Welcome to the very first
Great Dollar Store Challenge.
Each month, a new Dollar Store item will be chosen, and then I will
issue a challenge to all Bloggers to create something one-of-a-kind
with their own unique spin.
This month’s Co-Hosts for this event are:
Tammy with Deja Vue Designs
Jane and Leo with Cottage at the Crossroads
Christy with Our Southern Home
and Sheila with Plum Doodles
Please make sure you stop by these lovely blogs and say hello.
This month’s item:
Now, let’s get on with the Challenge.
We can’t wait to see what you have created.
I wanted to make a cute little lamp for my new Sitting Area.
I have had this project on my mind for some time, so this was
the perfect time to give it a try.
My very cute and extremely helpful assistants offered me some
expert, techincal advice.
My Senior Creative Director, Roo – tested the shade for durability.
And, Caity – Assistant Director of Cuteness – made sure I had plenty
of Valentine Candy hearts on hand.
These are the supplies we gathered…
I already had several of the $1 Glass Candleholders on hand.
I mean, who doesn’t own a few of these?
I bought a $10 Glass Jar Lamp Kit at Lowes (10% off),
as well as, some quick-drying adhesive. ($2.69)
*( I will talk about this adhesive further down)
The only other purchase was a Martha Stewart stencil at
Michaels for $3.49.
(I used my 40% off discount coupon.)
I had the rest of the supplies:
Small Lampshade
(I took off of an unused lamp)
Craft Paint
Stencil Brush
Twine
Decorative Craft Keys
I started by using the adhesive to secure all three candleholders
together. The adhesive says it works well with all surfaces, including
glass, with a 10-minute drying time.
Um…double negative.
After 10 minutes it still had not set. After 15 minutes I was losing
patience. At the 20-minute point, I wiped off the adhesive and
hot glued them together.
Next, I stenciled the shade.
Honestly, stenciling could not be any easier. The secret is to not have
too much paint on your brush. You want a “dry brush.”
I simply peeled of the self-adhesive words, and placed them on the
shade where I wanted them.
Then, some blue paint dabbed on very carefully, and when the
small stencil was pulled away…
Cuteness.
I just kept sticking on the stencils and adding more words until the
entire shade was covered.
I used the stencil brush to paint the shade’s edging.
Next, came the wiring for the lamp.
The package has pretty basic instructions. This part is a piece of
cake so don’t be intimidated by it. Just read the directions carefully.
The kits came with several couplers in different sizes, depending on the
opening. This is what will hold the lamp mechanics in place.
As a final touch, I decided to add a touch of rustic with some twine.
I wrapped it around the lamp base in random areas, using a dab of hot
glue to hold it in place.
I also added two little keys.
I think it makes a great addition to our new sitting area.
I may even consider painting it in the future using a glass paint,
but for now – I left it clear glass.
Oh and for the record… one of my Assistants just couldn’t hang
with Grammy.
Crafting is such hard work, ya’ know.
So are you ready to share your own project?
Please make sure you link back to The Everyday Home or one of the
Co-Host Blogs featured above. Also, please make sure you visit the
Dollar Store Challenge Pinterest Board…
Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says
I love it! Great project! And I love your helpers.
View CommentDebbie says
Thanks for hosting! I love a challenge, especially one that involves Dollar Tree 🙂
View CommentDebbie
Confessions of a Plate Addict says
Ingenious, Barb! And your little assistants are such cuties! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentElizabeth @ Southern Color says
I’m obsessed! Such a great/creative idea for Dollar Store candlesticks!! Thanks so much for hosting this linky party 🙂
View CommentJeanie @ create&babble says
Wow! That is awesome Barb, I love that lamp! And your assistants are adorable ; )
View CommentDenyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
Barb! I love the way the lampshade turned out. The lamp is so freaking adorable.!! Great job.
xoxo
View CommentDenyse
Krista @ the happy housie says
Thanks so much for hosting this fun challenge party Barb!! I loved taking part. Your lamp looks amazing!!
View CommentSondra @ Sondra Lyn at Home says
Well, let’s just say I’m sufficiently ‘wowed’!! Great job! {And isn’t being a grammy the BEST?}
View CommentPam @ House of Hawthornes says
So cute. It looks like one of those vintage crystal lamps!
