![]() Lanterns also provided a means to signal from train-to-train or from station-to-train. Historically, a flagman at a level crossing used a lantern to stop cars and other vehicular traffic before a train arrived. Permanent lanterns on poles are used to signal trains about the operational status of the track ahead, sometimes with color gels in front of the light to signify stop, etc. ![]() In railroad operations, lanterns have multiple uses. In naval operations, ships used lights to communicate at least as far back as the Middle Ages the use of a lantern that blinks code to transmit a message dates to the mid-1800s. Use of unguarded lights was taken so seriously that obligatory use of lanterns, rather than unprotected flames, below decks was written into one of the few known remaining examples of a pirate code, on pain of severe punishment. This was especially important below deck on ships: a fire on a wooden ship was a major catastrophe. Some antique lanterns have only a metal grid, indicating their function was to protect the candle or wick during transportation and avoid the excess heat from the top to avoid unexpected fires.Īnother important function was to reduce the risk of fire should a spark leap from the flame or the light be dropped. The lantern enclosure was primarily used to prevent a burning candle or wick being extinguished from wind, rain or other causes. Lanterns may also be used for signaling, as torches, or as general light-sources outdoors. Perfect for a patio or deck on a warm summer night.Look up lantern in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.Ī lantern is an often portable source of lighting, typically featuring a protective enclosure for the light source – historically usually a candle, a wick in oil, or a Thermoluminescent mesh, and often a battery-powered light in modern times – to make it easier to carry and hang up, and make it more reliable outdoors or in drafty interiors. I don’t know about you, but I’d call this a success! I just LOVE how it looks- day and night- and what a great way to repurpose some old light fixtures. Pretty similar to the screenshot on Anthropologie’s site, eh?īut here’s my firefly lantern at dusk. Firefly Lantern with Upcycled Lighting from the Thrift StoreĪnd then it was time to see my upcycled lighting come to life as a firefly lantern. I chose the cool white lights over the warm white, FYI. I used these awesome little LED lights- teeny tiny lights on copper wire…quite literally, the perfect match for my firefly lantern. Lastly, I needed to add some firefly string lights to complete the look! Then, I used Rust-Oleum copper spray paint over the metal primer to give it that look of rose gold. All of this completely prohibited the first coat of metal primer from getting inside my firefly lantern. It’s crazy, I know! And crazy-looking, too.īut it worked, with the addition of a torn up paper towel rolled and tucked into each corner of the hexagon. I decided on a very technical, very precise method…using a BALLOON! I was almost ready to spray paint my brass light with metal primer and then copper paint.īut how would I stop from getting painting on the inside glass but still allowing paint coverage on the top of the open lip? Hmmmm… I also applied one strip of tape to the inside glass, right along the open lip. Next, I put little pieces of tape over the holes on the top (light cover) that would end up being the bottom of the firefly lantern. So, I grabbed some painter’s tape ( my favorite kind!), my trusty old utility knife, and taped off the outside glass panes. I figured I could probably recreate it- at least somewhat- with some copper spray paint. One of the things I loved about Anthro’s hurricanes was that they were rose gold in color. Transforming a Brass Light into a Lantern All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post. ![]() As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. Of course, this is the whole enchilada and I just wanted the metal and glass light cover- but you get the drift!īut as luck would have it, I finally found the perfect brass light that would bring my vision of a firefly lantern to life.Īnd so here we are- recreating Anthro’s original idea, the secondhand and Sadie Seasongoods way. And I suspected that it would be pretty easy to do!Īnd this is the kind of brass chandelier or brass pendant light I’m referring to. That’s when I decided I needed to repurpose one into a firefly lantern. After seeing their metalwork hurricanes online, I realized how much they resembled a brass light from Habitat ReStore. ![]() Upcycling projects with vintage light fixtures is a common theme on my blog and this particular project was inspired by the trendy shop, Anthropologie. ![]()
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