Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Ever heard that? Many blessings have come my way over the years via folks willing to freely give different items. The list is far too long for me to share it with you. However, today I want to share one of my latest gifts. This free lamp has a story to go with it.
Let me start back at the beginning. A few weeks ago, a local gal posted this set of coffee table and end tables for free.
Because I’ve been looking for a furniture project, I decide to take this one. At the same time, she offers me the lamp above as well making sure I know the feet don’t stay on.
With two of my adult children recently off on their own, I figure if I can’t use it, they can. My son, Isaac helps me load the furniture after a snowstorm and I stash them away for a few weeks.
THE UGH
Last week, in my Life Update #2 (both literal and figurative), I share about my senior cat, Lily. While I thought she was doing fine with no aftereffects. It wasn’t until later on the next day after my post that I see she is not doing well at all. On the only day I have to work on the furniture set outside where it’s somewhat sunny and warm(er) around 26-degrees, I take her to the vet in an emergency visit.
Just after I call to make the appointment, she actually comes out of hiding to go potty outside. When she comes back in, I see clear fluid tined with a bit of blood. She won’t let me touch her again and I anxiously wait for the appointment.
NO GO
So, since I only had about an hour to work on my project, I tried to do what I could with them after giving them a closer look. Not only is this set made of manufactured wood, but it truly going to take more out of me than I have to offer.
First, I start my removing all the squares and rectangle pieces on the tops and legs. That’s when I just couldn’t. I didn’t have it in me to get these done in time and I didn’t care to ever work on them again. I re-posted them back in the group and they got a new home quickly.
snack tucked in the magazine rack. yuck.
Lily’s appointment went well. They found THREE puncture wounds from that jerk cat that I knew attacked her the other day. If I ever see him again!! At the vet visit, they saw she was already healing on her own and they are impressed how well she’s doing for an 11-year-old. After the assessment, she receives an antibiotic and is sent home with me with my nerves shot. Then, the next day, I had an all-day track meet for my daughter’s senior year.
MOVING ON
Enter in today’s fun. This free lamp is dinged up and kinda looks like cheap wood. I’m in the mood for less wood and more soothing feel with it. That means paint. Actually, if it was a hard wood I’d strip it down and leave it natural.
First, I need to disassemble the lamp to tighten up all the loose legs that hang willy-nilly.
Next, I lightly sand down all the wear on the legs, wipe it down, and get ready to apply three coats of a soft white paint.
As the #trashure angels would have it, I recently found this new lampshade at the thrift store for a few bucks. Better than $25 new!
SHINE ON
Last, but not least, here is my free lamp complete with thrifted shade. woot!
I’m not 100% sold on the color of the trim, so that may change, but I want to let it sit awhile and decide. What say you?
Either way, I have a new lamp for a refresh in my home as I change up things here and there. Isn’t it fun how new pillows, drapes, or a lamp can make a huge impact on a room’s vibe?
SHARE
Now it’s your turn. Would you have (1) taken the furniture and kept it? (2) taken the lamp? Let me know in comments below, then pin and share to inspire others to change up their decor.
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I love the lamp! I think for that shade, I would’ve painted the lamp a light beige, but that’s me. I can’t believe your kids are grown ups now. Glad your kitty is on the mend.
Me too. I actually made a tripod lamp a few years ago from a surveyor’s tripod (see HERE). I wanted a contrasting color to the beige shade, so this antique/creamy white did that. I just think the trim is not my color. We’ll see. Thanks!
Love the makeover! If you add a pop of color to go with the trim..maybe a throw or a couple of pillows, might be a new fun look for spring 😊
Thanks so much, Vickie! I like the way you think. I have a “thing” for pillows – making them too.
Why do our pets give us these heart stopping moments?? Mine do it all the time!! So glad your little one is going to be okay. Great job on the lamp!!! Wish you were in NC. My house has sold and we are holding the biggest estate sale I’ve ever seen!!! 😳😱❤️
hahaha!! So we have something to talk about. 😀 I’m so glad she is too. To see her back up in my flower boxes after not being able to jump makes me feel so much better. Thanks on the love! Congrats on the sale! I wish I could too.
I love the refresh of this lamp, Larissa, shade and all! I’m glad Lily is on the mend…it’s so hard when they can’t tell you what’s wrong. And I totally get the need to just let those furniture pieces go. I’m sure it felt like a weight lifted! At least if you find them yourself at the thrift store, you are already seeing potential since you chose to bring them home, but when someone kindly offers things…it can feel like a burden because as you said…you don’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth. XOXO
You nailed it, Christy. Not enough me in the tank at the moment and I needed to be there for my family (both furry and fuzzy). Thanks so much!
Larissa, give yourself HUGE credit you pivoted and focused on what is important. So happy Lily cat is on the mend! She looks super sweet! The lamp turned out lovely and I like the pink band on the shade. Gives it a pop of whimsy! Pinned XOXO
Thank you for getting it. I’m sure you can relate! I like the color too. I’m just doing a different pink in that space soon and it may not gel. We’ll see.
Love the lamp. Not in love with the trim. Maybe dark brown?
Me too! I’m thinking either that or a very subtle blue.
Sometimes the amount of overwhelm is too much. I’m glad you found someone else to take the tables. I’m not good at saying no so I probably would’ve taken them too. So happy Lily is on the mend, I’m sure that takes a great deal of worry off your plate. The lamp is cute. I don’t mind the pink trim but I’m sure the right color will come along if you choose to change it.
It truly is. Many times in my life I’ve had to just let it go and it feels so good. The pink-ish color won’t necessarily match what I’m going to do to update… if I update or if I move. We’ll see. Thanks so much, Niki
So glad your sweet Lilly is doing better! And I totally understand how it feels to just have to move on from a project. Your lamp turned out so cute, just like new! xo
Me too. {{deep breath}} One of those punctures awas a nickel size diameter. OUCH! It wasn’t the first time I just gave something away and pretty sure it won’t be the last. 😉 Thanks so much, Nancy.
I’m with you passing on the furniture, sometimes it just isn’t worth the time and effort. Super cute lamp makeover, I’d change up the trim, the pink distracts the eye. You have such good taste and skills, you’ll figure it out!
Yes, I’ve done the hard pass on many things and someone else enjoys them. A win-win. The trim is more of a red/orange in person, and it goes with some coral things in my home, but I’m changing things up.
Whew. I was glad you were smart enough to say no to the furniture! We treasure-seeker-types have a hard time say no, but you do not have time for that level of commitment now.😵💫 The lamp came out very cute! I’m glad you get to keep it for a fun refresh!
Good intentions and they were next door, so it was worth a try. But… after I saw what they needed… nope. Thanks!
I really like the lamp base, but not the shade. The trim color is off.
Yep, it is not a pink, but a bit more of a salmon or red/orange. I like it.
Love the lamp. Really like the idea of blue trim-I’m not a pink girl. Great call on the furnature-too much work!! Glad yr kitty baby is getting better. Thanks for all the ideas!!
Thanks! I love the trim color, just not on this shade for some reason. Coral is a favorite of mine like in my bathroom. As for the furniture, see ya! haha.