DIY: Gold Leaf Edge Lantern


My love for gold and silver leafing runs deep. Those of you who have followed along my blog know I have an affinity with giving things the Midas' touch. You can pop over here, here, here and here just to see a few.


Not only do I use the real stuff aka "gold leaf", I luuuuuuuv Rub'N'Buff. Many an object in my home has been given the Rub N' Buff treatment. If you haven't tried the stuff, I recommend it. You will want to Rub'N'Buff everything....before you know it your home might look like Liberace moved in.


I have had this lantern kicking around for a few years. 


Originally it was silver, I got it on an end-of-summer clearance a few years ago. I had spray painted it black but after being in the elements for at least 3 years it was looking a tad sad.  I decided to give it a cleaning, sand away the rust and a fresh coat of Rustoleum's black in a flat finish. But not wanting my lantern to look like a boring black lantern I decided to glam it up a bit with some Rub'N'Buff just along the top edge and the handle. 




I quite like how it turned out. 

Simple, yet elegant. 



I was hoping for some clear weather but we have had nothing but rain for this past week, so these shots were taken while dodging rain drops.

A few weeks ago we had such hot weather, but Mother Nature is playing a cruel joke....nothing by clouds, chillly temps and rain. Boo.

Come back tomorrow to share your outdoor paint projects. Maybe you did something grandiose like paint your house or fence? Or something small like me?

See you tomorrow!

XO Barbara

23 comments

  1. Really cute, and you gave it a new life.

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  2. Love this lantern - great job :)
    So many plans... isn't that always the way? Tilling/seeding our lawn this coming weekend and hopefully building a fence by the end of summer!!

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  3. The lantern looks great! I was recently introduced to rub n buff and use it on many an object in my house!

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  4. Amazing what a little paint can do...Nice refresh! Yeah, and what's up with this flippin' rain!!!

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  5. I love how it turned out. I have two I need to spruce up.

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  6. Very clever! I've never used rub n buff, but everyone says how easy it is to work with. Going to pick some up and start playing.

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  7. Just what I needed to see for my own lanterns, thanks Barbara.

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  8. Love it! I don't know what it is about lanterns but they are just so charming. Nice work with the rub n buff.

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  9. I need to get some of that! Looks fantastic Barbara!

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  10. Awesome makeover - I love the touch of gold! I am so with you on the boo weather. Where did this rain come from anyway?

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  11. This is a really cute way to personalize a standard piece. Great job!

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  12. Uh, yeah this rain is getting me down just a tad. I want to try gold leafing one day soon. There are some frames I have in mind. I think your little lantern is as cute as a button now. Nice job!

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  13. Beautiful update. I've heard so many great things about rub n buff. Your project just convinced me to stop what I'm doing and drive out and get some.

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  14. I am a rub and buff fanatic too! Love the lantern, it looks great! I still have remnants of some gold rub and buff still on my fingers after a little project I just did..hehe, again great job!

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  15. I think that's just the right amount of gold Barbara - looks beautiful!

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  16. i love this! you gave it life
    Wednesdays for Women is live http://ramblingmomma03.blogspot.ca/2013/05/our-purpose.html

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  17. This simple detail brings out so much depth and personality! Nice job.

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  18. It's amazing how just a little gold makes it look so much better! LOVE IT!

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  19. Simple update, with great impact! Love the look... now to duplicate in my own yard! lol!

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  20. Rub N' Buff - now that's a word that brings back memories! I tried some out way back in the old days when I moved into my first home - loved it! I think it might be time to go hunting for some more! The lantern looks fabulous - great upgrade!

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  21. It looks beautiful! Where did you find the rub n buff? I thought it was only available in the US!

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  22. Love how it turned out!! Garden Chic!

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  23. This looks so awesome, Barbara. I think it's no secret how much I love me some gold ;)

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