So I wanted to create some lamps. Now while I am
I went to my pinterest boards for some inspiration and to create a reasonable "budget" for this craft. Here are some of my 'inspiration" photos:
I wanted the variation in shapes/heights like these gorgeous lamps from Potterybarn
And simultaneously wanted the shine/texture of these beauties (again, Potterybarn)
(see how they aren't "smooth"? I like that- I think it gives them a relaxed vibe and not so "stuffy").
but with price tags topping well over $160-200 per lamp, I decided to allow these photos to merely represent the vibe I wanted to aim for, rather than have a fundraiser to put these actual gems into our home. wiping the drool off my keyboard now
The goal price budget: $100 for 2 lamps
Since all the lamps I was gaga for were over 150 a piece, I decided not to set my budget too low. I wanted larger sized table lamps, rather than small ones, so I knew that I would be lucky if I could find a lamp base for $40 alone, so this still was a lofty goal. However, considering the price of the new ones- I feel as though if I can be successful it will be a steal.
Time to get to work: First up- finding the less than perfect lamps.
Standing in line at my local Goodwill to purchase these eyesores, the lady behind me commented me on my "fabulous" finds...what I really think she wanted to say was "oh my I doubt those even work" or "how on earth is she going to make that look presentable"....easy lady, I had a plan!
My gems. Hideous, right? The important thing I decided when choosing these two was shape. I knew I wanted bases of similar structure, but different heights. Since these both had the same size base, the same size lampshade would work (which would make them look like a unit, rather than two DIY-fixer-upper projects).
While that lady behind me may have not been impressed with my find, I know I was.
Cost: $14.93 for both lamp bases
(Tall gold one: $7.97--- small wooden with golden base: $6.96)
Remaining budget: $85.07
Next up: to find the perfect paint color. I knew this would be tricky. I knew I wanted shiny, but not blinding. And while I will fantasize over those gorgeous chrome lamps, I know that deep down, that sort of shiny would look rather gaudy in my otherwise rustic-y taste. So I settled for semi-shiny, but still with texture!
After about an hour of toying between two different colors (I liked the hammered finish, as well as the textured), I decided to go with my gut instinct that the hammered may look too much like the chrome finish, so I went with the textured. Which was great- because you don't need primer! I also picked up some painters tape and fold-over sandwich bags for prepping (just in case I didn't have any at home--and to be fair I'll include these into the budget)
What you can't see here is the texture- it's almost a mix between sand and stone. It has just a smidge of metallic, and a mixture of copper, rust, black, and brown flakes to make this a natural yet shiny textured finish.
Cost: Paint: $5.77--- Sandwich Bags: $1.00--- Painter's tape: $2.97 = $9.74
Remaining budget: $85.07- $9.74 = $75.33
Now the not so fun part: cleaning and taping. These bases were in tough shape so I took to my most favorite cleaning supplies: Clorox Clean-up wipes and the mighty Windex. Both polished up quite nicely! Then came the taping. I used the foldover sandwich bags to wrap the cords, and tape to cover the top of the lamps. This is more time-consuming just because you have to be concise so you don't end up busting up your lamps...oh and by the way--to that lady behind me: THE LAMPS WORKED (and one came with a light bulb)
tape...tape...more tape... and a bag here and there.
I must confess....when I started spraying: I PANICKED, ya'll. The paint settled in places and was rough and I thought I was going to have to start over, and without the quarter of my budget I had already spent. And then it started drying...and suddenly I realized- hey, it's flattening out- but I actually almost like the areas that aren't even....
two coats later....
Now I've just got to manage to find the perfect lampshades! I think with my remaining budget of $75.33 I have no doubt that I can find the perfect ones, and honestly I think I will have some budget leftover for another project :).
Finding the perfect shade was a little more challenging. I decided to go back to the rustic-taste my husband and I both have and go with a traditional burlap shade and honestly, I'm pleased with the results! The shades ended up being the priciest of the project at $15.79 each (Thanks Target) but honestly, I think they were worth the price!!
please excuse the fact that you can still see the plastic/label on the lampshades.... I wanted to make sure I liked the combo before keeping them.
Total Budget: $100
Lamps (Goodwill): $14.93
Spray Paint/Tape/Bags (Wal-Mart): $9.74
Lamp Shades (Target): $31.58
Total Cost: $56.25
Happy DIY-ing, ya'll
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