From Toss Out to Sensational Keeper - Lamp Re-Make

When the old lamp from my children's room was turning decidedly "trash-worthy", a grand idea formed and kept me from tossing it out. Originally, it had been such a darling lamp - it had magically transformed the room into spinning stars and moons at bedtime. My boys were enthralled with it!

Well, as the boys grew, so did their access advantage to the lamp. The inner spinning mylar cylinder with the moon and star designs turned into a mangled, crumpled, ripped up piece of multi-colored plastic. There was nothing salvageable there. What was left, however, was a perfectly functional light and a plain wooden frame that held four blank canvas panels. Since I couldn't possibly throw a working lamp away no matter how plain and ugly it was - I had to jazz it up!

Here's how I did it:

1. I "washed" the canvas panels with a "butter cream" colored bottled acrylic diluted with water using a 2" brush. To create a weave pattern, I first made vertical strokes on all four panels then went back and did horizontal strokes.

2. I carefully painted the wooden frame with a dark brown bottled acrylic using a small artists' brush. (if you're not confident with your painting skill - use painters tape on the canvas panels to avoid getting the brown paint on them)

3. As soon as the frame and panels were dry, I planned my stencil placement and then taped the stencil in place using masking tape.

4. I chose a Chocolate color in a Delta Stencil Cream. After removing all excess paint from my stencil brush on a paper towel, I stenciled the design on all four panels using a circular motion. I used a design from our Plaster Petite's Line, set #1.

5. For the finishing touch - I used four pretty finials that I attached to the four corners of the frame with white glue. If you don't happen to have any finials hanging around your house - check out your local home store. You'll find great finials in the window treatment aisle OR try a really awesome decorative drawer pull for the top! Get creative! Elegant or funky! Just don't move the lamp until the glue is completely dry or you will have four falling off finials!

That's all there is to our "Old Lamp Re-Make" - we hope you enjoyed this project! For more totally awesome stenciling make-over and re-decorating ideas, visit our website www.simplyspring.com often!

About The Author

Spring Meese is the designer for Simply Spring Designs, a company that provides a stunning array of Raised Plaster and Wall Stencils. Spring has been in the stencil business for over ten years and is a certified interior decorator.

spring@simplyspring.com

---

What You Should Know About Steam Showers

"Steam" and "Steam Bath" Health Benefits:"Steam" and "Steam baths" in... Read More

Get Rid Of Air Pollution In Your Home With House Plants

Do you know that formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas can... Read More

10 Things You Can Do Now To Prepare For Hurricane Season

The 2005 hurricane season is right around the corner and... Read More

Materials For Building Window Shutters

Shopping for window shutters can become confusing because of the... Read More

Old House Remodeling: Removing Old Tile and Glue

When you live in old house like I do, remodeling... Read More

Scented Candles ? Take Me AWAY!

Remember the old Calgon commercial-"Take me away Calgon!" There's only... Read More

Keeping Your Home Spa Clean

Purchasing a home spa is a great expense; which can... Read More

Building A Pair Of Heavy Duty Saw Horses

Start out by measuring and cutting all your stock according... Read More

Replacing Your Sliding Glass Door Rollers

If the sliding glass doors in your home are more... Read More

Mahoganys Beauty and Durability Makes it Ideal for Deck Construction

A couple of years ago I had the chance to... Read More

Art and Design

Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with... Read More

Why Should You Need Tools for Everyday Living

How often you have used tools for your everyday living?... Read More

Home Inspection: A Doctor Visit for Your Home

Has your house had a check up yet?Home inspection is... Read More

Prepare for Winter Before It Arrives

Even though we are still enjoying warm weather and winter... Read More

Choosing Your Builder: Cheapest Quote Wins?

You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so... Read More

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant floor heating systems are heating systems designed for... Read More

The Art of Ice Dam Removal

You may have noticed long icicles hanging from your gutters... Read More

Discovering Fiberglass Roofing Panels for Your Roofing Needs

Roofs are an integral part of the house. The design... Read More

Lighter Fluid: The Best Label and Scuff Mark Remover

The first time my husband saw me scrubbing the black... Read More

3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online

If you are a consumer who knows just what brand... Read More

In The Mood

Creating a Designer Home With LightingTraditionally, spring is the time... Read More

Do You Know How To Use Window Coverings?

Window coverings serve an important role in your home, giving... Read More

Pool Decks ? Add Ambiance to Your Above Ground Pool

Above ground pools are beloved by many and have gained... Read More

?5 Fast Ideas to Freshen the Look of your Room

"Company's coming and my place doesn't look right?"You know how... Read More

Is a Hot Tub for You? Top 5 Questions You Need to Answer

As a way of relaxing, more and more people are... Read More

Duct Cleaning - Proper Principals and Practices

As a qualified duct cleaning contractor I have discovered that... Read More

Buyers Guide For Modern Mailboxes

Modern mailboxes are made predominately from cast aluminum or stainless... Read More

Choosing The Right Window

When you have reached the decision to purchase new windows... Read More

11 Tips for Stripping Wallpaper: How to Get Rid of Ugly Wallpaper!

I broke my promise to myself and stripped wallpaper again.... Read More

What does it take to be an Interior Designer?

When trying to decide if Interior Design is right for... Read More

Designing With Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments;... Read More

Rising Damp

It doesn't sound like a particularly interesting topic, however a... Read More

Interior Design Simply Means Personalizing Your Interior Environment

Interior Design today is all about customizing your built environment... Read More