View CommentKathy says
I love what you created, Barbara! Looks wonderful! I look forward to seeing everyone else’s creation! I do appreciate you hosting this fun party!
View CommentKathy
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Oh, my!!! This is perfect! It is a lovely final touch on that Chest that I covet!!! Thanks for iinviting me to co-host the very first party! I’m getting so many wonderful ideas!!! XXOO~ Christy
View CommentSheilaG @ PlumDoodles says
Ooh, great idea, Barb. It’s almost as cute as your little helpers. 🙂
View CommentBetty819 says
This certainly has been a fun and interesting topic to read about..Barb,I’ve never wired a lamp and I’m trying to figure out from your pictures how that cord gets through all the layers of glass candlesticks? Is there a hole in each candlestick or you all have to use a special drill to make a hole for the lamp wire to go through? Maybe a stupid question to creative people but how does one learn if they can’t ask questions? Love the lamp you made..the twine adds so much to it, not ot mention that creative lamp shade.
View CommentBetty819 says
Barb, I just looked back over your tuitorial and noticed the keys you added. I don’t think I’d changed a thing about that lamp..It is beautiful just the way you have it now. Can’t wait to see what next month will bring for the Dollar Store challenge. There are so many creative ladies out there sharing their talents on Pinterest and on the blogs..I enjoy reading them so much and browsing pinterest for ideas and inspiration. Thanks for sharing your talents with your readers.
View CommentBarb says
Hi Betty – its a Glass Jar Lamp Kit so the wiring does not actually go thru the lamp base. The cording sticks out from the section of the electrical part where the on/off switch is. You can’t see the cord coming out in these pics buts its there. 🙂
View CommentDebbie @Dewdrop Gables says
What a great idea, and it looks awesome! I’ve seen a couple blogs I follow doing this and followed a link from Kirb Appeal over here to see what it’s all about…how fun! I’m now a new follower and can’t wait to see what else you’ll be up to.
View CommentDebbie 🙂
Sharon Rexroad's Bringing Creativity 2 Life says
My cat isn’t nearly as helpful as your darling assistants!. Love the look of your finished project but I’ve got the same question as Betty819 — what did you do with the wires????
View CommentBarb says
Sharon, the wiring comes out of the part of the lam that holds the switch. It is a Glass Jar Lamp Kit. 🙂
View CommentDiane @ Vintage Zest says
Omg, this is so funny because I already used those same glass candleholders for a project. Can’t wait to put up a post about it and link up! 🙂
View CommentAnnie says
Please answer question on wiring. Can’t see wire at top of lamp or running through candlesticks. Thanks. Great job
View CommentBarb says
Hi Annie – the wiring comes out from the part of the lamp where the switch is. You just can’t see it in the pic. But its there. 🙂
View CommentTammy...circa-1929 says
How cute..I was wondering how to make a lamp but the thought of drilling through the glass for the cord scared the bejeezus out of me..haha You did an awesome job. Sophie and I enjoyed it and look forward to next months challenge. This thinking outside of the box has actually awakened my creativity again- thank you. I thought it was dead. 🙂
View Commenttammy
Julia@SouthernColor says
Wow…I would have never thought to make a lamp from candlesticks! Genius idea and it looks great on your dresser! Thanks for hosting such a fun linky party!! We can’t wait for next month 🙂
View CommentCynthia says
This came out so great, I love it!! I really like your creative team!!! I can’t wait to get the new house finished so I can be creative again. I miss it so much.
Cynthia
View CommentBetty819 says
I’m still confused on the wiring..I showed my husband who has wired lamps before and he couldn’t figure out how you didn’t have to drill a hole for the wiring..Can we have a tuitorial or show us more detail if that’s not too much trouble for you?
View CommentPat says
Love your lamp! You are so creative!!! Especially envious of your assistants,
View Commentmine are too far away! Excellent tutorial, I might even be able to do it!!
Morena says
I love the colors you chose. This turned out beautifully!
View CommentMelissa says
Great project! I am constantly trying to think of ways to use thise candle sticks. Thank you forsuch a fun challenge.
View Comment