So I know everyone is busy showing all the ways they are decorating for Christmas. Not me. I’m just plugging along. Doing what I do. Taking some opportunity to work on inside projects while it is too cold to be outside. Once the weather gets warm—we’ll be back outside, and inside things will fall further down the list.
This is a picture of the dining side of my kitchen. I’ve told you before, in our small home, we have an eat in kitchen with no formal dining room.
I showed you last week.
I told you I had gotten the urge to paint the wall a “LATTE” color by Valspar.
The reason for this …I think it was this little sconce style lamp that I purchased on Saturday a week ago. (well, partly)
The other reason, T.H. has been saying more and more in recent years how dark our house is…he especially thinks the kitchen is dark.
I decided we need a lamp in this corner. I didn’t want another piece of furniture crammed in the corner on which to place a lamp.
I’m trying to eliminate furniture NOT gather more.
So I found this little ‘franken-lamp’ at the thrift store for $3 and I decided I could use it.
I say ‘fraken-lamp’ because, well, it was obvious someone had taken this LANTERN- drilled a hole in the top and bottom …and impaled it on this SCONCE ARM!
Even the cord had been spliced and pieced together rather haphazardly; it was already old and cracking.(equals= not safe)
Yes, I realize $3 is a bit much for a ‘fraken-lamp’
… but wait ‘til you get a load the .75¢
damaged shade, before you judge me.
Viola! I know…
Well I spray painted the sconce black and only disassembled the lantern and parts …washed it and cleaned it up really good; because the lantern had just the right amount of natural patina (a.k.a.: rusty/chippy) then replaced the plug-wire with a newer model…
By the way, do you cut the cords off your ‘less than viable’ appliances? I do. If I have an appliance that is questionable and no longer safe or working…WHACK! off comes the cord.
So … I used a cord that I had in my stash.
Then I put it all back together…but what to do with the shade?
Well, first I cut the paper shade away from the top and bottom rings… the top ring has the little clip to the bulb piece; the bottom was just a ring.
I used 4 pcs. of baling wire (not pictured) to hold the top ring to the bottom ring (and keep it in place)
then I began cutting that green twine into lengths to go around the shade and tied them at the bottom, giving the shade a shabby little fringe.
I know this picture is somewhat dark…but over-all, between the lamp and the new paint. My kitchen is much brighter.
Right now I’m keeping it. I’m thinking on painting the frame on the chicken picture and when I do, I’ll probably have a do-over with lace on the shade. For now…it works and it cost me less that $4 bucks.
If you read the story about our Nameless House guest… and are interested in the outcome…
you can click here to read the edits at the bottom of that post.
Til next time, Be Blessed!
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6
12 comments:
I love that lantern. I have an old railroad one that was my dads. Doesn't new paint make such a difference? I swear though I will never be painting again at the holidays.
I love your lantern, Pat. It looks great and I have painting to do, too. I wonder what is wrong with us that we do this to ourselves? lol I hope your Sophie/Nameless found her home! xo Diana
Pat, what a great idea for the lantern. You have so many good ideas. Did you get much of the winter storm? In Allen, we got lots of sleet and now solid ice. Even DART isn't running the trains until maybe Monday. Had to work from home Friday and will do so on Monday. I'm lucky that I can do that. Take care.
I know your post was about the lamp but I kept getting drawn to the chickens! I love them and seem to have them scattered all about the house! I love the framed picture, figurines and weather vane! I do hope the dog found her people.
Neat idea for the lamp. I too have my table in my kitchen (small house, no dining room).
You are lucky to have wall space in your kitchen so you can put up pretties, it adds dimension and charm. You are a creative soul, and fixed up Franky nicely. We don't have wall space in our kitchen/eating area so I understand, I'd love to have a dining room...oh well...another story...another time.. Have a great day...
I noticed the cool lamp right away! I really like it---a treat!! I spoke to you before about being tempted to paint my day room, but not wanting to because of possibly a future replacement of the furniture in that room. Well, I ended up moving the furniture around and now I am not thinking of new furniture--I covered the couch with a white spread and for now I am liking it.
Clever use of space to put a light on the wall. Like that! Hope Sophie is safe and sound!
Wow, now that is a great re-purpose item! Great job. Your little wall looks great. I love the wall color too. Have a great day and Blessings!
I have some of those lanterns... I've made a couple of lamps, I'm not a fan of making lamps. I struggle with wiring. LOL a saw? no problem, a wire? boggles my mind.
I sure hope Sophie found her people or at least some NEW people. Reminds me of all the Lassie movies I use to cry over. Keep us posted should she show back up.
ps glad she didn't talk buster into going with her.
Hi Pat ... your lamp is just perfect there by the pretty shelf. I like the shade very much ... clever idea.
Hope the dog found her home or if not, she will come back to visit you. She seemed to feel at home there.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
Love the lamp! Hope that the Nameless House Guest found her way back to her family.
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