A Hobby

[MosesY]

I have found my hobby to be crucial to good mental health. I kind of stumbled onto it because I found some Coleman lanterns and went online to see how to make them work again. I found a whole subculture of Coleman collectors out there many of whom are my friends now. Many of them know I struggle mentally, that I am bipolar, and most of them accept me the way I am and support and encourage me. Not only does the hobby give me friends it also gives me something to focus on in my spare time. I had a three day weekend this weekend and instead of just holing up in my bedroom I worked on this lantern. It went from being dirty and rusty and dingy to almost like it was when new.

 

[Human Ex Machinae]

In addition to the benefits to your mental well being, it looks to me like a past time that could generate some income. Would you being willing to sell these, or are they too personally important to you? As an artist myself, I could understand that.

 

[Angie]

Thank you for posting. Actually the Coleman lantern brings back some good (and rare) childhood memories.

 

[MosesY]

HumanExMachina I sell lanterns sometimes but like the one I pictured would not be for sale at this point. You can find just about any lanterns you want on eBay. I generally do not make money on the ones I sell, I sell them at or below what I have invested in them. I am going to give one to my departed cousin's wife. I built an Indiana University lantern for my coworker. I love fixing them up and then seeing people enjoy them.

 

[MosesY]

THis is my Indiana University lantern

 

[MosesY]

This is a coke lantern I built for a co-workers son

 

[MosesY]

This is a Dr Pepper lantern I built.

 

[Lane]

I have found my hobby to be crucial to good mental health. I kind of stumbled onto it because I found some Coleman lanterns and went online to see how to make them work again. I found a whole subculture of Coleman collectors out there many of whom are my friends now. Many of them know I struggle mentally, that I am bipolar, and most of them accept me the way I am and support and encourage me. Not only does the hobby give me friends it also gives me something to focus on in my spare time. I had a three day weekend this weekend and instead of just holing up in my bedroom I worked on this lantern. It went from being dirty and rusty and dingy to almost like it was when new.

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Thanks for this post. The shine is beautiful.