I picked up this Candlestick Lamp at a thrifty Antique Mall I recently visited. But, it wasn't looking this pretty when I found it! I gave it a new look with a much needed make-over! You may be asking, "Didn't she just do a *Candlestick make-over?" Yes, I sure did. However, this one is a different style, and I used a different technique for its make-over.
I like its new look and just as I had hoped it fits in well with my decor. It's easy to find room for this little pretty just about anywhere in my home. And, seriously, can a gal ever really have too many candlesticks? Candlesticks and candle holders are great items to give a makeover. Many possibilities and different looks can be achieved.
I think I see more of this in my future. Yep, I'm sure there will be more! I have a whole new outlook when I see something as I envision what it could look like, that then becomes the goal. Transform it into something I will love ...like changing it from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan!
This is how it looked when I found it! Well, actually after I gave it a good cleaning that is. The brass was looking aged and the beaded lamp shade was quite dusty, but overall in good condition. On the day I got this they were having an in-store garage sale with lots of items reduced and this little lovely was on the marked down table of goodies. I easily agreed with the two dollar and fifty-cent price of it, and I quickly added it to my must-have cart of thrifty treasures. My crafty mind was planning its make-over and thinking of how pretty it was going to be afterwards.
I think I see more of this in my future. Yep, I'm sure there will be more! I have a whole new outlook when I see something as I envision what it could look like, that then becomes the goal. Transform it into something I will love ...like changing it from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan!
The lamp shade sparkled like new after a good cleaning, but the brass base needed some TLC! I had just purchased some chalk paint in a color called 'timeless' and decided this was as good a time as any, to try it out. And, I knew chalk paint was the perfect choice for giving this piece a new look.
I began by giving the brass a coat of the timeless chalk paint, and then let that dry a while. Next I did a little dry-brush painting using white chalk paint over the first color, then allowed that to dry. I applied a layer of clear wax over the paint and let that sit a while to dry before buffing it with a soft cloth. I distressed it by removing the paint in a few areas and exposing the brass underneath by using a non-scratch scrub pad. I love how the distressing reveals some of the brass underneath. I finished by adding very minimal amounts of dark brown tinted wax in just a few spots, then quickly wiped it off with paper towels, followed by buffing over the whole thing with a soft cloth once again.
I began by giving the brass a coat of the timeless chalk paint, and then let that dry a while. Next I did a little dry-brush painting using white chalk paint over the first color, then allowed that to dry. I applied a layer of clear wax over the paint and let that sit a while to dry before buffing it with a soft cloth. I distressed it by removing the paint in a few areas and exposing the brass underneath by using a non-scratch scrub pad. I love how the distressing reveals some of the brass underneath. I finished by adding very minimal amounts of dark brown tinted wax in just a few spots, then quickly wiped it off with paper towels, followed by buffing over the whole thing with a soft cloth once again.
A close-up of the paint and detail.
I just knew when I picked up the 'timeless' chalk paint color I was really going to like it. This paint technique proved to be just the look I was going for and it was actually better than I had imagined. This being my 'experiment' piece, I can't wait to use the same technique on another project I have in mind for it! My crafty mind is making plans again, as always!
I enjoy sharing these projects because I believe ... if I can do it, anyone can!
I enjoy sharing these projects because I believe ... if I can do it, anyone can!
*You may also like this Candlestick make-over
