Love is in the air...and cupid's arrow just hit me

In addition to most things wood, I have a slight weekness for lighting and mid century modern styling.

So, imagine my total and utterly uncontrollable delight when I happened across these gorgeous mid century-esque lamps at the thrift store recently.

I may, or may not, have done the running man when I saw them.

And when I saw that they were a mere $5 each I may, or may not, have broken out into the entire MC Hammer dance...ya I was that excited.

They kinda reminded me of something I saw at West Elm recently...

{These beauts range in price from $29-59}

I can't wait to spruce 'em up and find them a new home.  I think I have just the place for them.   

Knock Off Decor Feature and a "Light Bulb"moment.

Howdy peeps!

Becky over at knock-off decor is currently featuring my industrial metal letters that I made for my laundry room revamp. {Thanks lady!}

I've made it pretty clear that I am a sucker for a good knock off.  And if you are into knocking off ridiculously over priced home decor as well, I would highly suggest hopping over to her place and taking a look around.  It's amazing to see what people can do with a little ingenuity.

And in other news, I have been dreaming of covering every thing I see in contact paper.  It's gotta stop.  I'm worried that pretty soon I'll be living in a house entirely coated in plastic.  But that said, I love my "wood" lamp shade.  I failed to mention in my post about it how it looked with the light on.  My answer to that is  "FLIPPIN' AWESOME"! 

It looks even better with the lamp turned on.  My only advice is to take extra care when trimming off the excess contact paper.  You can see if it's uneven through the shade when the lamp is on.  After I had adhered my c.p., I just took a razor blade and trimmed all the excess off along the support rings at the top and bottom.  Easy, peasy. 

  

Old Jug Lamp.

The other day whilst meandering around the thrift store, I came across this cool looking jug.

I imagine it's just some old liquor bottle but I thought it was neat. I especially liked the scrolled, metal handle so I grabbed it. It cost me a whole $2.
I knew immediately that I wanted to turn it into a lamp base. I think it could be quite the conversation piece.
"Hey, nice lamp. I have the same jug at home only it's full of booze".

I shall call it...my "Jug-O-Booze lamp".

Coincidentally, I was browsing around Anthropologie the other day and came across this little fella:

I know it's not an exact match, but the concept is similar...old jar/jug with metal banding.
Not to be rude, but I like mine better, especially since Anthro's version costs $328 and mine only cost $12 ($2 for the jug and $10 for the lamp kit).
And what's more, Anthro's lamp base reminds me of a penicillin capsule. But I still love it anyway.

Linking To:

Shady Lady

Allow me to introduce my latest obsession (one of many). Lamp shades!

Listen, I have nothing against a simple, white drum shade, but sometimes a girl needs something fun, funky and freaktastic.
A few posts back I talked about how accessories for the home are like the jewelry we wear with our outfits. While a simple, gold necklace is timeless, sometimes it's fun to wear something a little more edgy and out there. Accessorizing the home is no different.

The best part is, that all of these shades cost under $3 to make. So, if you get tired of them and want to change them out with something else you aren't out much. I'll admit, most of my projects come with that contingency. I like switching things up often, so I don't spend a lot of money on my accessories.

The first shade I made is this funky, fabric shade. It was made from scraps I had on hand. I bought the shade at the thrift store for $2 or $3. My fabric choices are a little in your face, but you could get the same layered affect using less bold fabric. Tulle or wide lace would also be fun options, methinks.

I really love skeleton shades which I will talk a little more about in a second. I have a few of them in my house already, but I didn't want to go overboard, so I starting thinking of ways I could cover them. I immediately thought of old sheet music. It seems to be the in thing and I was actually looking for a lamp to go in my music room...it seemed like the perfect idea. But then I remebered paper is flammable, so I knixed that idea. I didn't want to recover it in fabric, so I continued to think about it in hopes that genious would strike. It didn't. My heart was really set on a sheet music shade so I went ahead with it. I found a book of music at the thrift store awhile back for $1 or $2... a collection of Beethoven's Sonatas actually. It hurt me a little to desecrate the poor book, I guess ten years of piano lessons will do that to you. But I figured if I ever got into a Beethoven-y mood I could just play it off the lamp. I'm glad the dear lamp shade will serve some purpose as shading light cannot be one of them. Here's where the big disclamer comes in. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use this lamp shade on a lamp that is a primary source of light or your house will likely go up in flames. This shade is purely decorative, which works for me as I have plenty of overhead lighting and other lamp light where it will reside.

She's pretty gorge, even though she isn't functional. I'm totally fine with her just sitting there looking pretty. I think I'll call her my "trophy" lamp.

