A Little Light Please

Yes, it's been forever since I've posted. Tomorrow I'll begin sharing pictures that illustrate the reason for the long silence, but today I'll reveal the cause:  There was mold in them there Hills' (house).  

Fortunately, it wasn't the dreaded black mold. Nevertheless, anything and everything it touched had to go.  And that has meant a rather intensive and unplanned remodel of  my office and our master bathroom and bedroom.

Every now and then,  however, there was a fun by-product of the remodel.  Since the office was affected (more information on this later) and as an upcycled bookcase began to take shape, I realized I needed a new lamp.

I found the perfect lamp in a local shop.  It had a wonderful handpainted shade and would be a stunning accent piece in my office.  Cost? $260.00.  Wait?!  What?? $260!?  Nope. Not in my house. And certainly not during a major and unplanned renovation!

Here's the scolution:  Lamp from Goodwill for $8.00.  Shade from Target for $14(?).  Acrylic paints I had on hand.  Hammered bronze spray paint for the base which I also had on hand.  

I didn't want the shade to have perfectly spaced stripes with crisp edges.  I wanted it to have a  freehand, loose quality.  It took a few layers of paint to get the look I wanted, but each layer was a fun addition and a welcome distraction from all the drywall dust and tile angst.

The original lampshade? I stripped off the original peachy fabric and tied strips of fabric on the frame to create a "new" lampshade for my sewing/craft workroom.  (Thanks Pinterest for this idea). 

Again, I wasn't interested in  perfection.  I wanted to focus on the color and texture and a loose, almost haphazard feel.

Throughout this entire remodel, I have been reminded that I am a much happier person when I am engaged in creative projects.  And as the proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" for our renovation began to be visible, sharing my "new" lamps with you seemed most appropriate.