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Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

Simple DIY tutorials and thrifty furniture and decor makeovers

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

Hello lovelies! Anyone in the mood for a great way to repurpose an old lamp? Oh, did you think I was sharing old frames today? Well, how about we repurpose both?

I’ve done this same thing with several lamps in the past, and when I saw lamps and frames in my haul, I knew I wanted to do the same with these!

I started with the shorter of these two lamps from my current haul:

And one of these beauties that I shared a peek of on Tuesday, also from my current haul:

How to Repurpose and Old Lamp

The first step in repurposing this lamp is to cut the cord…it takes some guts to cut it, but just do it quickly!

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

Ahhhh what have I done??

Ha ha…next you will need to remove the cord and the part that houses the bulb. That part can usually be unscrewed from the metal threaded rod that runs through center of most lamps, leaving the metal rod exposed:

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

Next, you will need to find a frame that is thick enough for that metal piece to screw into.

That’s why these two chunky frames were perfect for this purpose…

I simply drilled a hole using a 3/8″ drill bit:

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

I recommend adding a piece of tape to your drill bit to mark how deep to drill into your frame. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.

Next, I added a bit of E6000 glue to the threads and screwed my frame snuggly in place:

The threads of the rod act like a screw. The E6000 is just for added security.

And voila…we’re on our way to creating one-of-a-kind mini message boards!

Lamp memo boards

Okay, THREE mini message boards!

After I got started on the first set, I dug around in my stash to find a  lamp that would go with the second frame in the photo above. I also found one more set that I was able to pair up! The other lamp in my haul was a bit too tall to work.

I gave them each a quick spray of Rustoleum spray primer just to give them a quick first coat of paint:

This is my small spray shelter that I’m using…it was a bit windy, and this helps protect the things around me from what I’m painting!

Priming white allowed me to follow up with just one coat of each paint color:

To make the chalkboards, I use hardboard and Rustoleum’s chalkboard spray paint:

Check out more details on how I make my chalkboards HERE.

I secured the chalkboards to the frames using my Logan Point Driver. If you make a lot of chalkboards or repurpose frames and mirrors often, this tool is a must-have!

The Afters

I love how combining these lamps and frames turned out!

I painted the original set in this dreamy blue:

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

This is a custom mix that I use often (40% Vintage Duck Egg Blue, 40% The Gulf, and about 20% Cotton).

Then I used my La Petite brush to apply Wite Wax in the details:

 

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

The White Wax also seals and protects, so this coastal cutie was done!

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

Lamp #2

I also repurposed this lamp and frame:

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

 

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

This frame was on clearance for 95¢ and the lamp is one I’ve had in my stash for several years!

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

I love the details on this lamp AND this frame!

This is Cotton, followed by a quick sanding with 220 grit sandpaper:

That antique gold color comes through so nicely!

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

Lamp #3

How about this set?

How to Repurpose an Old Lamp

This is the other frame from my current haul, and I married it to this pineapple lamp:

What to do with an old lamp

Aloha! This pretty Farmhouse Green is so fresh and Summery!

What to do with an old lamp

I enhanced the details on this one with White Wax also:

white wax in lamp details

 

What to do with an old lamp

But wait…I have one more!

This is one I had done a few months ago that I hadn’t planned to blog about. It was just sitting waiting for its chalkboard.

I decided to give it a little embellishment with one of the decor moulds I made, attaching it with E6000 glue:

What to do with an old lamp

Just one small detail to add some pretty!

What to do with an old lamp

I used Fluff on this one…

What to do with an old lamp

And I used the cheat method to distress this one!

What to do with an old lamp

I covered the backs of each in pretty printed kraft paper using Matte Mod Podge to secure it, and these new mini message boards were complete!

 

Mini message Boards from Old Lamps

Here is how I present them to sell in my booth:

The small bag holds two pieces of chalk, and I make those from fabric scraps!

How fun are these?? Wouldn’t they make great gifts?

How to repurpose an Old Lamp

I hope you enjoyed this crafty project!

Here is another lamp that got the mini memo board treatment…

See how it turned out HERE!

I get to cross those frames off, but the I need to do something with the other lamp before I can call those done!

Missed any?? See what I’ve transformed so far at at the links below!

How to Repurpose an Old Swivel Mirror
Coastal Dresser Makeover
$5 Bulletin Board Makeover
$3 Thrift Store Basket and Lid Repurposed
Summer Basket Wreath from a $3 Thrift Store Find
$7 Thrift Store Mirror Makeover
Vintage Cane Club Chairs Updated
$6 Thrift Store Shelf Makeover with Transfer
Pub Table Makeover
Becky’s Secretary Desk Makeover
Update a Thrift Store Box with Fabric
$5 Buffet Lamps Updated with Decoupage Paper
Mirror Harp Repurposed

I’ll be back on Thursday with this hutch:

UPDATE: No need to wait…you can see how beautiful and elegant this hutch turned out HERE now!

XOXO,

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Comments

  1. I love how you turned these lamps into message boards! I feel like I can actually make one myself! Thanks as always for the inspiration Christy!

