Elegant Lighting

Whoever would have thought that this pretty lamp could have had such humble beginnings?

Several years ago, my husband bought me a bottle of Galliano Liqueur for a Christmas present. The bottle was too pretty to throw away. It kind of reminds me of a genie's bottle for some reason. Anyhow, I held on to it because "I can make something out of that". (My answer to "Can we throw this away?") I thought it would make a very pretty lamp. I love the color blue so I filled the base of the bottle with blue flat marbles that I bought at the Dollar Tree. I used almost 2 bags in the bottle, keeping out just enough to decorate the base. For the base, I found a clear glass plate at a thrift store that fit the base of the bottle perfectly. Since this plate is scalloped around the edges, I glued some of the flat marbles onto each scallop using Super Glue. I also Super Glued the base to the plate.

I purchased a lamp-making kit at a local hardware store. I'm not going to provide instructions for wiring for safety reasons, but the kit comes with easy to follow instructions. (Also, I'm not endorsing a particular brand.  This was the brand available.)  I did have to make some modifications to the kit, as the adapters provided were either too large or too small for the bottle opening, as you have to set the adapter and threaded nipple into the throat of the bottle. I used a wine bottle cork that I had saved (naturally!).  I won't share the "discussion" I had with the cork and the bottle. Let's just say it took me a while to get it fitted properly.

The bottle adapter kit I purchased did not come with an the harp bottom and, because my lampshade is the type requiring a harp, I did have to find that separately. As I make cut and pierce lampshades I had many lamp parts in my stash and was able to find both the harp and the bottom.  I believe, though, that they are not too expensive.  I found the lampshade at a thrift store and think it adds the touch of elegance that this lamp needs. The cost of this lamp was low, relatively speaking. The bottle was recycled, the base plate was about a dollar, 2 bags of flat marbles were $2, the shade was about $3, and the adapter kit was the most expensive piece at around $12. So, it cost me less than $20 to make this lamp. Maybe a bit more than I spend on an upcycled project, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. And it is a one-of-a kind!

What do you think? This lamp will be going in my living room for accent lighting. I used a low wattage bulb (40W) in it and it gives off a very pretty glow.  (Sorry about the wrinkles in the background.  I'm always too anxious to get my pictures taken and posted!)

Kathy

Projects in the Works, Part 2

I've been a bit behind in keeping up with my blogging this past week as I have been preparing for our daughter coming home from spring break. Unfortunately she just found out that she will not be able to come home as she has to stay and work on a research project in her lab. She is a junior, majoring in physics, so these things can't be helped. But we are very disappointed that she won't be able to make it. But, on a positive note, her room looks much better! We had moved from our home for about 5 years to pursue careers out of state, but moved back in September. Consolidating two households has been a bit of a challenge and I put it off over the holidays. Her coming home was the catalyst I needed to get moving again as her room had become the storage area.  It's my craft stuff.  Go figure...

I said last week that I would share some of my unfinished projects. I'm still trying to decide in what direction I want my blog to go, so it may be a bit disjointed for a while. Just like me!! I'm always off on a new project or technique and am finding that blogging is getting me a bit more organized. I'm also working on establishing a shop on Etsy and that has been time consuming. But I am enjoying every moment of it! 

So here is the next project in the works.

In my Blue and Beige post on February 11, I mentioned a stash of yarn that I had picked up at a second hand store. It contained lots of skeins of very 70's colors - avocado green, gold, and rust, along with a number of skeins of variegated yarn in the same color scheme. As I grew up in the 70's, it reminds me of home as my mom decorated in those colors at that time. So it has a very cozy feel for me. Here are some of the skeins that were in the stash. You can tell by the wrappers and the brands that these are old. I don't believe some of this yarn is even made any more.

Here is the real proof as to the age of this yarn. Check out this price! 50 cents a skein. Wouldn't that be lovely?

That picture is a bit light, but you can still see the price.

I love this project as I can roll a ball of yarn, stick the crochet hook in it (I am using a size H hook) and carry it with me wherever I go. I have found that sitting anywhere, doctor's office, auto repair garage, or music lessons, crocheting, and needlework in general are great conversation starters. I am always amazed by how many people don't know how to do these crafts. Naive on my part, I guess, as I grew up around crafty women. My mother always knit, my great aunt was a wonderful seamstress, and another aunt loved all things crafty. So I was always surrounded by it. I love to share and always offer to teach someone if they are interested. It's been a great way to connect with people. And to keep these crafts alive!

I hope this inspires you too!

Kathy

Projects in the works

While I'm still getting used to blogging and figuring out what I want to post, I thought I'd share with you a couple of projects that I am working on.  Not to say that there aren't more....we all have those "UFO's"!

The first project/projects are quilts that I am making for my kids for next Christmas. (No, I'm not normally this organized!!) Every year for at least the past 10 years I have made my son and daughter pajama bottoms for Christmas. When they were very young I also stitched up matching pillowcases. We are now overrun with pillowcases so I only make pajama pants for them. I have accumulated quite a pile of scrap flannel and was tired of it just lying around. As you can see...

I am cutting 6-1/2 inch squares, nothing fancy, and will just stitch them together. I'm hoping to have enough for two twin size quilts. Rather than going the traditional route of adding batting and a backing, I'm going to use fleece for the backing and then just tie the layers together. It's simple, but it will hold nice memories for my son and daughter.

I'll keep you posted about my progress!!

Kathy

Score!!

While at the Joann Fabrics yesterday, I came across a basket of Valentine's Day items half off!

And they were only 50 cents each.  Not sure what I will do with these, but I'll keep you posted!

Kathy

Backyard Escape

My Favorite Things.....

Several years ago, my husband and children bought me this outdoor fireplace.  My grand intention is to someday build a patio for it.  But, meanwhile, we enjoy it every chance we get.  Nothing grand or stylish.  Just lawn chairs circled around and cooking hot dogs and hamburgers over the coals.  A perfect weekend afternoon...

Kathy