How to Make a Nautical Lantern from a Grill
Add a beautiful coastal touch to your summer patio or porch with a nautical lantern made from an upcycled BBQ grill. Step-by-step tutorial included!
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.