Oh, Lighten Up!

Several years back, I happened upon a small thrift store's 'going out of business sale'.

And found these lamps sitting in the parking lot for $5 each:

Shown as found.

Dear Lord in Heaven.... someone thought this was a good idea....

You DO realize that the white parts in this 'before' image used to be BRASS, right?
So some manufacturer somewhere, sometime, actually gave the OK for these to be made and sold.

In the seventies, no doubt. ugh.

Then someone else took the time to tape the glass off and paint the brass parts white -

but left the hideous gold-orange glass with black felt pen-embellished raised scrollwork.

ACK!

And yet.... I see the possibilities even in the hideous ugliness:
If I could just neutralize the color and visual hot mess, these could actually be quite charming.
And so that's exactly what I did...

continue reading to see the amazing AFTER shot!

A Garden Fence Chandelier

  A few years ago, I had some white wire garden fencing hanging around...

along with a big box filled with resin and glass crystals from various chandeliers & light fixtures,

and another box filled with glass test tubes.

I combined the three elements to create something new:
wire chandeliers for the garden

The crystals beautifully reflect the sunshine,

and the test tubes hold fresh flowers OR tall, thin tapered candles.

The white wire fencing that I used was vintage, 

but the new stuff works great, too! It comes in a roll like this at the hardware store

and is about 2 feet tall.
[ I found this image HERE where you can order the fencing, too]

 The fencing is simply cut to length, bent into a circle, 

(concentric circles for multiple layered chandies - picture O's in 3 sizes!)
and then the straight wire ends (the part that would go into the ground) are bent into hook shapes.

* The concentric circles are suspended inside the largest circles using wires,

attached at @ the middle of the larger circle so they hang LOWER.

* A cross of wires is attached to the very top edge of the largest circle,

long enough to pull upward and hang the chandy from a hook overhead.

* Hang plastic, resin, or glass crystals on each of the bent wire end hooks.


* If you want to add the test tubes / floral tubes as seen above, 

add them around the outside edge of the largest wire circle only.
I used white zipties to secure mine, but white wire will work, too.

[Remember that you need to be able to remove the test tubes to clean them]

 Then hang them in the sunshine

 from a tree branch, trellis, gazebo, or porch overhang

 and enjoy the sparkle!

[Like those embellished umbrellas in the background? See them here!]

Create a Cloche and Dome It!

Using a cloche is a simple way to give small items presence in your decor.

Most cloches / domes are made of glass, especially the vintage ones... 

but you know I love using unexpected materials in new ways,

so I created a dome from a wire tomato cage!

I showed it covered with ivy in a past post, but of course it can be used WITHOUT the ivy...

 You can find my tutorial for this project here

The wire form is an industrial-style way 
to create a 'cloche' effect:

Place it over several small items to add the finishing touch to any vignette.

It's also indestructible, great for use outdoors in EVERY season...

[and at @ $2.99 per wire tomato cage, 

it's a VERY inexpensive way to get a lot of usable style!]

 You can find my tutorial for the seed packet tin can vases here

Another easy way to create a dome is to use a metal lampshade frame...

Simply remove the fabric, and use the bare metal frame to top a gathering of items.

Lampshades come in endless sizes and styles, 
so you can create dozens of different domes!

This is a great use for old lampshades, since the fabrics get stained and torn -

you can pick them up for a song at thrift shops and the Goodwill outlets!

You Light Up My Life...

welcome to Day 6!

 love that adorable lampshade up above?
it's made from vintage ribbons, laces, and GARTER BELTS!
 
i love using unusual materials to create lampshades!
here are more inspiring ideas that will light up your life...

 i created all of the lampshades pictured - 
some for my own use, and some to sell.
it's easy to personalize them for every room!