My family is very close, and one of my most cherished childhood memories is when we use to spend summers in North Carolina at the beach. It was such a fun getaway. Of course, my parents made sure we also took in the sights and history, too, visiting some of the lighthouses in the area. I remember the first time I saw one — I was in such awe of the lighthouse's beauty.
I still treasure those fond memories, so I recently decided to build a mini lighthouse for my home to commemorate those amazing summers and, of course, my love of lighthouses.
Using terra cotta clay pots and some paint, I was able to make this easy craft project in an afternoon.
You can feature your new lighthouse in the garden, on the porch, or in your living room. Check out the step-by-step tutorial below to see just how easy this craft is to make.
What You Need:
- 3 clay terra cotta pots (1 large, 1 medium, 1 extra small)
- 1 small clay saucer
- Spray paint (in colors of your choosing)
- Glue
- Paint brush
- Glass votive holder
- Flameless tea light
1. In a well-ventilated area, spray-paint the bases of the large, medium, and small clay pots one color. (I picked red.)
2. Next, spray-paint the rim of the clay pots another color of your choosing. I picked white.
To make sure you have completely straight lines and the colors don't mix, be sure to put a piece of painter's tape along the rim.
Once finished, let the clay pots dry outside.
3. Next, paint the small saucer another color. This will be used to create the lantern on top of the lighthouse. Let dry.
4. Turn the large clay pot upside down. Then, apply glue around the edge of the medium pot's bottom. Place the medium clay pot upside down on top of the large one.
5. Apply glue around the edge of the extra small clay pot's bottom and attach the medium pot.
6. Using black paint and a small brush, paint rectangles on the pots to create windows.
Get creative and add as much detail as you prefer. I added windows, a door, and even an anchor decoration. Let dry.
7. Apply a little glue to the base of the glass votive holder and glue the saucer on top.
8. Turn on the flameless battery-operated tea light, and place it on top of the small pot. Then, put a glass votive holder over top of it.
Now your lighthouse is complete.
This is such a cute nautical decoration that can work well in the home or outside in the garden. And at night, the tea light looks so cool, as it glows and gives off light.
Seeing the lighthouse makes me smile because it brings back all those fun summer memories and makes me feel like I'm back at the beach again.
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