Vintage Wedding Lamp Makeovers

So as I stated previously, my son is getting married in October.  We will be having a reception in our church cultural hall, a.k.a. the gym.  This leaves alot to be desired for atmosphere with flourescent lighting (along with making me LOOK like the mother) but hey it is free!  So my job, if I choose to accept it (I did), is to bring in softer lighting so we don't see all my wrinkles.  So off to the thrift stores...ALOT!  Looking for lamps and chandeliers in need of vintage makeovers.  Here are the lamp makeovers (the chandeliers still to come...Hey they need a post all to themselves!)
I found these 2 lamps on different trips (don't have before pictures) for $4 each. 

  

I added the beads and crystals with fishing line... 



...bought old lampshades for 2 bucks each and tore them apart just for the top wire contraptions.  I added the lace that I found on ebay (12 yards for $20 which included shipping, used about 3 yards) and some bulbs. The lace needs to be steamed but I will do that later.

It killed me to spend $6 on this little thing but I saw the potential (again no before picture...I KNOW!) 

I took my Crop-o-dile and punched holes in the metal tray (yes they do punch a hole through practically anything) and added the crystals, attaching them with split rings  (I scrapbook and make jewelry too).

I wanted to try something different with the shade...yes ripped apart a $1 shade for the top wire.  I spray painted some awful gold Christmas garland I found at the thrift store and added that with Dollar Tree Ribbon for that "something different".

And last but not least...this little baby (literally) cost me $4 (it still has the price tag on it!)

What to do for a shade...hmmmmm...so while I was making this (the future daughter loves music)...

I thought "Yes!  Use this paper!"  So with another $2 lamp shade (yes I buy them in bulk...hahaha)  which I did not rip apart, I folded my way to this (with a little lace I dug out of a box).

So for around $35 I gave a new life to 4 lamps that will sit on tables around the gym with pictures of the happy couple.  I am halfway there to making the lighting situation favor the mothers!

Quick Fix to Ugly White Battery Tea Lights

So the next few months I will be planning and preparing for my son's wedding and reception on a limited budget (I do have other things I like to spend money on you know).  His future bride has only one sister here in Utah so because I LOVE projects, I am helping where I can (I do tend to get "involved").  I have been working on lighting, decorations, leis and table centerpieces (I will get to the chandeliers I redid on another post) and since we are doing the reception in our church we cannot use real candles.

So off to Hobby Lobby I go to buy their value pack of 16 tea lights (with 16 extra batteries!) for $9.99 minus the lovely 40% off from the coupon.  The only problem is that they are white (she likes "Creme or Ivory"), plastic and ugly.  I thought of painting them (spray paint...God's gift to crafters) but that seemed like such a hassle.  Then I was inspired.  PAPER!  Being a scrapbooker I had everything to do this project!

All you need (besides the paper of choice, scissors, cutter and ruler) is roll-on adhesive tape, an ink pad, and a paper punch.  Since I did not have the correct size of paper punch (one too big, one too small) I made do with what I had.  This is SO EASY!

First, measure the the side width and circumference (around) the candle.  Cut a piece of paper slightly wider and a bit longer.  Roll on your adhesive along the top side edge.  I used TomBoy.

Attach the paper.  I did not mind if the paper was a tad wider because these candles have 3 tiny legs on the bottom.  That way I have more room for error...I did not want it too narrow. 

Overlap the paper and glue down.  Walah!  The side is done.

Now here is where I had to try a few things to make the top line up.  No matter how hard I tried to put a center punch in the middle of a circle it would not line up completely.  So this is what worked for me.  I cut a piece of paper a 1/4" wider than the top of the candle (giving room for error), then punched a hole close to the middle.  I used my smaller hole punch and then when I "carefully" slide it on it will tear slightly to fit.

Slide it on carefully the WRONG WAY.

 Push the slightly torn paper down flat.

Remove the paper, apply adhesive on top, staying close to the edge.

Now put the paper back on the right way.  Turn the candle over and using sharp detail scissors, cut the excess paper off.  This way the edges line up just right.

I then used an ink pad around the edges to "age" it. 

It's done!  You could even embellish it with ribbon, jewels or whatever.  I hope you find this idea helpful for a party or wedding situation.  I did!  And though it may not be brilliant, it sure helps make my table centerpieces prettier.  Little details make a BIG difference.  Have fun!