Sunday, March 7, 2010

Bye Bye Brass!

This pair of brass lamps has been waiting patiently for several months for a makeover. With the weather cooperating this weekend, I finally got the chance to paint!
My list of supplies was short – spray paint, glaze, newspaper, sanding block, cardboard, paper towels, and painting tape. I decided to go with white instead of using the more popular oiled rub bronze (ORB) finish I have been seeing everywhere.
 
Lamps ready to be painted – lightly sanded and everything that should not be painted covered.
My painting studio – snow still on the ground but at least the sun was shining!
To paint the finials, I put a long nail in the cardboard and then placed the finial on top.  This allowed me to paint the entire finial including the bottom.
Here is a close up view of the lamps after they were glazed. I simply applied the glaze using a paper towel, adding layers until I achieved the desired finish.

Now for some lamp shade choices.

Option number 1
Here is what one lamp looks like - painted and with the original shade. Very pretty!

Option number 2
Then I started thinking. After putting the original shades back on the lamps I was not sure if they were "too white." I wanted to add some texture to the shades but not spend any additional money. My solution - a simple burlap lamp shade slip cover. (directions on how to make this are below)


So, which shade do you like better? As I plan on using both lamps in this space, I would love to hear your opinion! Either way, I am very pleased with the outcome of this simple project.

Lamp Shade Slipcover Tutorial
Materials:  Burlap, Coordinating thread, ¼”Ribbon, Safety Pin

Measure height and bottom circumference of lamp shade. Add 5” to the circumference measurement and 2” to the height measurement.

Use a finished edge of the burlap as the bottom edge of your piece of fabric. Cut piece of burlap according to above measurements. To help prevent fraying, sew 1/4” seam allowance along three unfinished sides.

Press side seams under ½” with iron and sew using a ¼” seam allowance. Press top seam under 1 ¼” with iron and sew 1” down from folded edge. This will form a pocket.

Cut piece of ribbon a few inches longer than fabric. Attach safety pin to one end of ribbon and pull gently through pocket. Slightly gather top by pulling ribbon ends.

Align gathered top with top of lampshade. Pull ribbons tight, adjusting gathers so they are evenly distributed around entire slip cover. Tie ribbon in bow.

The DIY Show Off

     Sumo Sweet Stuff
     

   DIY Day @ ASPTL



    

      
http://www.thethriftyhome.com


68 comments:

Mary Ann said...

I really liked the lamp with the original shade. It seemed elegant, if that is the look you are going for. The burlap seemed casual if that is what you had in mind. Either way, they are beautiful.

Pine Tree Home said...

ooooh burlap one is very very cute.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It's nice white with the glaze! I agree with Mary Ann that it depends what you have going on in the room. I like the original shade and that gives it a more traditional look. The one with your burlap slipcover looks more casual and shabby chic-ish. Great idea, though, doing a slipcover for your lampshade. I like the idea of giving it different looks that way.

Rebecca said...

I like them both, and how easy to make a quick change when you want to...

Unknown said...

I think both are VERY cute, but I do love the white shade!

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

Love the way these turned out...and especially like the burlap shade!

Keaton Interiors said...

love the white paint...way better than the brass!

i like the plain lampshade. if you were to keep the burlap, i might make it a little larger-scale? :)

erin

http://blueprintsofasouthernbelle.blogspot.com

Heidi said...

so cute! I LOVE the burlap shade!!!

Sabrina said...

Spray paint ROCKS! Love the new look. I'd stick with the original shades.

Barbara said...

Wow, what a difference a little paint made, and I like the burlap cover over the regular shade. Gives it some personality.

Barbara

Maria Killam said...

The burlap one is very hip and current. You are such a talent!

Sonny G said...

white for these lamps was definately a great choice. I like the plain lampshde but I can see where the burlap lends a more casual look.
well done indeed.~!

Unknown said...

Love the option 2, is a very good idea for a transformation.

Hugs
Charo

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

I loved the lamp makeover, but then you added the burlap...Awesome! It looks terrific! Great job!

Nancy said...

I have the same decision to make on paint color for some lamps. I like the white, though.

On the shade, I like both. I would probably put a "ribbon" of burlap on my white shade. (and, that is what I will do, note to self.)

Bonnie @ House of Grace said...

