I've been looking for a lamp for my breakfast nook for the past few weeks, with absolutely no luck. I wanted something a little frilly. Frilly, and inexpensive too. Well, I was beginning to think that I would just have to live without a lamp, because every one that I liked was uber expensive...no thanks!
Then, on Friday, my friend Erica called to say that her neighbor had put some stuff out on the curb with a note that said trash. She was all out of breath telling me about the fabulous trash, so I raced over there to check it out...holy mother of fabulousness...she wasn't kidding!
I scored a huge copper tub with a lid, a sweet dropleaf side table, and a plastic woodish looking lamp with a stained shade...winner, winner, chicken dinner!
I have big plans for the copper tub and dropleaf table, but the lamp...well, I just couldn't wait to fix her up! I took off the shade and spraypainted the base white. Then, I grabbed an old white tablecloth that I already had and cut 4 long strips (about 3 inches wide each). I ruffled each strip...I promise, it's super easy to do...just check out my Sew a Ruffle {Tutorial}. Then, I sprayed the entire lampshade with spray adhesive and started wrapping the ruffles around the shade from the bottom to the top. At the end of the last ruffle, I hot glued the fabric in place.
Isn't it adorable, and oh so frilly? I love the raw edges, but if you like a more finished look, you could totally do that too! I see old lamps and shades all of the time at garage sales and thrift stores...I will not be passing them by anymore. How about you?
This post was featured on Buzzfeed Community!
Jessica










Kadie says
What a great find!! I love all the ruffles!
Starr @ The Kiefer Cottage says
Too cute for words.
Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says
So cute! Diggin' the ruffles! I have several ruffle lamp shades pinned. Too bad my two year old has managed to destroy every lamp in our house...LOL
Four Marrs and One Venus says
This is perfect in your kitchen! So very cozy in there now, really hits the spot girl! Nice job!
Our Pinteresting Family says
Great finds! I love the ruffled shade. It looks like a completely different lamp and fits great in your breakfast nook. :) Megan
Kara @ Petals to Picots says
Awesome finds! Your lamp came out great! And I can't wait to see what you have planned for the copper tub :)
thistlewoodfarm says
Jessica....I am working on one of these, too! Except I'm using burlap! Thanks for inspiring me today!
blessings,
karianne
Laura Heise says
So cute, Jessica! I wonder if I could do something similar with Fabri-Tac. You know me and sewing. LOL! Looks awesome, girlfriend! Way to turn some trash into a piece of terrific treasure!
chateau chic says
Your lampshade is adorable! And that copper boiler...oh my goodness, can't believe that was put on the curb for free. You did real good with these finds!
Mary Alice
Something Nice and Pretty says
Adorable, what a great idea and it goes so perfect in the breakfast nook! You sure hit the jackpot on your curb pickup!
Debbiedoo's says
I love embellishing lamp shades too. Greatest thing to lift any room is add a cute shade. You did just that Jess!
The Porcelain Rose says
Love, love, love your ruffled lamp shade!! So shabby chic.
Thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth
Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says
OMGosh! I cannot believe what great stuff you got! I would have run over there as well. The lampshade is perfect! Great job. Visiting from DIY Dreamer. Would love it if you would share this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2012/08/make-it-pretty-monday-week-11.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla says
Wow, amazing! Lovely lamp :)
Greetings from Australia♥
~Pernilla
[email protected] says
I love this...I plan on following your tutorial to make one like this for my bedroom. Thank you so much!
Jana@Transformations From the Heart says
Great looking lampshade. I've seen a lot of the frilly ones lately, I've been wanting to make one myself. You did a fabulous job.
Stacey says
That is so feminine and pretty!
Would love if you came by to link it up to my party happening now!
Stacey of Embracing Change
http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com
Christine says
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE and I LOVE the lamp!! WOW!!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Shabby chic Sandy says
I love ruffles and I adore this lampshade. You are so lucky you got this on the side of the road! Love the color of your dining chairs--do you remember what the color is? I am thinking of painting my dining chairs a color too.
Cathy and Paul @One Creative Couple says
What great finds you made and I love what you've done with the lamp. Beautiful!
Cathy and Paul @One Creative Couple says
Beautiful lamp! You did a great job.
Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says
Such a sweet shade! Just shared on our FB page!
Take care,
Trish
Linda @ it all started with paint says
This is fabulous! Seriously, I adore this project. Now I'm wondering if my husband would object if I added some ruffles to the side table lamps in the master ...
:)
Linda
Oh, and I'm pinning and FB'ing and Tweeting too!
Jen says
The entire lamp went from sad to super chic - love it! And talk about the mother of all curbside finds...soooo jealous LOL
Christine says
CONGRATS!! You have been featured at The DIY Dreamer... From Dream To Reality! Come on over and grab your featured button! You deserve it :)
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.ca/2012/08/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-31.html
Tauni says
What a pretty touch to the room. I don't think I could get away with this in my house - too many boys!
Thanks for sharing on Show & Tell at SNAP!
xoxo, Tauni
DEANNE MORSE says
I love this, thank you for sharing it!!
Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE says
I am featuring you tomorrow during the Best DIY Projects Link Party. Thank you so much for visiting and sharing your project over at The 36th AVENUE. Love it!