A Lantern for all Seasons

My mother-in-law celebrated her 80th birthday this summer which I shared in a post here.  She and my father-in-law love to sit on their deck  in the evenings which overlooks woods.  I found this lantern in the clearance section at Red Cedar Gardens.  It was a little rusty when I purchased it, but I knew it had potential.  A new coat of spray paint, ribbon and some fillers gave it new life.  I used burlap ribbon which I’m currently loving along with some textured ribbon.  I wish I could say I found the sea glass and starfish from the beach in my backyard, but they are from Michaels.  I also added a few twine balls from a past display.

I decided to paint the lantern green for two reasons.  It is one of my mother-in-law’s favorite colors and I thought it would be a great color that would change with the seasons.  I put together an autumn display as well to help get her started.  I just replaced the summer items with a box of autumn mix from Hobby Lobby.  I added rust colored burlap ribbon to the textured ribbon.  You can find burlap ribbon in many different colors these days.  This winter I’m envisioning red chevron burlap ribbon and pinecones and berries as a filler.  Peat moss with eggs and a bird statue on the bottom would be cute for the spring season.  The possibilities are endless so I think I’ll leave the rest for my mother-in-law to decide.  If you have a neglected lantern at home, I hope this inspires you to give it a new life for all seasons.

Linking to Strut Your Stuff Saturday Link Party, Inspire Me Please Link Party