A Quick, Easy And Creative Lamp Update

Over the years I've shared this story a few times, but I think it's worth repeating.

You see, when I was a little girl, I always put too much food on my plate.

My mom was a fabulous cook and everything just looked so good. I couldn't resist.

Of course, my tiny tummy wasn't big enough for me to eat it all, so my grandmother would laugh and comment that my eyes were bigger than my stomach.

Occhio grosso, she would say.

Well, apparently, for me, it's a personality trait that's extended far beyond the dinner table.

You see, it applies to my crafting habits, as well.

I collect supplies, thrift items and dream up creative DIYs at a rate far beyond what I actually have time to accomplish.

I have great intentions, so sometimes I start projects, get distracted by something else in the pile...and then things sit for a really, really long time...before I get around to completing them.

Like granny said, too much on my plate.

Today's upcycle is one such example.

About a year ago, I decided that the old brown, metal lamp I had stored in the basement needed a makeover.

My husband helped me take it apart, remove all the wires and then give it a coat of the chalk spray paint we had leftover when we created our romantic bedroom chandelier.


I took pictures of the process, handed him tools as he rewired the lamp.

And then I let it sit in a corner, while I moved onto more pressing home decor crafts - because that's a thing.

Luckily, that little lamp got a break a few nights ago, when my friend Ann reminded me that our Do It Over Designers Blog Hop was just around the corner. Suddenly, I had a deadline and I hopped to it. No pun intended (ok, maybe a little intended...).

I have to admit that I'm a teeny bit embarrassed that this makeover took me so long to complete, because once I got started, it took me about 15 minutes. Tops.

Updating An Old Lamp With Stickers

Even before my husband sprayed the lamp, I had a plan. I was going to use a sticker decal to decorate the base.

I wanted it to have a hand painted floral look and a sticker was the simplest way to achieve that.

*similar clear back floral stickers*

A few years ago, I purchased these stickers at Hobby Lobby to decorate a faux pumpkin and I had a lot of leftovers.

They have a clear vinyl backing, like furniture transfers, but so much easier to use. Just peel and stick.


Once I positioned and applied the sticker to the lamp, I opened up my matte Mod Podge and gave it a clear coat to lock it in place.

*Matte Mod Podge*

To make sure the sticker didn't bubble up or move, as the decoupage medium was drying, I sped up the process with a hair dryer.


If it did start to lift away from the lamp, I used my fingers to press the flower down, as I applied the heat.

Once, it was completely dry, I used a larger brush and more matte Mod Podge to cover the entire lamp base for a seamless finish.


And then I set it aside to dry on its own.

I have to say, the result was stunning.

From boring, brown, uninspired light fixture to charming floral vintage style lamp about 15 minutes.

*Patterned Lampshade*

Well...12 months and 15 minutes if you're really keeping track.

But I think it was worth the wait.

And now there's one less crafty thing on my plate.

😉

What's waiting in your project pile?

🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️🖌️

Before you go, I hope you'll pop on over to visit all of my creative friends. We have a big crowd to kick off the first hop of the year. How fabulous.


Happy Crafting, Friends!