Welcome once again, sweet friends! Who’s up for TWO thrifty lamp upcycles today?? Before I get into it, Redesign just released their brand new collection of transfers, decoupage papers, moulds, and more yesterday. I did a post on them all for all my creators out there that you can see HERE if you missed it!
Ok let’s jump into it, shall we?
Here are the two lamps left in my current haul:
That second one is a real looker, eh?
I paid $8.99 for each of them at the thrift store.
Lamp Upcycle #1
We’ll start with this one first:
It had great lines.
I probably had a shade to fit this one that was a bit more updated that would have worked, but I needed a super large shade for the other one, so I headed to HomeGoods.
They are a great resource for shades in my area.
I ended up finding what I needed for the other one, but I also spied this pretty, embroidered one:
I decided to buy it to go with this lamp! It was $16.99 which isn’t cheap, but it is a good price if you’ve priced shades recently!
Both of these lamps got a good wipe down while I was cleaning the tray I shared HERE on Tuesday, so I was ready to jump right to the paint!
Paint
To coordinate with the shade, I mixed French Linen 50/50 with Cotton to lighten it up. I love it lightened up a bit!
I used my Belle Brush to paint all those details…
(I had already sanded in that photo, but got a painting photo while touching it up where I sanded too much.)
Sand
I used my sanding sponge to wet distress by dampening it a bit:
To give it a quick seal, I used Rustoleum clear satin spray and this lamp upcycle was complete!
Lamp Upcycle #1 After
All this one needed was paint!
This color really softened the look of this lamp…
And this color works perfectly with this pretty shade.
I love a quick update!
Lamp Upcycle #2
The second lamp was not the prettiest, but I decided to take a chance on it to see what paint could do:
I honesty don’t really mind the shade that much seeing it here now, but I ended up finding this huge one on clearance at HomeGoods for $14:
Let’s start with the shade…
I chose one of Redesign’s brand new large transfers to add some pretty to it, this gorgeous Blossom Tweet transfer:
I selected a small portion of it for the front of the shade and burnished it with a popsicle-type stick while my hand was underneath supporting the shade:
I find the smaller size works better on shades than the larger one that comes with the transfers.
I finished adding that, no need to seal since it won’t be handled much and started on the lamp.
Paint
To pick up the green in this pretty transfer, I chose Olive Wood, one of Dixie Belle’s new colors:
Can you see all the texture that was on this lamp previously in that photo?
It left the lamp base looking like this after applying two coats of paint:
Not pretty. There was no way paint was going to be enough for this one.
Best Dang Wax to the rescue!
I knew adding some Best Dang Wax in white would do wonders to camouflage those imperfections.
I applied it into all the grooves using this French Tip brush:
Then, I removed the excess and buffed a little using a clean, soft cloth:
I left a bit more in the crevices than usual, and it was just what this lamp needed!
Best Dang Wax is a sealer, so this lamp update was complete.
Lamp Upcycle #2 After
Here is how this one looks now…
How sweet is that shade with this lamp?
Is it an improvement from the original shade?
Here’s a closer look…
So pretty! I could have added more, but I think this was just enough and I only used a very small portion of the large Blossom Tweet transfer, so I have lots left to use on other projects.
This one came with a pretty finial as well…y’all know I love that!
The other lamp had one too, but it was just a round knob.
And here’s a closer look at the waxed areas…
The wax did such a wonderful job at camouflaging those imperfections.
And do you think painting this lamp made it pretty?
I wasn’t sure it would when I bought it, but I think so!
Two more done woo hoo!!
I’ll be back with this primitive box on Tuesday:
UPDATE: See how gorgeous this box looks now HERE!
My next haul is not this large, but I’m almost there. I’d like to find a couple more furniture pieces.
And don’t forget to check out all the new goodies Redesign has just released HERE if you are a maker!
You won’t be disappointed!
Have a fabulous weekend!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
They turned out beautiful! The second one had me going like how she is going to pull that one off? You not only pulled it off, but they both turned out stunning! I love them both! The transfer on the shade is stunning!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! That second one had me worried for a minute also! The wax really save the day on that one! Have a fabulous weekend, my friend! XOXO
Sue Cox says
One of the things I enjoy about your lamp makeovers in particular, is that the lamps always look as if they’re proud of the way they look when you’ve finished! Love the flowery lampshade on the second one, and she’s got an attitude, as if she’s saying, “Just look at me now!”
Christy says
I love that so much, Sue, thank you! All they needed was a little help, and they do look so tall and proud! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
I’ve seen the price of lampshades, and you got a steal of a deal! Both these makeovers are gorgeous,???? and what a great idea to embellish a shade with transfers! Have a great weekend my friend! XOXO
Christy says
Yes! The cost of lampshades is outrageous for sure. Thank you so much, my friend! I was excited to be able to use this pretty new transfer! Enjoy your weekend too! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, so many new transfers, so many new beauties to choose from!
You turned both lamps into real stunners…the first is my favorite.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Janice! I love having new things to play with! XOXO
Jeanne says
The second lamp is almost unrecognizable, thank goodness! 🙂
Christy says
Ha ha, right?? I wasn’t sure it was salvageable but paint did it once again! Thank you so much, Jeanne! XOXO
Kathy W says
Good morning, Christy!!
