Rain on a Tin Roof

Tag: lighting

Simple Light Fixture Update for Less than $15

Trim + Peel N’ Stick Fabric Tape = A light fixture full of pizzaz all in 15 minutes or less.

There’s this “rule” so to speak in the blogging world that you shouldn’t write a blog post and throw it up there just because you feel like you need to post something. I get that – to a degree. People don’t want their inboxes flooded with crap. Listen, I hit delete on probably 100+ emails a day – I get it.

However, I think that this “rule” has snowballed somewhat and now lots of us feel like every blog post we write should be some detailed tutorial of an elaborate project that you never would have dreamed of before or an in-depth post on all the different types of painting techniques, types of paint, etc. I get that too – those posts are super valuable and awe inspiring sometimes, right?

But what about those simple little projects that you may not see as much of anymore because they aren’t deemed “blogworthy”? What about those little gems that can be tackled in just that wee bit of time that we are able to carve out between school pickup and cooking dinner? We need more of those! Those are often the projects that give us that jump we need to tackle those bigger projects on the weekends, right?

So here’s one of those projects. A simple light fixture upgrade with trim. It’s nothing monumental. It’s nothing that hasn’t been before. But it’s simple, added some pizzaz and took a whopping 10 minutes and costs about $15.

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

The Circus was given a budget for her room makeover. Her paint and any other new items she wanted for her space had to come out of her budget.

She said she wanted a new light fixture.

I said that will take up more than half your budget.

She said never mind.

She’s a penny pincher, y’all.

So I proposed the idea of using trim to run along her current light fixture’s shade as a way to upgrade it without killing the budget. She was in.

We went to Hobby Lobby and I introduced her to the fabric trim aisle. Oh the possibilities, y’all. We were on that aisle for a solid 10 minutes (which is a long time for a kid) trying to decide between a tassel trim, a solid colors pom pom trim, or a tie dyed colors pom pom trim. Just as we were about to get the tie dyed colors pom pom trim cut, she changed her mind once more and ran back for the solid colors pom pom trim.

Serious, life altering decisions, y’all.

We came home and ran some Peel and Stick Fabric Fuse along the bottom edge of the light fixture’s shade, then the trim on top of it. All done in about 10 minutes.

And in the end, she was confident she made the right trim decision. Thank you Jesus.

There’s a sneak peak of the room coming together – guess we should really switch out those Christmas sheets, huh? Real life, folks.

A few other ways we’ve utilized some fun fabric trim around the house…

On the Circus’ shower curtain in her colorful boho bathroom…

On a window cornice in my office…

On an adorable step stool makeover…

And on some storage boxes in my closet…

I promise to be back soon with some elaborate post that will be absolutely mind blowing – or not. 😉

February 10, 2021
How to Make Lamp Tassels in Five Minutes. BOOM.
BOOM.

That is literally what I said after I made one of these lamp tassels and attached it to a sconce in my living room.

It was so easy – it should have been a sin.

Not to mention, it’s pretty sexy too, so that should have made it even more of a sin.

#hubbahubba

Also, I am aware that I just referred to a lamp tassel as sexy. I fully realize I’m not right, y’all.

How to Make Lamp Tassels in Five Minutes

Affiliate links may be contained in this post.
- Two Keychains – preferably one that is a large tassel like the black one pictured above (it came from Michael’s) and one that is something else like the jaguar one pictured above (it came from Loft Outlet). Here are some other ones I found online which could also work…
Unicorn / Fleur de Lis / Eiffel Tower / Peacock / Elephant / Leopard / Wine Glass / Lips
- Package of Small Leather Tassels – I got the Boho ones from Michael’s, these would also work.
- 1 Large Tassel (I had one left over from a tassel garland project from long ago. There’s a link in that post for how to make one or you can buy one like these.)
- Chain Jump Rings
- Lobster Clasps
- Pliers are useful, but not necessary. I used my fingers.
Step 1

Remove the keychain ring from the large tassel keychain. Connect the large tassel keychain and other large keychain together as shown below.

Step 2

Add 1-3 of the chain jump rings and one lobster clasp to two of the smaller tassels as shown below.

Step 3

Attach the smaller tassels to the other two keychains you’ve already put together.

Step 4

Attach a chain jump ring and lobster clasp to the large tassel and attach it to the rest of the tassel behind the other items as shown below.

Step 5

Attach the finished lamp tassel to a lamp by first attaching 1-2 jump rings to the switch on the lamp and then attaching the lobster clasp at the top of the tassel to the jump rings.

Once you get it on your lamp, you might want to adjust how high/low some of the tassels hang. Just add on or take away jump rings as needed. I ended up removing the actual keyring from the jaguar as well once I had it on my lamp.

Isn’t he sexy?

Of course, gnomes are always suggested to add a little sexy flair – ha!