This is my favorite skeleton shade. I found her at the thrift store for $1. They may be a bit of an acquired taste for some, but I find them utterly delicious. I love how unpretentious they are...a complete contradiction of the first shade I featured. One word of caution however, use a low wattage bulb or wear sunglasses when turning on a skeleton shade clad lamp. I nearly blinded myself doing it the other day. Because there isn't any covering on the shade there is nothing to diffuse the light which results in a hellishly harsh and intrusively bright light.

Here's to soft light, cool shades...and hopefully no house fires or retinal damage! Good luck.

Linking to:

Better Late Than Never....Anthro Knock Off Lamp Tutorial

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been slightly obssesed with lamps as of late.
So, when I came across this lamp at Anthropologie, I knew I had to try and recreate it.


I made a teacup clock a while back and ever since then have had a little preoccupation with teacups and saucers. I can't go to the thrift store without browsing the dish section and as a result have acquired quite an assortment. I was excited to come across this lamp so that I could put my growing collection to use.

Here's what you'll need to make your own lamp.

One bowl

I just found a cereal bowl from the thrift store that had a fairly wide base.

One teapot

I found mine at Ross for $4.99.

An assortment of saucers(three) and teacups(two)

I found all of my cups and saucers at the thrift store for $.50 to $.75 a piece (except for one that I found at TJ Maxx for $1. As a sidenote, when I was making my teacup CLOCK, I found that you could purchase cup and saucer sets at TJ Maxx for around $2.99). Make sure to grab duplicates of any to have as backups.

1 lamp kit

I used this kit from The Home Depot. It cost $9.97.

Gorilla Glue Epoxy

You can buy this at any home improvement store or at Walmart for around $4. I price checked and found it the cheapest at Walmart.

A Drill and Diamond Bit(bit specifically designed for use on porcelain, ceramic, glass etc.

Again, you can buy these at any home improvement store. The price varies depending on brand and added accessories. The bit I have pictured above is not the one I used, but rather one that I might try using for the next project. I was not happy with the bit I used, so I won't even bother telling you it's name. The above bit costs around $10...which is how much I spent on my crappy bit.

One wide mouth canning lid

The canning lid is what you will use to mount the socket on to.

Okay, now onto the good stuff.

Dry fit all of your dishes to make sure you like the way everything sits on top of each other. Some dishes seem to sit more securely on others.


Be sure to alternate between dishes and cups. Here's the order I followed:

bowl, saucer, teacup, saucer, teapot, saucer, teacup

Once you've settled on an order you need to drill a hole through the center of each piece. (Here's where patience and a gentle touch come into play). It took me several minutes to drill one hole. I blame that primarily on the bits I was using, but nevertheless, you do not want to rush this process or you will end up with a pile of broken dishes. Apply steady pressure but be gentle. Let the drill do the work.


The bowl will need a second hole drilled on the side as it will need to accomodate the cord and plug. I do not have any pictures to share as I shattered my bowl when attempting this feat. Instead, I purchased a new bowl from Ross for $2.99. It had a ruffled edge which left gaps around the bottom where the bowl sat. I was able to easily pull the cord through one of these gaps without having to drill a second hole. If you happen across a similar bowl, I would highly recommend purchasing it. Not only does it make for an super cute base, it saves you having to drill another hole.


After all of the holes have been drilled it's time to start gluing. Epoxy tries pretty quickly, so I opted to mix a little at a time...as I needed it. I found it easier to thread the lamp cord through the holes as I glued. That way you avoid the cord getting stuck or lost somewhere along the way.





This is how your lamp base should look once you've glued it all together. You're lamp cord should now be poking through the teacup at the top. (My pic doesn't show it, but you understand right?)


The last task is to attach the socket to the cord. Rather than try to explain this, I will simply refer you to the directions that came with the kit. Please note, that your kit came with three different sized rubber stoppers. They are used for mounting the socket to the lamp base. Instead of using them, you will need something larger that can sit on top of your teacup without falling in (I found that a wide mouth canning lid fit perfectly. If your teacup opening is too big or too small you can substitute it with something else...a smaller canning lid, a piece of wood cut slightly larger than the opening). You will need to drill a hole through the center of it just large enough for the bolt from the kit to pass through . Once you've assembled your socket and fastened it to the canning lid you can glue it to the top of your teacup. It should look like this when you're done.


I know it sounds complicated. I assure you it really isn't. The kit comes with very detailed instructions and pictures. But, don't be ashamed if you have to enlist the help of a stud muffin. I did.

Once the epoxy has time to cure, screw on bulb, add a fun shade and test the sucker out.
VICTORY!!!


