Friday, October 22, 2010

A LIGHT AND A LAMPSHADE

Do you sometimes hunt and hunt for something when you are antiquing, and never find it in your price range? Then, all of sudden, there it is!

For a couple of years I have been looking for a small alabaster lamp. A unique alabaster is quarried in Colorado that is pink/gold with unusual veining. I remember these little lamps being sold in gift shops as a Colorado product, and even saw one awhile ago in an antique shop with the original shop sticker on it. It was way out of my price range, so I had to walk away. But, recently I found one in a local antique mall (without the shop sticker) for $15, and it came home with me.

It is quite heavy, and smoothly polished. It's perfect.

It came with a ratty lampshade that needed replaced. I really like lampshades covered with an accent fabric. So, now the search was on for a lampshade. In the past, I have covered self-adhesive lampshades; but the ones available at Hobby Lobby and Jo-Anns were not the right size. I finally found a web site (hollywoodlightscrafts.com) to custom order self-adhesive shades in any size for a reasonable price.
I used the last bit of toile fabric that I had bought from a French vendor several years ago. I like finishing details, so I covered the raw edge with gimp.

A patient search is always worth it -- I'm really enjoying my new lamp on the kitchen counter.

I'm joining in the following parties:

Courtney at French Country Cottage
for the Feathered Nest Party.

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life
for Tabletop Tuesday

Donna at Funky Junk Interiors
for Saturday Nite Special

Be sure to go by these blogs for great inspiration.


17 comments:

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Sally I love it girl and you did an awesome job on the shade my friend..Your so great with any fabric you get your hands on girl..I pray you have a GREAT weekend in your part of the world..Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
oh come by to my second BD party..

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Love your lamp and the shade is fantastic. Shades are always so hard for me and yours is stunning. What a beautiful addition to your kitchen counter. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Unknown said...

Your lampshade & lamp are beautiful, Sally. The fabric is just perfect. When you are tired of it, just let me know ... chuckle!
Happy PS weekend ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

bj said...

I'm so glad you found the lamp you wanted. I love it and the shade.
Perfect for your kitchen.

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful and perfect Sally. Thanks so much for the link for the lampshades, also.

And yes, I have looked and looked and then found something when I least expected. I love when that happens.

SmilingSally said...

Well, you've impressed me again with another PERFECT project!

Have a great weekend!

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Hi Sally,
The lamp itself is gorgeous and add the shade- perfect!! I love the fabric you chose and it is perfect for your lamp- I bet it looks just amazing on your kitchen counter! Thanks so much for joining my Feathered Nest Friday party and sharing this! :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful lamp! What a great find. My mom has a pair she got from her grandmother. Alabaster is such a beautiful material. Love what you did with the shade too!

Marilyn said...

The shade is just right for the lamp. :D My grandmother had an alabaster lighthouse that my brother has and it must have been from a gift shop she visited on her travels with my great aunt. I think I remember a shop in Loveland MANY years ago that sold alabaster items.♥♫

Diann said...

What a perfect little lamp! I am so glad you found it. and the shade so pretty!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Sally...

Ohhh...I do remember seeing these pretty alabaster lamps around...years ago! This lamp is gorgeous...the alabaster really is pretty, Sally! And...you couldn't have made a more perfect shade! Of course, you know how I love my red...and I love toile! So it's perfect!!! I love that you added the gimp trim to the inside of the shade to "finish" it...looks gorgeous, my friend!!! I'm sooo happy for you!

How are you doing, Sally? I hope that my note is finding you and your sweet family all doing well! Have you begun to plan that trip to Europe yet? That is coming up this spring...right? Ohhh...I'm green with envy! Hehe! We had really cold weather move into our area today...with lots of wind! I'm afraid that the wind has blown most of our beautiful autumn colored leaves off of the trees already! I hate when that happens! Russell will be carrying in wood this week as well! I think we're going to have to light our wood stove up!!!

Take care, sweet friend!
Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

xinex said...

Your alabaster lamp is just gorgeous, Sally, but I love the shade!...Christine

Nank said...

This is a link to an item being sold at a local auction. Thought you'd get a kick out of it.

http://www.auctionzip.com/Full-Image/936600/fp468.cgi

bj said...

Hi, Sally...
After all this time, I FINALLY took the time to find the meaning of the word slamagundi. :)

Hope this is a great day for you.

Sue said...

Hi Miss Sally.....I love that little lamp....it is so cute and you did a great job with the shade...I need two shades for my bedroom lamps and have had a hard time finding ones to fit...I am going to check out the website you posted....Hope your weekend is going great....We are celebrating our 40th tomorrow by eating out all weekend....4 meals down and one to go!!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I am trying to be patient about 2 lamps in our home....I haven't found anything yet....but your wait finally paid off!!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Beautiful! laurie