  2. Oh my gosh they all turned out so adorable!! Those will sell so quickly in your booth. I would sure buy them if I lived closer, and they would make great gifts. What great marriages, they will forever be together! LOL!

  3. Christy- I have followed you for a while not, but I was always one of those quiet followers… you never fail to blow my mind with your creativity! I must try this idea. I am in love with it! Hats off to you!

    • Aww I appreciate that so much, Cara! I’m so glad you enjoy what I share! Thank you!! XOXO

  4. This is one of my favorite projects of yours, Christy. Funny, I thought that you usually make them vertical, not horizontal, and there ya go – the last one was vertical. Also funny, that’s the same pineapple lamp as the one from way back (you know I had to follow the links and look at the older ones!) Love how you always find exactly the right frame for each lamp base.

    • Yay I’m so glad you enjoyed another round of these, Marcie! And you are correct, I usually do them vertical, but I change them up this time LOL. That is the same pineapple lamp ha ha…when I saw another one at the thrift store, I just had to get it!! XOXO

  5. ShaZAM!!! These are so clever Christy!! I hadn’t seen the one from a while back and that one is so fun too! Love the colors and they are so charming!! They would be great with photos as well. SO many possibilities, thank you!!

    • Thanks so much, Christina! I have made quite a few of these now…they are really fun to make! And yes, they would be fantastic with a photo in them also! Have a great weekend, my friend! XOXO

  6. Hi Christy! Those lamps-turned-message boards are adorable! Love them all. My favorite? The pineapple. Well done!

  7. Love these!!!!🥰

    Christy, can I ask you a quick question?
    What paint, color, and sheen, do you use on the trim in your house?
    There are sooo many options and the first I picked seems a little dull, so I thought I would just ask my inspiration, (you!).😉🥰

    • Aww thank you, Stacey! I use latex enamel (Behr brand) in a satin finish on our cabinets and trim. XOXO

  8. Love, love, love these! I checked out the 2016 post also and love the different bases you have used for these message boards. Very creative!

  10. Love love this idea for my daughters wedding to use as table numbers. Now I’m on the hunt. Thank you. You always inspire. <3

  12. How cute are these! What a great little gift these would make.Saving this idea for sure,thanks.

  13. So creative! You gave me a wonderful idea which is why I love your blog. Thanks so much.

  15. Hey Christy! What a clever idea!! I’d also repurpose it in holding a favorite photo. Great job! Thanks.
    Cate

  16. Clever! Clever Makeovers! I would never have thought about combining a frame and a lamp! No wonder you are so creative. You see another purpose in old, worn out items that many of us would never dream of! Thanks for sharing – I love all of these. The colors are great and the white ones are always a favorite. Have a wonderful weekend.

    • Thanks so much, Sue! You are the sweetest! And of course, the whites are always my favorite too! Enjoy your weekend, also my friend! XOXO

  17. They are adorable. You are very talented.
    Great way to recycle frames and lamps.
    Love the colors you chose to paint them.
    I will try one and will also try to make one a jewelry holder by adding pegboard.

  20. I didn’t get a chance to look at your blog yesterday since me and my sisters went thrifting, but was wondering not long ago why you had not done some of these in a while. I’ve always loved them and thanks to you I’ve done several in the past and gave as gifts. Me not being as smart as you I have to get my husband to drill the hole in the frames. We did find a few treasures yesterday but mostly enjoyed my day with my siblings.

    • Oh how nice that your sisters enjoy thrifting too! My sisters would rather do anything but thrifting ha ha! And I love that you made these too! They do make wonderful gifts! Enjoy your weekend! XOXO

  21. OMG a girl after my own heart! I have been trying forever to find a way to make these and there you’ve gone and done it!!! I absolutely love it!! I have all the necessary parts so I need to get crafting! These are just gorgeous! Thank you thank you thank you for sharing!!

    • Oh yay! I’m so glad I could help ha ha! Thanks so much, Shirley! Have fun making your own! XOXO

  22. Well I wasn’t expecting that – but I love what you’ve done ☺️ Especially the pineapple one!!

  23. I love these! I live in a college town. They will be great in an apartment or dorm room. You inspired me to try one. I found an Eiffel Tower lamp base. Turned out really cute. Wish I could attach a picture.

  24. Hi Christy,

    I found your blog about a month ago and am in love!!! I plan on making some of these chalkboards to sell, I have a small space in a sweet antique shop in New Hampshire. You mention you use a hard wood for the actual chalk board. Do you just pick that up at Home Depot or Lowe’s? Thank you for your help.
    Carrie

    • Oh yay!! I’m so glad you found me! Yes, I buy the hard board at Home Depot in 4×8 sheets that I have them cut in half for me so I can get it into my jeep. You can find it at Lowe’s also. They carry it in 2X4 pieces as well, but if you make a lot of chalkboards, it is cheaper to buy the big sheets. Good luck! XOXO

  25. Your could also use the lamp with frame idea. to put screening on the frame and hang your pierced earrings on your dresser. All neat and easy to keep in pairs.

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