On my way home from school one Friday I noticed a garage sale sign in my neighborhood. I was so excited to see if they had anything I could turn into a treasure. I pulled up to the sale and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I get that way when I go to sales I can’t help myself. I got out of my car and started up the drive way to see what they had. I started at one end of the sale and worked myself all the way around to the garage. Just as I was about to give up and go home in the back of the garage was a shelf of bits and pieces, things that were a mix and match of things. There it was, the trash I’d turn to treasure, being over looked by all. It was the cutest little bird house lamp. My diamond in the rough if you will. Oh and the $4 price tag was a steal.
It was painted in childlike colors of red, green, and blue. It was very dusty and dirty with a little damage. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed with wood filler. I cleaned it up filled all the damaged spots and made my plan for how it would look.
I wanted to paint it a lighter color but decided to go with a dark color to cover more of the damaged spots. Lighter colors can sometimes high light the repaired spots. I painted 2 coats of black making sure each coat dried before I started the other. I then sanded away the paint on the edges and corners. This step is totally a preference for each individual person. I personally love the worn look. The final step was 3 layers of clear coat to protect the lamp.
I sometimes buy lamp shades at estate and garage sales to have on hand. I had purchased this lamp shade for about $2 sometime this summer. My total cost for paint was about $1. So all in for this adorable little lamp I spent $7.
Don’t get me wrong I love new nice items in my home but I also like the rush of taking something old and making it like new. I’m sure if you look around your house you could find something you could make new again. Take something old and make it a new treasure you will love and enjoy for many more years. If you don’t have anything, time to go out estate or garage sale shopping. Feel the rush of the find, buying and reviving your new treasure. Make your home a Blue Happy Living space!
