Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Gone with you, you nasty, ugly, flying-saucer light fixture!!!

When we were looking at this home to purchase, there were so many things I loved....the list went on and on. But, this ugly light fixture over the island in the kitchen,

was absolutely not one of them. It reminded me of a pair of flying saucers hovering over the evening's family-style dinner buffet! ICK!!! Ballard Designs and many blogs inspired me to create custom lighting with a simple drum shade. There are a million tutorials out there on how to create a custom shade, but I'll add mine and be number one-million and one! This project is easy-peasy and can be super cheap!!

Step one:
Find a shade in the size and shape you desire. Find a fabric that coordinates with your room style. You can get shades everywhere! Garage sales, Habitat ReStore, Goodwill, your own attic or basement.... I got this one new at IKEA because I loved the shape and it already had all the wiring for mounting into the ceiling. I realize I could go to the trouble of mounting my own custom shade, but for $30.00, I couldn't do much better.



Step 2:
Cut fabric and begin adhering fabric to the shade.
I chose burlap (which I am in major love with right now). It is a messy little monster, but well worth the outcome in my coastal-inspired home. I allowed for an extra inch at the top and bottom portion of the fabric so that you can fold it over to make a nice finished edge. Hot glue worked well as the adhesive for this material, but spray adhesive (which you must move quickly with) would probably work better with a cotton, twill or muslin-type fabric. Next, I glued and glued and glued! I took my time, making sure to get every detail as perfect as I could. Luckily, burlap is a bit forgiving!



Step 3:
Check it over for mistakes
perfection and then get ready to mount. You'll need some helpers for this part if you are mounting into the ceiling. Make sure the power is shut off at the breaker. Remove the old, very ugly, fixture and replace it with the brand new, beautiful and amazing, work of art that you created with your own two hands!!! Once it is wired and mounted in place, turn the electricity back on and admire the new glow in your room!





I liked it so much, I made TWO! One for the breakfast nook as well. I hope you love them as much as I do! I still glow everytime I see them!!! Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

I linked up to these fab blog parties:





Somewhat Simple




Furniture Feature Fridays


Monday, November 14, 2011

Simply Thankful

For Thanksgiving, it is important to me to create a soft, sweet and romantic tone for the centerpiece of our great room. I feel it best to place an emphasis on what the Thanksgiving season is supposed to convey. I went with a minimalistic and understated approach hoping it would sing to you as it does to me. Everyday I try to remain grateful for the amazing people in my life. I am blessed with many gifts, talents, blessings and soul riches by my gracious Heavenly Father. I am, and will forever be, simply "thankful". xoxoxo






I linked up to the following awesome!!! blogs:

Home Stories A2Z