$5 Friday {Thrifty Lamp to Vase}

$5 Fridays are back! We haven't done one of these for a while now, huh? Well, today I've been on a spray-painting kick and I got a few projects done. This is one of my thrift store finds from the winter... this old lamp has just been sitting in my closet collecting dust:

I have been looking for a larger accent piece to add to my mantel, and I think this will do just the trick! I scored this beauty for $2, and wanted to find a funky lamp shade and get it working as a lamp again. With all the old hardware, I decided it would be more functional {and beautiful} as a vase...

Here's what I did:

{1} First, I cut the cord at the top and pulled out all the lamp stuff {2} then I gave the lamp base a good cleaning.... it was pretty gross! {3} I sprayed it with a coat of KILZ primer and {4} Krylon White Gloss {5} Already looking so much better.... {6} Finally, I added the finishing touch. A stem of purple orchids I found (at the same thrift store) for $1.50!

Turned out pretty great for less than $4... I'm really loving the texture!

Here it is sitting on my mantel with another little surprise...

Do you see my new frame?? It's the Eleanor frame from Poppyseed Projects! I don't know if you guys can tell from this picture, but it is huge! That family picture is a 16x20, and the finished size of the frame is 29x34 inches. It is so beautiful in person. I will be posting more pictures of this frame, and another darling plaque I created from Poppyseed next week. I can't wait to share it with you guys!! Here's one more look at the before and after of my lamp:

My new vase is a perfect white accent for my mantel. I love cheap, easy projects :) Happy Friday everyone!

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