The things I find on the side of the road never cease to amaze me! Like these lanterns, I actually found 6 and sold 4 of them. These were expensive lanterns and they were dumped in a pile on the side of the road. 

I've been using these two lanterns on my deck for years, they are starting to get rusty and today I decided it was time to make them part of my Christmas decor. 

How to up-cycle a lantern.

I painted the metal top of the lanterns with Fort York Red by Fusion Mineral Paint. 

It went on with one coat and is the perfect red for the holidays. 

I use Fusion Mineral Paint on all my furniture and projects and I highly recommend its quality and performance. 

Create a wintery look.

I filled the bottom of the lantern with Christmas greenery. 

I cut up an old ugly wreath I saved and used the pieces as a base for the candle in my lantern.

 

READ MORE: LANTERN MAKEOVERS

Add a bow.

I made beautiful red and white checked bows for the top of the lanterns then added a battery powered candle to each lantern. 

These candles have a remote control so you can turn off the candles when not in use. 

Super handy if you're decorating with them outdoors. 

Use lanterns outdoors.

The lanterns are going on the front stoop of my house and look amazing! 

We had a little bit of snow last night so there's a little extra winter ambiance out there tonight.

Before you toss something old and rusty to the curb, consider giving it a holiday makeover! 

I'm sure glad I did!