Any lamp tassels in your future?

You are probably going to want to see this too...

DIY Agate Slice Lamp Finial

How to Make Your Own Lampshade and Finial

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March 22, 2016
Lighting for $300 or Less: Chandeliers, Flushmounts and Sconces

There are two things I’ve wanted to tear my hair out over with the renovation of the 70’s Landing Pad – the master bathroom renovation and lighting. Oh wait, I forgot about wallpaper removal. Make that three things. And then there was the paint color selections. Hell, let’s just go on and admit that this whole reno is going to send me to the looney bin sooner than I expected.

Anyway, this post is supposed to be about lighting. To date, I have bought one single light fixture for the 70’s Landing Pad – a lucite chandelier (just like this one) from a local antique store. You guys aided in that purchase by telling me to go ahead and just buy it when we were chatting about the kitchen plans. When I went to go buy it, it was marked down and I got an extra 10% off, so it ended up being $150. Thanks for enabling me, y’all. I am madly in love with it, but can’t decide the best place to put it. Entry? Dining Room? Kitchen?

And then I started looking for lighting for the rest of the house.

And that’s when I lost my shit and preceded to find the nearest corner to go into the fetal position and cry.

Lighting is expensive. Or maybe I should say pretty lighting is expensive. I mean I could just go with the single bare bulb look complete with white ceramic base in every room and it would only set me back $10 each, but where’s the fun in that?

So I scoured the internet. I promise you, there is not a single solitary lighting site (or lighting store within a 100 mile radius) that I haven’t looked for affordable and pretty lighting at.

While I haven’t necessarily set a lighting budget, I knew right off the bat I can’t (nor do I think I could ever bring myself to) spend $800 on a ceiling light – not even a chandelier. In my head, I was looking to spend $300 or less on bigger fixtures – chandeliers, pendants, and flush mount lights. For sconces, I didn’t want to spend anymore than $100. So here is what I’ve come up with…

Lighting for $300 or Less

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Chandeliers & Pendants for $300 or less

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Chandeliers are my weakness. Seriously, if I could put a chandelier, preferably a lucite or crystal one, in every room I probably would. Unfortunately, my pocketbook doesn’t agree with me…nor does Grunt Labor.

1. Acrylic Framework Chandelier, $300 – this one is begging to be put over my kitchen banquette area, no? There is also a larger rectangle version available, but it’s a bit more pricier at $374.

2. Black Geometric Pendant, $196 – this one could also work over the banquette area, although it isn’t quite as glam. It does come in more colors as well.

3. Millau 9 Light Chandelier, $215 – This chandelier gets the best bang for your buck award. It’s huge and only $215. I’m not a fan of the fabric shades on chandeliers because they can be a pain in the butt to clean, but I’m wondering how this one would look without the shades. I’ve got one ordered to find out. Stay tuned…There is also a smaller five light version available for $155.

4. Top Hat Pendant, $94 – this is in the running for the light fixture in the Circus’ room – how fun is it?! A top hat as a light! And now that I think about this, I may just be able to DIY it…hmmmm

5. Nested Pendant, $274 – a bit crazy, a bit glam, but fun.

6. Penn Brass Pendant, $97 – these are smaller sized pendants, so they won’t work well for over a dining table, but are great for islands. The hall bathroom in the 70’s Landing Pad has two pendants on either side of the mirror and I’m thinking these would work perfectly for that space.

7. Geometric Pendant, $80 – also a smaller pendant and now that I look at them more closely, maybe they would work better in the hall bathroom. And this is why I have only purchased one single fixture. I effing hate lighting decisions. Thoughts?

8. Teardrop Chandelier, $129 (on sale right now) – You’ll never believe where this one is from – PB Teen! The store might be geared for teens, but I love a lot of their pieces for myself.

9. Black & White Drum Pendant, $200 – This is another contender for the Circus’ room. I think the stripes give it a “circus” feel, but could also grow with her.

10. Botanica Drum Pendant Light, $300 – I just found this one and think it would be perfect for the kitchen with that pop of green. There’s also a smaller version for $229. See – I can’t make up my mind in the slightest.

Flush and Semi-Flush Mount Lighting for $300 or Less

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1. Bell White Flush Mount, $60 – the award for best bang for the buck in flush mounts goes to this baby. It’s pretty and it’s a hell of a great deal. This light will be gracing the hallway and most likely the master bathroom.

2. Tekoa Semi-Flush, $258 – I’m totally digging the geometric shape of this fixture.

3. Tear Drop Flush Mount, $109 (on sale right now) – another great option from PB Teen. This one may make into our master bedroom.

4. Vega Flush Mount, $249 – this flush-mount is kind of like a chandelier to me – and I like that. A lot. This bad boy is going in my living room at the 70’s Landing Pad.

