Sometimes it's fun to participate in these blog events and check out what everyone else has posted. Today I'm going to try out Vintage Thingies Thursday, which originated on Confessions of An Apron Queen (no longer actively blogging) and is now hosted by the lovely Suzanne of Colorado Lady. This week's theme is "What Was I Thinking?!" She's got a funny post up today about a daschund boot scraper that she bought - and didn't realize how truly scary looking it was until she got home! Check out her blog for links to all the other participant's blogs if you enjoy looking at vintage finds.
I knew what I was thinking when I made this purchase, but I bet my husband wondered! I picked up this very sad looking lamp at the Goodwill for $5.99 because I recognized the modern shape of the wood base. I was just hoping that the hideous purple fabric would come off and it would shine up nicely. Here are the photos that show the lamp from the way I found it in the store to the end result:
I had to basically take the lamp apart to remove that fabric! I was happy to see the brass underneath was in good condition.
I used Songbirdtiff's recipe for wood cleaning oil and it worked like a charm! I've been using that stuff for all the wooden objects I pick up at thrift stores, and for my wooden furniture. It's great - so easy to make with 2 ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, cheap, and good for the environment. Thanks Tiff!
I had the lampshade on hand from a previous purchase for another lamp (awaiting rewiring) that it didn't fit. I love it when things work out that way!
Thanks so much for participating today...what a great lamp! It cleaned up nicely and it looks like it is really a great size.
ReplyDeleteThanks for adding the link for the wood cleaner, that is a wonderful tip!
Welcome to Vintage Thingies Thursday....I am glad you are here! Have a great day!!
Wow! Nicely done! I had no hopes for anyone fixing up that lamp based on how it looked when you found it! It's really swell looking now!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow! You were inspired when you saw that lamp. I'm not sure I would have seen the possibilities there. It looks beautiful now that you've got it all cleaned up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. I love using the furniture polish. It even makes everything smell nice. :)
That lamp IS a gem! It wasn't when you bought it, but it IS now! You have quite a knack for this sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for saving such a beauty
ReplyDeleteThat's a Cool lamp. You should send it to me. That's my opinion at least.
ReplyDeleteWow! That lamp came out fantastic! Thanks for the wood cleaning tip!!! With a vintage furniture store...I have a lot of wood polishing to do!!!
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Now the after is diffently a lamp I could live with. What a Hidden treasure you found.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping my my blog,
Nice transformation. You have a talent for seeing potential beauty. Thanks for the link to the wood cleaning.
ReplyDeleteYep! You are a wonder. Not many could have seen the possibilities underneath that fabric. Glad you had a before and after shot. I often forget to take the before photo. Nice post, Ruby
ReplyDeleteHmmmm - - - I seem to remember some lamps rather like that back in the day when they were new. I guess I'm vintage myself!
ReplyDeletethat is absolutely gorgeous!!! i WANT IT!!! and well done to you! this is pretty rad. i know i am not expressing myself properly, BUT I AM SO IMPRESSED!!! that stupid purple fabric. who would do that?!?!?
ReplyDeleteWhy would anybody think that purple fabric was better than the brass that was underneath it??
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job restoring it!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
At least the fabric seemed to protect the brass until its rightful owner came along ;)
ReplyDeletecooo000OOO000oool.... @--}--}---
ReplyDeleteWow! That looks great. It's really cool. You did a good job with it.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job on that lamp!
ReplyDeleteLove your Joan Holloway picture. I think she needs more responsibility around the office. And that fiance treats her like "the little woman". He doesn't know what a gem he's got.
Wow, great restoration job on that fab lamp! I have a small 50's lamp whose base needs real attention. I thought I would have to refinish the walnut, but I'm going to try the all-natural wood polish recipe and see how that spruces it up. You've inspired me to finally pull it out of the closet!
ReplyDeleteLooks to me like your bad purchase turned out not be so bad. Enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteGreat t to t post ...neat lamp
ReplyDeleteI wonder how... and why... the fabric was ever on it in the first place? Good save!
ReplyDeleteWhy! Why! Why! would anyone put such disgusting fabric on that lamp in the first place. The on;y good thing about it was that it pressured the metal from tarnishing. It looks amazing in your house. Karin.
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