LOVE the lamps!! Painting them made a huge difference. I just wish I could find lamps with lots of detail in my area. You really are an inspiration by “whittling” away at your “humongous” haul!! I would feel overwhelmed but you show us, your followers, all it takes is one step at a time. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your expertise every Tuesday and Thursday!! You are truly amazing!!!!
Kathy W
oxox
Christy says
Hi Kathy! Thank you so much, my friend! I love having a huge new haul to work through, but looking back, I’m not sure why I wasn’t intimidated of this one myself lol. I am so happy to be almost done…and yep…you have to just take it one step at a time! Have a wonderful Easter weekend! XOXO
Carla Erickson says
Christy, both lamps are beautiful! You have such vision of what they can be! Both shades are amazing! It makes me want to go and find some lamps to make over!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Carla! A shade can make such a big difference! XOXO
Cecilia says
Lol, the second lamp looked like a fancy lady with her hands on her hips. So yes, painting it and changing the shade made a huge difference! Love the transfer on the shade. Just gorgeous. My favorite however, is the first lamp. I love the simple lines on it and how the paint and new shade update it. So pretty!
???? Cecilia
Christy says
Oh yes, I can see that ha ha! She must be a sassy one! Glad you enjoyed these…the first one had such great lines to start. Thank you, Cecilia! XOXO
Jackie C says
I love, love the second one. You had me at green!
Have a great day Christy!
Christy says
Thank you, Jackie! I am loving that green! XOXO
Pauline Elliott says
Your lamp transformations are some of my favorites! I have vision for wooden items and furniture but lamps are my blindspot. Obviously you aren’t hampered by ugly! I don’t copy your lamp makeovers, but they definitely stimulate me to tackle a challenging project. Thanks for bringing a bit of light and creativity into this tumultuous world!
Pauline
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Pauline! I am so glad you enjoy the lamps! They are always fun for me to redo. Have a lovely Easter weekend! XOXO
Marion Wolfe says
What do I think? I think you are amazing!!! I never would have imagined those two lamps could be so gorgeous. The new transfer is lovely and I’m inspired to finish my own project. Thank you Christy!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest, Marion, thank you!! Lamps are so enjoyable for me to redo, and love hearing that you are inspired to finish your own project! Enjoy! XOXO
Kim Wollmer says
You always know what to do to turn everything into something beautiful. The second lamp looks nothing like the original. Great job on both!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kim! I am still amazed at what paint alone can do, but adding a new shade can really change the whole look. XOXO
Charleen says
The lamps are beautiful now. My favorite would be the first one. The shade for the second is grand. I really liked the color you chose for it as well. It would be hard to choose between them if I were in your shop. I imagine I would have to buy both!! Who can resist an embroidered shade or one with roses on it? Great choice for each. Have a lovely Easter weekend. See you Tuesday.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Charleen! The first one had such great lines to work with. The second one needed a bit more help, but we got her there! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Have a wonderful Easter weekend as well! XOXO
Cyndi says
I love both of these! Wow. What a difference the right treatment (and the right shade) can make! 🙂
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! Absolutely! Lamps can be really fun to redo! XOXO
Lezaly says
I love seeing your lamp up-scales. On the second one though, I’m not wild about the big white w/ flowers shade. I’m curious: why didn’t you paint the old shade the same or similar color as the base? I think that would have been lovely, and better balanced.
Christy says
Thank you, Lezaly! I just didn’t love the original shade and I would only use spray paint on a shade or else it looks terrible when the lamp is turned on as it is hard to get chalk paint even on fabric like that. Matching a color would have been difficult…so all the reasons lol. I honestly didn’t mind it so much looking back, but I know it will sell better now. XOXO
Caye says
Those lamps are just lovely, Christy! I am amazed at the huge difference that the white wax made. Wow! All in all they turned out great and I’m sure they’ll disappear from your shelfs quickly.
Have a great weekend! 🙂
Christy says
Thanks so much, Caye! I was so grateful for the white wax…it fixed that second one right up. I always appreciate a quick sale! Enjoy your weekend also, my friend! XOXO
Mary Loveland says
Great save, both look much better update with the color and shade. Thank You
Christy says
Thanks so much, Mary! XOXO
Petra says
Both came up really well Christy 🙂 and that white wax really saved the day! Happy Easter to you and yours.
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! Yes, thank goodness for the white wax! I hope you have a lovely Easter as well! XOXO
p says
You really do perform magic on all your lamps.
The 1st lamp had traditional lines, so I knew you’d do it well.
The new lamp shade is beautiful ! It looks like it was always meant to be painted French Linen ! Gorgeous !! Is French Linen a grey, or a taupe ?
It looks taupe ish w/ the shade. Love it
The 2nd lamp was a challenge for sure. I’m loving the Olive wood !
But.. adding the white wax makes it amazing. It looks so much more airy.
I have 2 old tall ornate dark metal lamps in my bedroom. Been thinking they need to be replaced. They look so heavy.
Now… I’m thinking paint with white wax is the amswer !!
Thanks !!
Christy says
Aww thank you, P! I really enjoy redoing lamps. French Linen is more of a taupe color…such a great neutral. And yes, thank goodness for the white wax…it really saved the day! I would absolutely paint your lamps if they feel too heavy…you will love them all over again! Have a lovely Easter! XOXO