I love it, great job!!! I think I like the burlap shade because it is unique. I found you from Make it for Monday. I am your newest follower!!! I can't wait to see what you do next!

Be Colorful Coastal said...

I prefer the cleaner lines of the original shade and the fact that it will let more light through. Maybe if you think it is too white you could "dirty" it up with a bit of paint on a damp sponge. I've never tried this but if I had the shades I just might.

Be Colorful Coastal said...

I think I like the cleaner lines of the first shade. I also think it will let more light through. I did see a post though where she added fabric to a lampshade like this after she removed the tape at the top and bottom. She used a steam iron to loosen up the binding tape so it would pull off easily. Then cut the new fabric in pieces to fit the sections of the shade and topped the seams with decorative trim. It really looked cool.

Miss Mustard Seed said...

I just love your home & your blog. I'm so glad you left a comment, so I could find you. These lamps are adorable painted white. I like the burlap shade, just because it's unexpected. Very nice work! I've become a follower, so I'll be back.

Treasia Stepp said...

Love how your lamps turned out, very pretty. Now what is your room, casual or more dressy? I really like the burlap shade best but would be better for a less fancy room.

Holly Lefevre said...

Great project...I am always looking for new ways to make old stuff new again. As for the shade...like the both (totally in love with anything burlap) but they both have different feels...oh choices!
Holly
504 Main

Angie Holden said...

Love those lamps!!

Marigene said...

Wow, the lamps came out really nice. I think I would use the original shade, it is so classic and never goes out of style.

Sandy said...

The lamps are very pretty. I like the white shade but if you wanted to fluff it a little try some crystal beads or soft colored ribbons in keeping with the gentleness.

extreme personal measures said...

Love the lamp re-do. I am a follower and admirer!
Following you from Beneath Naps On The Porch.


http://extremepersonalmeasures.blogspot.com/

Allison @ House of Hepworths said...

Wow, those look amazing!


Allison @ http://www.houseofhepworths.com/

mary beth said...

I really like both shades! Great job on the makeover! If you still wanted texture but not the shabby chic look, you could just glue burlap onto the white shade. Either way, you have a winner!

TexNan said...

Lovely makeover! I prefer the original shade but can see why the burlap is fave for many. If you wanted to "dirty" up the white of the original, you could use cold tea--or even coffee. Use a sponge brush to lightly brush the tea/coffee over the shade. Repeat until you reach the desired color. This won't change the texture of the fabric as paint would, just lightly color it.

Marianne said...

I love the lamps! Wonderful makeover. Although I really like the burlap cover, on these elegant lamps I think I personally prefer the simple shade. But either way they look great.

Megan Gunyan said...

They turned out great! I like the original shades, too. The burlap is cute also, though! It's a toss up! Good job!

Unknown said...

I love the burlap slipcover ! So cute, it really picks up on the glaze. Thanks for linking up!

Jessica @ Sunny Tuesday said...

Lampshade slipcovers! Those are presh and a half! Love them!

Sarah said...

Just stopped by from TCB to say, I LOVE your lamp!!! The burlap lampshade is a must!
God's blessings,
Sarah :D

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

so glad I found your blog! Love it and can't wait to get all the way thru it. Great lamp transformation and I love the burlap slipcover shade!

Unknown said...

Love the lamps! I am addicted to spray painting anything, as well as using lots burlap! Love your site, I am a new follower, can't wait to see what else you create!

Unknown said...

I almost forgot, my painting area looks just like that, snow and all!

extreme personal measures said...

Fabulous!
Following you over from Shabby Chic Cottage!
I am a follower!
Please stop by!
http://extremepersonalmeasures.blogspot.com/

Natalie Meester said...

I love the lamp transformation!

How about covering the plain shade with jute twine?

Love looking over your tutorials.

Hugs,

Natalie

Unknown said...

i LOVE the burlap shade. i am thinking the white with the glaze might look fantastic on my 2 vintage bedside table lamps. hmmm... maybe a project for this weekend?

Lost Soul said...

I love the white lamps. I prefer the white shades too. But it there were beads or stones or shells hanging from the edge of the burlap shade, welll.....

Jennifer said...

love all you've done with the lamps! Great job,,,Jennifer

Candy said...

very cute! i liked the original but the burlap is very different if u wanted a change of pace.

