Extreme Makeover- Chandelier Edition

So, a few months ago it dawned on me how much I hated the chandelier above our kitchen table.  After seeing it at Home Depot for under 40 bucks, I realized the builder must have just picked the cheapest thing out there.  Not my taste at all:

I decided to make a trip to the Habitat For Humanity Store downtown.  If you haven't gone, go.  It's full of randomness!  I've bought cool old hardbacks, spray paint, you name it.  This trip I left with this beauty:

Ok, so brass isn't exactly the look I was going for so I decided to spray paint it.  The great thing about spray painting an old $25 chandelier is that if you hate the color, you can just spray over it.  Before you start, be sure to remove the little white plastic tubes.

And, voila!

It actually looks almost wrought iron at night, but during the day it's very purple.  Totally not for everyone, but I enjoy how kinda funky it is. :)  I actually installed it myself, which makes the husband happy.... he's not too into home decor!

DIY Cloche

I can't remember where on the wonderful web I saw this little idea, but I just had to try it myself.  And it was so easy I thought I had to share!  I found this little cheese board and dome and this crystal candlestick at Goodwill, totaling $4.

I know, they look pretty gross. But, thanks to Gorilla Glue, I can give this trash a new purpose!

Simply glue the candlestick to the bottom of the wood plate.  Gorilla Glue expands so you won't need too much.  I used the glass dome to weigh down the candlestick while the glue dried overnight.

 Then use some spray paint primer and an enamel color.  The color I had wasn't enamel finish so I just sprayed a clear glossy coat on when the color was dry.  Voila!

You can put anything in here!  I like the nest and eggs for easter, or some moss stones would be cute too for spring. 

ENJOY!

Goodwill! Good Find!

So, a couple weeks ago I drove past a Goodwill store and decided to run in real quick.  I came across this square wood end table.  It had two stickers on it: "50% Off" and "$19.99".  I thought, surely $19.99 IS the half-off price, but I was wrong!  The sucker was $9.99!  "SOLD!" I said.  Here it is getting some primer:

After a solid white coat of primer, on goes the yellow...."Here comes the sun... doo, doo, doo, doo...."

Then, to bring out all the detail of this little beauty I added a brown glaze.  Van Dyke Brown from Sherwin Williams is my fave.  If you are new to glazing, it's super easy.  Just paint on and wipe off.  Don't mess with buying cloth rags for the wiping.  You know that old t-shirt of your husbands that's been around longer than you have?  That'll do!  Here's the finished product.

I absolutely love the original hardware!  Total cost: $17.00 Total time: 2 hours.  Whadya think?

My new take on something old...

I found this great vintage potato sack while exploring some antique shops a few days ago.  I thought the graphics and colors were so great that it would be awesome on a wall.... ta da! Wall art!
contact me at margaux.lippoldt@gmail.com for pricing.