It's no secret that crafting, especially with thrift store finds, is my passion.
And there's no better time to do that than during the holidays.
You can never be quite sure you'll find what you're looking for, when you're looking for it. So when I see things I think I might use in December, I grab them.
Regardless of what the calendar says.
Exhibit A.
Way back in July, I shared these pretty lampshades.
I'd seen people all over the web making Christmas trees out of lampshades and lampshade frames and I was smitten with the idea.
And the minute I spotted these treasures, I knew they'd be perfect.
They were just the right size and shape.
Plus, they had a delicate beaded design that screamed Christmas.
Even though I had to find a place to store them for the last six months, I'm super happy I grabbed them when I did, because honestly, I haven't seen anything like them in the shops since.
And I really, really wanted to make that tree.
Here are a few other Christmas trees I've made over the years:Once, I got them home, I thought a lot about how I was going to transform them into a holiday evergreen.
For months, I considered craft paint and dye, so I could leave the gold beading exposed, but in the end, I went with old faithful.
Spray paint.
I made a creative decision to cover the entire surface in a festive shade, called Forest Green.
A rich, glossy blend of hunter and emerald that immediately felt right.
The monotone tree looked so elegant, way better than expected, that I decided to leave it that way and not fuss with painting over the beads - some of which were tattered and falling apart anyway.
The uniform color hid all the imperfections, so the only thing I noticed was the silhouette of my delicate new tree.
To secure each layer, I did add a bit of hot glue to the inner frames, once I stacked them on top of one another.
While they dried, I dug out the wooden candle holder I found for $1.99 in another shop.
When I purchased it, I had no idea what I was going to use it for, but it had such a unique shape, I took it home.
Turns out, it was the ideal trunk for my newly constructed Christmas tree. It was the right color, height and diameter.
My original plan included adding lights under the shades. I tried both string lights and a battery operated votive candle.
Unfortunately, the glow from inside, exposed the metal framing underneath the mesh and beads and those shadows took away from the outstanding design on the outside of the shades.
So I added lights around the tree instead.
But then it dawned on me that lit or not, trees really belong in a snowy forest, so I set it down in a charming snowbank.
And it looked right at home, paired with two new friends, I recently rescued from from the thrift store.
The lady in the shop said the tree was missing his pepper stopper and she didn't have high hopes that anyone would adopt them.
So I brought him and his salt shaker Santa home to spend the holidays with me.
They were only two bucks, I don't really care for pepper.
 |
| /Salt and Pepper Shaker/ |
Besides, no one needs pepper in a Christmas tree forest.
Especially when it's the DIY kind.
😉
Have you ever made a lampshade tree?
🎄Ho-Ho-Hold on there friends!🎄
Before you go, it's time for another round of the Do It Over Designers Hop...and this month it's all about the holidays.
Just click on the links to see all the pretty projects!
Hey Kim! When I first saw your thrift store lampshades I thought they were adorable and wondered why you would paint them. But they now look gorgeous and very unique as a Christmas tree! What a great idea! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Gail! So funny, at first I thought I was going to leave them as well, but that green just stole my heart!
DeleteOh Kim, how cute your lampshades turned into a Christmas tree turned out! The new little friends look right at home on the snowy scene. You’re so creative!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kitty! I adore that new Christmas pair. They really are too cute for words.
DeleteWhen you said spray paint I just couldn't imagine how that was going to work but it looks amazing! And that stand is just perfect as a trunk. What a great upcycle of some tired and dated little lampshades.
ReplyDeleteHaha...I know! I was crossing my fingers during this process myself. I really wasn't sure if it was going to work out the way I saw it in my head! I'm so glad it did!!
DeleteI'm not a pepper fan either; it's makes me sneeze up a storm to which Hubs always jokes 'not enough pepper' lol.
ReplyDeleteYour tree is so charming Kim! I love that you spotted those shades 6 months ago, scooped them up at the thrift store, and kept them tucked away for this moment. Such creativity and planning!
Thanks so much, Sara! I'm glad I spotted them, too. It was a lucky find and I'm very happy that my idea worked out. As far as that pepper goes, sounds like our hubs would get along fine! Haha!!
DeleteI love your lampshade Christmas tree, Kim. The forest green is a beautiful color and the wooden candle holder is the perfect trunk...Santa says!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ann! I'm super happy that Santa approves. That makes me evern happier. 😉
DeleteVery clever - I would never think to spray paint a shade! Love this idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Patti! It was gamble, but one I'm glad I took. ☺️
DeleteHi Kim!
ReplyDeleteI've had something crazy happen. I checked my blog feed and there was a bunch of posts from you. I thought how strange it was that you would put them all up in one day. But when I got here, I see you posted them some time ago and I am just now seeing them. So - I haven't been ignoring you and am now catching up.
