing with us at Creatively Crafty Link Party #CCBG
This sure doesn’t look like a grill part. I always enjoy seeing things through your eyes. The nautical lantern looks great. It is a perfect decorating accent in my area.
It really is great for beachy summery areas or if you are a fan of that look.
This looks great, I have a later on my window sill, but I bought it #inspirememonday@_karendennis
I am into recycling and upcycling and this is a great project.
I has subscribed and am looking forward to more of these
You are amazing Mary!! That barbecue grill is lasting forever!! Do you still have some parts to use, or are you done with it?
The bowl and the lantern will turn anyone into summer mood; pebbles are a sure hit when doing nautical/summer decor, and making it weightless is so clever!
Haha Pili, that’s exactly what it is. It seems to last forever. I have a few small parts, I don’t know if I’ll be able to use them anywhere. If I had not added the egg cartons it would have been too heavy.
Mary…this may be my favorite installment of ‘The Grill Chronicles’. I can only imagine how pretty this looks on your back porch, lit or not. The big question is…are there still remaining grill parts that are looking for a new purpose?
Hugs and wishes for a great Grecian summer week.
Lynn
Lynn you make me laugh so much but I guess you’re right, they are “The Grill Chronicles” To tell you the truth when I started this I didn’t expect to get so much mileage out of the grill. I still have a few bits. I’ll have to see if they can be repurposed anywhere. I hope you’re having a great time. .
That was cool! It turned out SO nice. It thought the plastic container would be exposed but you did a great job covering it up. My son just built a raised patio in my backyard. Now I need to look for a grill to disassemble. 🙂
Krista I had to use something lightweight because this thing is heavy. Any heavier and I would not have been able to lift it. Good luck with the grill disassembly! And we want pictures on your blog of the patio.
So cute! I love being able to repurpose items. I like your “eye” for things 🙂
Thankyou for that sweet compliment. I like to challenge myself and see what I can come up with.
Mary, I love this repurpose!! You are finding so many great uses for that old grill!! I love how the rocks look in the grill part and to elevate the lantern so it’s useful was very smart!! The way the lantern shines is so beautiful!! Amazing job!!
That old grill is worth a million bucks! The colors also add to it’s charm I think . I had to repaint that lantern because it had seen better days.
Hello Mary, that looks so great !
Many greetings to you
Uwe
Thank you Uwe. It is perfect for summertime decorating.
It’s beautiful and very summery, Mary! The pebbles were the perfect choice for your wonderful repurposing project.
Thank you Julia . It was a fun project with the pebbles I had to drag them home from the beach and then I didn’t have enough so I had to go back. Always an adventure.
.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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:)
Wendi it is the grill that keeps on giving. It is very relaxing to sit out there at night with my collection of lights.
OMG, this is so beautiful and relaxing looking. I love it! You are so creative. Thanks for sharing.
You aer so right, it is very relaxing looking. I think it’s that blue color that makes you feel so tranquil.
Μαίρη μου είσαι τόσο δημιουργική. Πιάνεις στα χέρια σου πράγματα που για άλλους θα ήταν άχρηστα και φτιάχνεις μικρούς θησαυρούς!!! Μπράβο, εξαιρετική ιδέα και εκτέλεση!
Χριστινα για να δούμε πότε θα τελειώσω με αυτή τη ψησταριά. Ευχαριστω για τα καλά λόγια σου.
Beautiful Mary! Love the summery colors and when the tealights are lit, it looks like you brought a mini lighthouse into your living room.
Great minds are still thinking the same LOL. Wait till you see my post, I am a day late posting since my daughter and family was here, and mine isn’t as pretty.
Linda thanks. I have put it outside on the balcony so we can light it in the evening instead of having overhead lighting.
Just when I assumed you did it all with that BBQ Grill you surprise me with another fabulous repurpose! I love it with the pebbles. Another option would be seashells. Regardless, it’s a very clever idea with loads of ambience, Mary😍😍
I thought of the seashells too Marie. But I must be blind because everytime I go to the beach all I see are pebbles, no shells. My family makes fun of me.
Awesome make over Mary, I would never in a million years have thought of doing this with a grill cover. Great idea using egg cartons to make it a bit lighter and that lantern fits the whole look so beautifully.
You should no believe how heavy it is Michelle. Those pebbles can weigh a lot. But now I don’t have to worry that it’ll blow away on the balcony. We do sometimes get strong winds.
This lantern is beautiful for Summer night, Mary!
It really is Ilka. The colors are soft and just perfect for summer.
Mary, this is absolutely gorgeous! I’ve got an off-white lantern that I finally just put away because I couldn’t get the inspiration about what to do with it.
And I love the soft blue. I haven’t decorated with blue is a very long time and have been considering that – there’s so many lovely things to do with blue.
Thank you for sharing your truly inspiring projects. I’ve pinned and will also share on FB, Twitter, & StumbleUpon.
Karen than k y ou for yo ur kind words. The project was a no brainer for me because I live near the coast so I’ve got blue and beach on my mind all day. I hope you will show us your project as well.
This grill has lived beyond all expectations- probably even its own! Once again you have repurposed a seemingly useless thing into something so very useful and beautiful too. I love how cute the lantern and votive lights look when lit.
Thank you so much Ellen. I guess I never realized just how much of a treasure it really is. And to think I had it sitting out in the hallway for a long time before finally using it.
So creative! It just makes me think that if you look at things in a different way you can repurpose anything! You have a great perspective! I really enjoy seeing you reimagine items and turn them into something totally new and inventive. Great job
Thank you so much Melissa. It is exactly as you say. We just need to look at things in a different way.
I absolutely love this! What a great project. I bet it looks awesome on your balcony! 🙂
It looks awesome because of those nautical colors and it looks even better when the tealights are lit. Thank you Martie.
Hey, that’s cool! It looks really great!
Tania
Thanks Tania. It was a fun project.
Mary, I love this! The picture you shared on Facebook today, of the ocean and pebble beach of Greece looks just like this lantern centerpiece! You’ve turned a gorgeous photo into a gorgeous decorative piece! LOVE that. I bet this looks great on your patio, and at night it would be so pretty with the light shining out the star cut-outs of the lantern! Once again, you’ve added the Golden touch to a piece of something that was headed for the trash bin!
My trash bin is getting bored from disuse..lol. You know I hadn’t thought of it that way, but yes I guess I am creating a slice of the beach at home.