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Pretty In Peacock

Writer's picture: anupcycledartistanupcycledartist

A month back, my friend Chris gave me 2 boxes filled with items, convinced that I could transform them through upcycling. Receiving these boxes felt like uncovering treasures from the 'Island of Misfit Toys'. I thoroughly enjoyed examining each item and envisioning ways to improve their looks beyond their original state. Among them, there was this neglected lamp with all its imperfections. It seemed to cry out, "I need a major makeover!" and I couldn't resist giving it one.


All the warts are depicted in the following photographs.














The lamp shade was not in much better condition, being dull and soiled from years of use and being in storage.



In one of the boxes, I found this beautiful colored and embellished top. The photograph doesn't clearly show it, but it's adorned with tiny, shiny, colored, stick-on beads. While I might have worn it many, many years ago, it definitely had no business being on my body now. However, I decided to upcycle it, as you will see below.


I started by taking off the lampshade from the metal frames.


Afterwards, I needed to create a new styrene liner by using the old shade as a guide. And yes, apples have more uses than just being consumed and keeping the doctor away. They serve as excellent weights in times of need. 😉


This is the cut out future shade. I captured a close-up shot in an attempt to display the shiny, stick-on beads, but still not so good. Ugh.


Next, I folded a portion of the surplus fabric over the upper and lower sections of the frame to ensure a seamless connection when securing the shade onto it. I also painted silver-colored paint on the long spindles to refresh them.



Now it was time to apply gesso on the lamp's body. Sounds kinky, huh? 😁


After removing the old felt covering from the base, I had Stephen sand it to prepare for a fresh coat of white paint and the application of new felt.


Yes! Much better. 😍


Where is the new lampshade? Ah, there it is, standing out like a proud peacock.


Prior to painting, I like to create color swatches on cardboard to see how they work together. While I don't rely on a color wheel, which I should probably do, I simply go with what I personally enjoy, making it less important to me.


On the bottom left are the painted colors I applied to the body, blending them together. On the right, I applied my signature glaze over the paint, giving it a glass-like appearance. It's one AHMAZING glaze, no?




Close to completion, but not quite there yet. I had to swap out what I refer to as the 'guts' which includes the insulation sleeve, base, holder, switch, and so on. It was necessary to replace these components in order to achieve a full transformation.


Below is the prelude leading up to the finale. Remember "Clap on, clap off"?



And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been eagerly anticipating... let's have a drumroll, please!

The finishing touch that really made it pop was adding a fancy silver fringe - because who doesn't love a little extra sparkle and pizzazz, am I right?


And now a close up of those shiny beads finally.


This Week’s Tea Spilling

I have made the decision to include a brief, customized segment in this blog, and here is my initial entry.


Last week I mentioned that we were anticipating hurricane Milton and I was uncertain about my ability to blog this week because of a power outage. Fortunately, the storm did not cause significant damage, and the power outage was short-lived. I am so grateful to everyone who kindly offered to welcome us into their homes for shelter. I appreciate all those who contacted us before, during, and after the storm, as well as those who kept us in their thoughts. Your support meant a great deal to us.


Finally, on October 12th, I celebrated my first year on my blogging platform. Time has flown by, and it has been an enjoyable journey. During this time, I have written 52 blogs with the hope of motivating you to explore upcycling in your own home. I am grateful to all my followers for their support and encouragement to pursue my passion.


I’ll be back next Wednesday to show you what I’ve been working on. Hope you’ll stop by again for a visit.


Make sure to follow and like An Upcycled Artist on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a local follower, you will receive notifications about the availability of my new creations for purchase on these two platforms. Simply click the icons at the bottom of my pages to visit them easily.


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4 Comments


barbarabryant2010
Oct 20, 2024

Wow everything came out so perfect! The colors are beautiful! I love it ❤️🥰

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anupcycledartist
anupcycledartist
Oct 22, 2024
Replying to

Thank you, Barbara! I was surprised myself. LOL! Thank you for the feedback - much appreciated as always. 😍

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ut65425s
Oct 17, 2024

The fringe fit it# what patience! I have 3 more lamps for you a resident gave me when her mom died.,I could not say no cause you know.....that is beautiful! I wish I had 1;4 of talent. I will have to send you a poem

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anupcycledartist
anupcycledartist
Oct 20, 2024
Replying to

Thank you so much for your lovely compliment and I would love to get those lamps from you. I really do believe that I have found my niche. Thank you lastly for taking the time to leave your comment. It means a lot to me. 😍

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Endlessly Embellishing & Upcycling Elements into Art
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