5. Midtown Vogue, $98 – It does slightly resemble the “boob” lights, but it’s a bit more chic.

6. Cadence Flush Mount, $115 – oh how I wish this one were in brass – it would be a no brainer.

Wall Sconces for $100 or Less

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Shockingly – all of these came from Wayfair. I thought Wayfair was more pillows and accessories and some furniture, had no clue they had such great lighting. By far, their prices on sconces were the best for what I was looking for.

1. Margeaux 1 Light Wall Sconce, $89 – to me, this one has a “bamboo” feel to it. It is also available in a double sconce here. These were a top contender for my master bathroom.

2. The Saber Wall Sconce, $69 – I am 99% sure this is what will end up in the master bathroom.

3. Dunwoody Wall Sconce, $48 – brass may be my first love, but a good shiny chrome is my 2nd.

4. Urban Renewal Sconce, $98 – a brass industrial feel

5. Winston Sconce, $99 – these had me at hello. The only problem was that I was worried they wouldn’t give off enough light with those tiny bulbs.

6. March Sconce, $61 – another pretty chrome option.

7. Chrome Sconce, $66 – and another chrome option.

8. Digby Sconce, $62 – the touch of black with the shade is nice on this one.

We will still need one more sconce for a wall in the den/man cave and I have no clue what will go there yet, but I’m willing to bet it will be one of these.

Ok, what are your thoughts? Which ones do you love/hate/think I should use?

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January 7, 2016
How to Make a Lampshade & Finial (Giddy up, Cowgirl)
I’m usually really good at saying no to impulse buys.

Well, except for when something is on clearance. If its on clearance and I love it, but have absolutely no need for it, its definitely coming home with me.

I have a fabric hoarding problem as well.

Its all just so pretty and colorful and pattern-ful. (That’s totally a word.)

And so when I saw this cowgirl fabric this past spring, I had to have it.

I also had no use for it whatsoever.

Until I found this gold lamp on clearance at Target.

And I didn’t have a use for it either.

But I bought it anyway.

And then I needed a shade.

And then Kiri from i like that lamp sent me a lampshade kit.

And then I thought of the cowgirl fabric.

And then a cowgirl lampshade was born.

And then all was right in the world.

Disclosure: i like that lamp provided me with supplies for this project. However, all opinions and cowgirl fun is 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

How to Make a Lampshade

With this kit, its really easy to turn any fabric into a lampshade! Here’s what you’ll need:
- DIY Lampshade Kit (Mine was the 12 x12 one, there are other sizes available as well)
- Fabric of your choice (I think I used about 1/2 a yard or so. This is a similar fabric to the one I used. It doesn’t look like they are selling mine anymore.)
- Scissors
- An old paintbrush
Steps

Step 1:

Open up your kit and remove the styrene sheet.

It’s wrapped in the tissue paper. 🙂

Lay your fabric facedown on a flat surface. Make sure its free from wrinkles. Remove six inches or so of the backing from the styrene and place the styrene on the fabric (its sticky). Slowly remove the rest of the backing while you are sticking the styrene to the fabric.

Cut out the fabric, leaving an inch or so around all edges except for one short edge.

Step 2:

On the short end where you did leave some fabric overhang, go ahead and glue (the glue is included in the kit) that fabric edge down and over the styrene.

Step 3:

Stand the styrene up and shape it into a lampshade. Use the included clips to hold it in place. Attach more of the clips along the top edges of the lampshade and place one of the rings on top of the clips. If your fabric has a pattern that has a definite “right side up” motif, make sure you place the ring with the finial attachment (center ring in middle) on top. See photo #1 below. Make sense?

Run glue around the edges of your fabric and spread it around good with the paintbrush (#2). Pull the fabric over and under the ring and push it in tight with the wooden stick included in the kit (#3).

When you have one end done, flip the shade over and do the same thing on the other end.

Finally, run glue between the two end edges on the side of the lampshade and push firmly together.

Let it dry well before placing it on the lampshade.

And as if it could get any better than a cowgirl lampshade, how about a horse finial to top it off?

Honestly, I think I may have been more excited about the finial kit than the lampshade because I love finials, but they are so overpriced. The finial kit is only $5. Yep, $5.

All you do is choose a small object to put on the finial, put a bit of super glue (included in the kit) on the gold hardware piece in the kit and stick your object on there. I just spray painted a plastic horse red.

There are many more finials in my future.

Big fan of lamps? Me too. See these then…

How to Make Lamp Tassels in Five Minutes– gorgeous, simple to make tassels to easily dress up those lamps!

DIY Agate Slice Lamp Finial – easy to make agate finials that are loads cheaper than what you’d find in a store!

16+ Lamp Ideas and Makeovers – the ultimate list in lamp makeovers and genius lamp ideas!

Giddy up!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

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October 20, 2014