Sara said...

Love the lamps, and the burlap is cute. It is different, in a good way, and will get comments from visitors. Things like that are fun. Your house is amazing. It is totally how I picture my dream house!!!

Angela Harris said...

That lampshade is way too cute!! I love the very simple little satin bow
~Angela Harris

Mott said...

Stopping by from Today's Creative Blog and am now following you. I love your ideas! I also love the burlap for the shade but something about the shape is not working for me. It needs more structure, less ruffle, maybe. I don't know but I definitely like the burlap with it.

Melly said...

fabulous!!! I love the transformation and both shades look great you can change to suit the mood of the room...cause it's always nice to have a change :)

Kristi~The Slipcover Girl said...

You are the committed diy'er...spray painting in the snow! love it! thanks for playing today! I'm a sucker for burlap...it's so cute!

Jennifer Juniper said...

I never would have thought to slipcover a lampshade! What a great idea to change it up :)

Lamp Tramp said...

Love the lamp redos and I'd use both shades. That's the beauty of slipcoving, take it off, put it back on at a whim. Love them both!

Kristi said...

Another idea for the decorating file! I found you yesterday through Today's Creative Blogs and now today through the Pink Polka Dot Slipcover party! Love your blog.

Screaming Meme said...

So stinkin cute...You are good...real good...Love them and your blog...You go, girly!

I join in the party as well...It was too fun not to...Meme

melissa said...

I came over by way of TCB and just love your blog and all your tutorials!! BTW, I loved the burlap slip cover-how adorable and it fit the decor there on the side table so well! I was reading around and wanted to say congrats on your Happy Blogger Award! I wish I loved running and water as much as you do! You've inspired me, though, I really want to go running right now, but it is raining here in TN!! Also, I love your sewing machine and that you taught yourself. I love when I can teach myself something and then just through trial and error and get better and better. I love the pillows too! Thanks for sharing with us!

KimMalk said...

Simple and cute - I like the shape of the white shade and the texture of the burlap - how's that for confusing :).

Tania Pelletier said...

Oh, I REALLY love those burlap shade covers, they are adorable! And thanks for telling us how to make them, I have a tall floor lamp that I HATE, I think I'll fix it up with some paint and burlap!

Tania

Jean said...

love it . i feel inspired about a couple of matching lamps that I'm tired of looking at. I do think i like the plain white lamp shade better, but I can see how you felt it was too white. maybe it could be tea stained?

The Decorating Diaries said...

Definitely the slipcover. Too cute!

Janet

Brenda said...

Love the 'new' lamp..I have a couple lamps I need to redo so thank you - I like the original one best, but the burlap is one is so different - it's back to which look you want... great job

Low Tide High Style said...

I love how your lamps turned out and the burlap shade is the "one"! It's perfect for your beautiful new white lamps!

Kat :)

Its So Very Cheri said...

Wow--what a difference. Love the little shade.

Thanks for posting to the party.

My favs will be up this evening.

Cheri www.itssoverycheri.com

Have you re-signed up to follow me at the new site. If not you won;t get my updates. Blame Google not me-I don't know why they want to keeo my followers-like what are they going to do with them--REALLY.

Brabourne Farm said...

Great job! Love the new look lamp - the burlap shade is gorgeous. Leigh

becki said...

Hey! I saw that you left a comment on the Whippy Cake and just wanted to thank you! Also, if you ever need a head band just go to my website and see more.
www.whippycake.com :) thanks for sharing

Janean said...

can't add anything new, but agree that your lamp makeover is fab and the slip-covered shade is way cute.

Roeshel said...

You always do a fantastic job! I can't see option 1 but I love option 2! :)

Thanks so much for sharing your creativity in the DIY Project Parade!

Roeshel

Donna Rafferty said...

LOVE the re=painted lamp - what a difference! I'd keep both shades, and change them depending on your mood!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to ya!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

The lamp turned out beautiful... I love both shades... both are great looks. Thanks for sharing at the Power of Paint Party (POPP).

Haddock said...

Like that transformation.

Laura Jo said...

What a fantastic idea. The burlap shades are beautiful and add a warm and cozy feel.

Sara said...

cute lampshade slipcover idea! I've just been mulling over trying to make some skirt-like shade covers and yours has shown me my idea might work. Thanks!

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