What’s up, Doodlers? I bought this rooster lamp more than a year ago and quickly gave it a makeover. Ha! You’re not believing that, are you? Umm, I just finished it this weekend.
The lovely before- dusty and decidedly not-my-style:
After cleaning, I taped off the cord and socket, then primed with Rust-Oleum gray primer.
White paint, glaze, and clear spray varnish completed the makeover of the lamp base. But what to do about a shade? Failing to find a shade the right size (and price) was one reason I took so long getting this project done.
Last week, I came across this basket at a thrift store and thought it just might work.
I clipped and removed a couple of rows of the rattan from the bottom-turned-top to allow heat to escape when the lamp is on.
I needed to drill a hole at the center in order to thread the basket onto the harp. A quick dry brushing of white paint, a coat of clear spray varnish, and the rooster lamp makeover is complete.
A basket lamp shade- I think it works, don’t you?
EDITED TO ADD: As a reader pointed out, using a basket for a lamp shade could possibly be a fire hazard. Though I removed some of the wicker in order for heat to escape, there is always that possibility. So, if you decide to try this, just be aware of the potential hazard.
Doodles,
Partying here:
Savvy Southern Style, WhisperWood Cottage, One Project Closer
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Hey, I'm Sheila, and I'm so glad you're here! Stick around for a doodle of fun, faith, and furniture. Want to learn more? 
Precious! What a clever idea to use a basket for a shade! You always inspire me with your ideas! Your lamp is so cute now!
Betsy@coastal-colors recently posted..Taking A Break
This is cute, Sheila! That rooster looks so much better painted! That’s a good thing to remember when we find things like that in yard sales or thrift stores. A little bit of paint can make a big difference.
I ADORE that! We have the real thing out back…so I’m a little crazy about anything “chicken” right now.
I will have to keep my eyes open for a wild colored chicken lamp. 
That snazzy basket shade is great too! Yay/yay! k.
Love the painted lamp. So much more up to date. Paint is such a simple solution to update older items. The basket works well as a shade.
I think it works very well! Funnily enough I also liked it as the primer colour but the original look was UGLY, I would never have given it a second look but it looks so sweet now.
Mel recently posted..Let’s Play – Wardrobe Door Makeover
Love, love, love it Sheila!….what a terrific idea … the lamp looks fantastic! Have a great weekend!
Shirley@housepitalitydesigns recently posted..Vintage Watering Can in the Dining Room!
<3 <3 <3 it!!!! Great idea and super cute! How do you dry brush? Thanks. :<)
Thank you, Nancy! For this project, I just worked a tiny amount of paint into the brush and lightly brushed over the basket. I wanted some of the dark to show through, so I didn’t want to get paint down into the grooves. Just keep going over it a little at a time until you have the amount of coverage you want. I forgot to mention in the post that I also sprayed a clear varnish over it to protect it. I’ll edit that now.
Hey Sheila, Just wanted to let you know this will be featured tonight on the blog. Plus we are starting a fun new giveaway!
The lamp looks so much better painted, and the basket as a lampshade looks very nice. However, I’m concerned it might be a fire hazard. There’s no place for the heat from the bulb to escape, and fires have been caused by thinner things than wicker draped across the top of shades. Don’t risk losing your house to a fire; cut out most of the top of that basket for safety’s sake.
Thanks so much, Rebecca. I did remove some of the wicker at the top in order for heat to escape. Maybe I should have removed more! I’ll edit my post to reflect the caution.