Simple Lamp Makeover using Metallic Spray Paint and Jute Twine

Today I decided to update an old lamp my parents gave me in the '80's when I purchased my very first bedroom set. Back then brass lamps were the rage and so my parents gifted me this lamp for my new bedroom nightstand.

Well as the years flew by and trends changed, my little lamp ended up being a pretty permanent fixture in the attic. Then the other day I was going through the attic to pull out my Halloween decorations and I stumbled upon this long forgotten lamp. 

Now I knew I was going to need another lamp for my living room sofa table, so I brought it down and placed it next to the pretty mercury glass and jute lamp already in the living room...and it was a perfect size to balance out the other table!

Below is a pic of the lamp already in the living room.

So I taped up the anything that wasn't brass and sprayed on a fresh coat of Valspars' metallic silver.

Next I added some jute to the white part of the base by spraying it with adhesive and then simply wrapping the jute onto the lamp. I also added a cute tassel to the neck of the lamp.

The lampshade was a simple score from Walmart...the cost was somewhere around $10 - $12.

Now I have the perfect compliment to my other table lamp! Thank goodness I didn't go out and buy another lamp...I think Mr. Rosemary Lane would have clocked me over the head with it!

XO

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Heading Out For Awhile

Hi Everyone!

Today I am packing up the kids and heading for the beach for a few days to soak up some Jersey shore inspiration and to help my best gal pal Donna as she continues to work on her new beach bungalow.

But I did want to share with you something I have started to work on in our living room. The other day I posted my summer coffee table vignette and it really inspired me to make a few changes in the space. 

I decided to take the summer beach inspired look of the coffee table into the rest of the room. In an effort to do so, I have begun to edit out all of the red accents that have been in the space for the past almost 12 years. 

Then yesterday as I was rummaging around in the basement I found this picture which came with Mr. Rosemary Lane when we moved here in 2002.

It is actually a fairly large piece and fits over the fireplace mantel perfectly. I think it would be a rather dramatic focal point in the room.

Also yesterday I took a little liberty with an old floor lamp and some spray paint.

And she got a new shade to boot! 

I have a few more ides up my sleeve to give the room a freshened up feel and a little touch of a beachy vibe. So now it is off to "da Beach" for us and I will be back soon!

In the meantime I wish you all a wonderful week.

XO

Make Your Own Mercury Glass Votives and Vases

The other day I was in Walmart with my Michael and he wanted to look at a few of the Hot Rod magazines. So we meandered over to the electronics section where the magazines are kept and as Micheal checked out the latest sport cars and what not, I picked up Better Homes and Gardens special Make It Yourself issue. In the issue was this tutorial on how to make your own Mercury glass items. To me it looked fairly easy so yes I bought the issue...I am such a sucker for magazines.

Aside from needing a glass item to work with,  you will need a special paint made by Krylon called Looking Glass Mirror Like spray paint. OK not an easy item to find but it is carried by Hobby Lobby and you can check Michael's Craft store or A.C. Moore. If you decide to do this project be prepared, the price of the paint is a bit high...I paid $11.99 for a 6 oz can. In addition you will need a spray bottle filled with water and some newspaper and or paper towel.

First make sure you are working in a well ventilated area...I am doing this project on my back patio.

According to the tutorial you need to spray the inside of a clean vase or votive with plain water and then lightly spray the Looking Glass spray paint on to the water. 

Then holding the outside of the vase, swirl around the paint in the water to cover the inside of the container. 

Invert the glass piece and let drain on newspaper or paper towel. As you can see I used a paper plate.

Repeat the process 4 or 5 times or until you've achieved the desired look.

I sprayed a light coat of gold paint inside the votive to give it a little more of a warm glow. Since this paint can be washed away with just water, some tutorials I read on line suggested applying a protective coat of a clear sealant to ensure you keep the desired look. I think I'll be picking some up on my next trip to the craft store.

To get the look of the long necked vase just apply Elmer's spray adhesive and then wrap it with some jute string.

XO

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