Glass Thrift Lamp Revamp - Wood Stain & Why

A few months back while out thrifting, I spotted a lamp. I let it go, but couldn't stop thinking about it. Chancing it, I went back to the thrift place (Faith Farm- Ft. Lauderdale), and it was still there. When I see stuff like that, I take it as a "sign" (it was meant to be!)and get it. What made it even more spectacular though was it was 1/2 off that day - so it was only $5. I had shy-ed away from it because it was blue, but I loved its shape and look. I thought I'd probably find some way to change its color, but keep the look and I did. Paint would have been too opaque - It would have highlighted the texture - but not let the glass peek through the hatching. Using a wood stain in ebony did the trick!

Loved the bamboo detail, and the glass peeking through the hatching...

Using the wood stain - it captured the texture, but not the glass...

The only thing is: I guess because the humidity is high in South Florida, it takes a while for wood stain to dry. Having the ceiling fan on helped...

I also had painted the shade - I did take a few pics, but it was with the other phone that was giving me trouble. I spray painted it, and it looked like a solid black linen shade when the light is off... but when the light is on, it has an amazing textured / worn look....

The little B&W vase in the back corner I picked up thrifting in Ft. Lauderdale, probably back in March; it was only $2. The table it's on I thrifted back in the 90's for my apartment. It originally was all light wood _ironically as light as the Ikea baboo platters I hung behind it!). It was such a good price (only $9) and I needed a table, I bought it and painted it two toned. I painted the bottom black, and just used Old English furniture polish to make the top a little darker. It's been with me for about 12 years. It could probably use a quick coat of stain on the top...

Both stacked books were gifts: The bottom book is actually the box cover to the Ralph Laren book my old boss gave to me when I set the launch for American Living (by RL) for the store. The top book, our previous neighbors gave to me after we had a garage sale about 2 years ago...

The thrill of thrift... mixing old and new for a little afternoon redux...

So that's my "Wood Stain and Why" and so glad I gave it a try!

(I think it's going to be my next "go to" remedy for a redux.)

 Thanks for stopping by!