Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Before + After - 5

Before: Rusty, dirty, ugly brass colored lamp that I picked up last year during Clean-Up week.





After: A shocking green lamp that I am in love with! I was inspired by the awesome red lamp in this post but way too chicken to try red.



This lamp sat in our garage for a year waiting for some inspiration. My husband threatened to throw it away last weekend, saying it was a lost cause and couldn't I find something better? Ha! Now there's motivation for you!! He is, of course, thoroughly impressed with me now. The process included a good rub down with steel wool, a coat of spray primer, then several coats of "Ivy Leaf" spray paint. The lamp did require a little re-wiring which was no big deal (since my husband did it for me, but it really only took about 5 minutes.) And of course a shade, which bothered me to no end that I couldn't come up with some way to make my own instead of buying one. But I think it was worth it.

Total Cost: $0 lamp + $15.00 lamp shade (Target) + $3.00 new wiring and plug-in = $18.00


P.S. This is now my favorite corner in my house. The picture is an old postcard I matted and framed. The little bird tray holding coasters is from a swap with Mary Ann. Uncluttered, but unique - I think that will be my goal for the rest of the house!

7 comments:

becki said...

so very cute! i love it! green is one of my favorite colors so i'm "green" with envy!!

Anonymous said...

Great, great, GREAT job with the lamp! I often think of refurbishing old things like that -- it's amazing how fresh and beautiful they can become -- but I'm too lazy! I aspire to be more like you, Roxanne! :D

Amanda Jean said...

oh, roxy, that lamp is FABULOUS!!! I love the green that you painted it. and I'd say that the new lampshade was totally worth it. great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vallen said...

I need you to comeout here and before and after me!!!! Good stuff.

Stephanie said...

WOW- that is just awesome!

Katherine said...

Fabulous! I love this transformation, Roxanne. Bravo!

Unknown said...

Hi! I found you through Breanna's blog, and I'm so glad because I have a lamp that needs a makeover! It's a shiny brass one that I got as a wedding present--great lamp, just doesn't fit my style. I never even considered painting it! Now I'm looking at it with new eyes. I LOVE how your lamp turned out!