I found these two lamps at a thrift store recently and I loved the shape and size, but not so much the color. They were only $12 a piece and I knew they would be perfect for a little project! I love old antique olive jars and that is what these reminded me of.
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I knew I wanted them to be neutral and lighter in color.
I added some baking soda to some flat Benjamin Moore “Ashen Tan” paint, gave it a stir, and started painting. I don’t really have a ratio of what I use as to paint and baking soda, I just add some until it gets thicker. I love the stoneware texture that it gives! I find that the more baking soda that I add, the more texture that I will have.
I both brushed and dabbed the paint on as I applied it. I like the variations in texture. After the first coat was dry, I added baking soda to flat Behr paint in the color “Eiffel for you”. I brushed and dabbed the second color over the first, leaving some spots of the first color showing through here and there.
When the second color was dry, I added glaze to bring out the texture and make it look older.
I dipped a small brush in the glaze and then wiped most of it off before I brushed it on. This helped me to control the glaze and not get it on too thick.
Before I brushed it on, I made sure that I had a paper towel on hand that was damp with water, yet all the way squeezed out. I brushed the glaze on lightly.
And, then I blended it with my damp paper towel. It probably would have been better to use a lint free cloth, but a paper towel worked great as well. If my paper towel started to shred, I would just get a new one.
When using the glaze, I would leave little speckles here and there as I saw fit for the look that I was going for…or leave heavier in places, when desired. I also used a bit of black paint at the very end to add some speckles here and there. The black is barely noticeable, and that’s how I wanted it to be. That’s it and I’m in love!!
They turned out exactly how I was envisioning! I love them so much! I think they will make a nice addition to our new home!
They are taller and larger lamps than the previous lamps that I had in our living area. We have taller ceilings in the next house and I think they will go great in there!
I took both shades outside and hosed them down and put a bit of soapy water on them. I rinsed them off and let them dry. I was a little nervous that I was going to ruin them, but they turned out great! I wouldn’t say that the small stain spot that is on the one is gone after spraying them down, but they are cleaner.
I now have some old olive pot lamps for $24 and some paint. When I looked around online, I couldn’t believe the prices for lamps like these. Wowzers…hundreds of dollars!
Robyn Lawrence says
I love how they turned out too!!!
Mary says
Your ability to see something and have such a vision for it and the gift and talent to create such beautiful pieces amazes me on every item you work on. Truly a gift you have been given! Thank you for sharing your talent with us. It is so fun to watch!
deborah Shahda says
Natalie. You did it again! Added beauty to something I would have past on. You are talented! I have learned so many tricks from you. Thank you. You are the hardest working blogger I know.
Robin Drewes says
They turned out awesome !!! I wish you where my neighbor !!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Shanna Teusch says
I love big lamps! They turened out beautifully
Sarah Huncovsky says
Love your talent and heart
LORRI says
These lamps look great… isn’t great when your idea turnes out looking awesome!! They will look lovely in yr new home. ????
Shela says
Wow! They look amazing!
Brown Phyllis says
They are so beautiful and turned out so good. Love them can’t wait to see what you do to the new house when you move in.
Elaine says
Natalie I can’t believe the transformation they’re absolutely stunning it’s magical to watch you turn something that looked like junk into a rustic piece of art you are so talented and creative live all your transformations????????????????????????????????
Renae says
So beautiful! You are amazingly talented.
Dani apotta says
You always find the best stuff! I love how they turned out! Fantastic!
Leslie says
These lamps look amazing! I wish I had your eye for things…..what they could be!
Treasures_Resurrected says
These are gorgeous ???? You are so talented! It is so much fun waiting and watching the process of each transformation. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new home ❤️
Gail says
Love what you have done. Totally transformed the lamps into original pieces. I look forward to your posts as l find your style so natural and interesting.
Congratulations on the new house. I am for one excited to see what you with the transformation!♥️
Tamara_r3 says
I’ve been looking for a pair of affordable lamps for a while now. Time to stop the online search and head to thrift stores. I can’t believe how good these look!
Kathy says
Oh Natalie, why do I ever doubt you?! They are gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. It’s the artist in you than can have these visions and create such amazing results. Thanks for sharing it all so generously with us. ❤️
Kathy M says
Oh Natalie, why do I ever doubt you?! They are gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. It’s the artist in you than can have these visions and create such amazing results. Thanks for sharing it all so generously with us. ❤️
Lynn Hodgeman says
Absolutely perfect! Love your work!!!
JC says
I so enjoy your blogging projects. These are A-mazing! Yes, I have been looking for two lamps just like this for my dining buffet and they are about $300. to $400, or more, a piece! These came out gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration! I will keep my eye out for ugly lamps to turn beautiful like yours.
Laura Thompson says
I really love how Inspiring you are. I look so forward to seeing what you’re going to do next. You have me wanting to start refinishing some of my furniture. Thanks for the inspiration!