This shade tree is so cute! The color is perfect and so is the wooden candle holder for the trunk.
I've never heard of paint insets before. I like what you did with it, but I am sure I would mess them up if I tried it.
The Ikea desk turned out so perfectly cottage cute! I would have never thought it started out Ikea if I'd just seen it.
Now, I'm hoping my blog feed works so I don't miss your posts anymore.
Hi Mari! You know, I've had that happen sometimes, too, when I check my roll. Suddenly there are lots of posts from one person. Blogger is a fickle friend. I really appreciate you taking the time to catch up! That's very sweet of you! ❤️
DeleteI'm glad you liked the lampshade tree and my Ikea desk makeover. I had fun with both of them. The paint inserts were definitely a different story. Haha! I do plan on trying again, I think I could make them work with more practice! We'll see...☺️
Wow Kim what a creative upcycle, very unique.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Anita! I had fun with this one.
DeleteThat is adorable, Kim....and the base is just perfect. The color is just right. I bet it was disappointing to not be able to put the lights inside. What about fairy lights on the outside? The wires are so delicate the would barely show.
ReplyDeleteYour little shakers are the perfect addition! Happy upcoming Thanksgiving. xo Diana
That's a great idea, Diana! I have a tons of those lights. I should give it a try. A little sparkle is always an upgrade! xo
DeleteVery pretty Kim. You have such a good eye to see something new out of something old. Painting the shades to make a Christmas tree looks great. Love the little shakers. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kris! I do love my little shakers. They're a very sweet pair!! xo
DeleteWhat a beautiful & clever idea! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThank you, Briana! I wasn't sure about it, but it turned out much better than I expected.
DeleteThis is such a perfect tree Kim, I love this idea. The base you found was the icing on the cake, your forest is adorable - my great grandmother collected salt and pepper shakers so I think it is just fine not to use them, just decorate with them. :) I would have never thought to use spray paint, it was the perfect choice and color. Now I am going to be thinking about spray paint for fabrics and sequins.
ReplyDeleteSo funny, Cara, I collect them, too, and I honestly don't think I've ever used them for anything but decor. Haha! And the spray paint was a lucky hunch...I'm glad it worked out!
DeleteI have never heard of a lampshade tree. I love the color green, and I think it looks adorable with those sweet Christmas salt and pepper shakers.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Betsy! I've seen different ones on Pinterest and wanted to give it my own spin. I'm glad you like it!
DeleteI've never made a lampshade tree, but this one sure is cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Gina! It was so easy and next year I might embellish it more.
DeleteYour lampshade Christmas tree turned out well.
ReplyDeleteI do like your new little friends ... perfect for the season of course :)
All the best Jan
Thanks so much, Jan! I like my little friends, too. They were a bargain and they fit right in.
DeleteI have never made a lampshade. I do like yours.
ReplyDeleteIt all is very festive and I love good thrift finds. :-)
Thanks Carla! This one is a hit around here. I'm glad you like it, too!!
DeleteI don't have creative talent, but I love to see the creativity of those who do. This is beautiful and amazing. Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada ❤️ 😊 🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Linda! I'm so glad you popped by with so many sweet words...and all the way from Canada! I hope you'll come back!
DeleteThat is adorable! I would never have thought of turning lampshades into a tree.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Joanne! It was a new one for me, too!
DeleteKim, this is such a unique Christmas tree! What a great idea for using lampshades to make it. I love the cute s/p shaker.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.
Thanks so much, Julie! I have to say I love this little tree and those shakers. They make me smile!!
DeleteHi Kim...what a very clever idea and it turned out so cute. Makes me want to make one and surprise my friends when they come over next week..They won't believe I made a tree like this..
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Shug! I say go for it! I know it would be lovely!! It was very easy and my friends came over the day after I published this post to see my tree. 🌲
DeleteThese are so pretty, Kim. I desperately need new lampshades, but on a much larger scale, and I don’t have the confidence to attempt something like this on my own. Still, I really admire those who do.
ReplyDeleteI bet you could make a fabulous tree, Pattie! I say give it a try with your lovely large lampshades.
DeleteHi Kim! This is such a cute idea that I have never seen! The lampshades and candlestick holder were perfect for this DIY! Enjoy your sweet new tree!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Donna! It was really fun to make and a cute new addition to my holiday decor.
DeleteWHAT!!! Oh my gosh! This is honestly soooo cute but elegant! I love it! I'm so going to have to copy you!!...dang it, like I needed one more "thing to look for at thrift stores!" ...hahaha!
ReplyDelete