Adapting Things To Fit Your Needs

Haven't we all seen something that made us think "I really love this, I just wish I had a use for it". Well, that was the case this Christmas. My mother gave us eight darling hanging electric lanterns. She got them from a thrift store (see where I get it?). I loved them, but couldn't figure out where in the world I was going to hang them, needing eight different outlets. Hubby and I put our heads together and came up with the following:

1. Removed the original wiring/lightbulb system.
2. Purchased eight push-top LED lights from the Dollar Tree ($1.00 each).
3. Hot glued the LED lights to the inner frame of the lantern.
4. Removed the outer push-top part of the LED lights to make turning them on easier.
5. Hang from purchased decorative chain (bought on clearance - $2.00 for the entire length).
6. Use adhesive hooks on the ceiling to hang.
7. Save the wiring/bulb pieces for additional lighting elsewhere.

We lined them up above the bar in our rec room and love them! So, we altered some great items (I think Mom paid $5.99 for them). We paid $10.00 for the materials to alter. End result - an entire row of lighting that is decorative and very chic! Take a look...

So, the next time you see something that you love, look at it harder. Can you make it work?