Isn't she just gorge. I love, love, love her...even though I almost threw her across the room halfway through the process.

When it was all said and done, I ended up spending $10 for the lamp kit, $10 for the drill bit, $4 on epoxy, $12 on dishes (that includes my replacement bowl) and $14 on the lamp shade (which I found a Wally's...aka. Walmart). That's a grand total of $50 (...compared to Anthropologie's $198. Boo-ya. And, I actually like mine better!

Linking to
The DIY club's Monthly Project Party:

More "Lamp"age

...but first.

My apologies again for my sudden absence. I mentioned a few posts ago that I was up to a little something...that little something is my new shop.

A friend of mine and I just opened a little shop...Retropolitan. Today was our first official open day. Things weren't crazy, but they were steady. I am excited to see what lies ahead. Pictures to come soon.

The last few weeks have been crazy hectic trying to get ready. I've been painting and sanding and drilling...phew.

I wanted to share a little project I made special for our grand opening

See this freaktastic (i.e. freakin' fantastic)lamp courtesy of Anthropologie? It's gorge isn't it? Ya, um, except it's pricetag is way ug-lay. This puppy costs $198. Do you know how many In-n-Out burgers that could buy...or Cheesecake Factory Lettuce Wraps. It really puts it into perspective when I put that way huh? And, just for the record, I don't think about food twenty-four seven.


Here is my knock off version.


It cost me under $35 to make it (that includes the lamp kit, shade and all of the dishes). I absolutely luh-huv how it turned out. It was a little bit of a labor of love, but if you're willing to roll your sleeves and put in the effort you can make one too. I will be posting a full tutorial soon.

I just wanted to also remind you to enter my Halloween Giveaway...Today is the last day. The winner will be announced tomorrow.

Linking to:

Funky Junk Interiors

shabbynest.blogspot.com

Lampage

I'm on a bit of a rampage right now, a lamp rampage...or "lamp"age as I like to call it.
I'm not sure why. I suppose it's because whenever I go to the thrift store there are usually bajillions of neglected, little lamps waiting their turn to be picked and glamified.
I suppose it's also the appeal of how cheaply and simply you can turn an old, outdated lamp from totally "sty" into totally "fly".
Whatever the reason...I'm totally into lamps right now.

I just repurposed some for the kitchen, living room and master bedroom...for $5, $6 and $22 (because I had to buy new shades) respectively.

You'll notice that I am not really afraid of color or pattern. Lamps are an excellent way to add splashes of interest to any room without it looking too overdone.

I tend to think of lamps in a room, like earrings to an outfit. You are not going to dress from head to toe in zebra print (or maybe some of you do...more power to ya) but some freakin', bling-a-licous zebra earrings with a simple understated outfit would be totally fab, no?
So, when decorating a room think of your accessories (lamps and pillows and frames etc.) like they are jewelry for the space.

I LUH-HUV this little yellow lamp. It is so bright and cheery. Again...more numbers. I know. Really, I'm trying to break myself of the habit, but oh, it is so hard. I found the lamp base for $5 at the thrift store and updated it by giving it a fresh coat of paint in Krylon's Sun Yellow. I always use a gloss finish when I spray paint simply because it cleans up easier. I found the drum shade for $12.99 at Target

I wanted to add extra interest to the shade so I stensiled on a cute little number (I just used a font I liked off the computer to make my own stensil). I think it totally sets it apart now.


I love this wild, little lamp too. I found the shades at Ross for $5...HOLLA! And the lamp base was an old one I had just lying around the house, so it was FAH-REE. I just updated it's look by painting it my favorite color...turquoise (I concocted this hue from some paint I had on hand, but if you're in the market for a great turquoise, Krylon's Ocean Breeze is my fave).



This orange lamp was a bit of an experiment. Don't get me wrong...I love it, but I think it may be a bit of an acquired taste for some. It resides in the dining nook, and because the space is super small, I opted for a "naked" or "skeleton" shade so as to not make the area too heavy and cluttered looking. And in case you are concerned, the shade was $1 from the thrift store. I'm way to cheap to buy a perfectly good shade from the store only to rip it to shreads. The base was a $5 purchase from the thift store. I painted it using Rustoleum brand spray paint in Paprika, but I also like Krylon's Georgia Clay, I just didn't have any on hand.



Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone when it comes to accessorizing your space. Chances are you'll be glad you did. And remember, lamps are the gift that keeps on giving. If you tire of it, all you need to do is buy a new shade or give it a new coat of paint and VOILA...you've got a new lamp for mere dollars. Have fun and go CRAZY.

I'd love to see some of your bling-a-licous lamps too...if you care to share.

Linking to: