My latest lamp makeover (well, re-makeover) is a great reminder that I have to love what I make.
When I first got this lamp, it looked like a hunk of butcher block that was turned into a lamp. It was well made, but just sort of weird. When my business was dubbed as a” decorative painting and mural business”, I felt like I had to paint everything and add decorative painting to everything, which meant that I forced a lot of decorative painting where it just didn’t work. So, I painted this lamp white and then painted circles in different colors along the front side of it.
It sat unsold in the shop for over a year and I wasn’t proud of it. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t me and I would never have it in my own home. I knew this lamp had potential, so I took it home and started over. My business is now an “antiques and home decor business”, so I don’t feel boxed it. I can just go with my gut.
Some French sheet music and a velvet ribbon trim added to the shade was just what it needed. Now, I’m proud of it. Now, I would have it in my home. Now, it’s me.
This lamp is a reminder for me to stay true to my style. And, you know what? It already sold.
Have you ever given something a makeover and then realized it didn’t represent your taste at all? Did you pitch it or give it a re-makeover?
25 Responses
I did! I painted a bedside table with a super punchy colour that I loved…but I was feeling a bit lazy and left it at that. My pieces with pretty paper detailing always sell better so I went back and added something special. It sold within two days…those are the lessons we need to learn!
XO
Lenore
I constantly do that!! I wish I didn't cause it drives my hubby nuts! 🙂 I make or decorate personalized picture frames as my little business and I will at times be done with one, hate it and start over. I want my frames to be the best, to be something that I would buy and so far so good! You are right when you have to like what you are doing and that piece has to feel "right". I loved the lamp before and I love it better after! it is just my style! 🙂
It is a difficult lesson to learn to make for yourself and not what you perceive might sell in a market. I think when it comes from within it melds together beautifully and it shows.
But I do struggle with that issue even when I know it!
I've got a "lamp" too. I got it at a thrift store…my plan was to copy something I'd seen online. It still just isn't me though. I returned the lamp shade today. Maybe I just need to scrap it or redo it again. sigh.
That happens all too often for me, and yet the real problem is that I'm not sure what my style is….lol. I like vintage, with a ranch or farmhouse feel, but a touch of elegance is needed here and there, and then the rustic northwoods appeals to me as well. Thus, I haven't settled on what my soon to be remodeled kitchen and living room will look like. Who knows, I can see gleaning some good ideas here that can pull it all together. 🙂
Sheryl
Funny thing…I just posted a bedside table that I painted white, then painted black, put asked for other ideas. If you can help please leave your comment at http://oneofmeiscrazy.blogspot.com
thanks for any ideas anyone has!
yep. Kinda feeling that way about my living room right now. I struggle with the accessorizing shelf thing. My biggest piece is really taunting me right now that it just isn't right. Tryin to pick a day to really focus on it- but for now, I get what you're saying!!! The lamp is lovely- glad it sold for you!
What a fun makeover!
Doesn't just about everything look better in sheet music? I think so : )
It's funny…..I just took a few accessories home from my space to "make them over". They haven't sold and I just felt like they needed "somethin different". Hope it works as well as your lamp.
Cori
Starview Sonnet
I've created things with others in mind, and I never end up loving em! I've done many things over many times as I've narrowed in on what my style really is.. Great post, I can totally relate, and love the lamp re-do.
Omg shut up!!! I love it you certainly do have creativity running thru your veins!!! That sounds kinda Halloweenie. Well whatever love it want it!!
While I don't do home decor for other people, I find that this lesson is true as an artist in general…
Sometimes I see a style I love, and I want to play with it. Well… that's fine. We all need to "think outside the box" sometimes, right? But when it comes to the things I sell, I find there's no spirit in something I create that I don't really love. And it shows…
I guess if folks like our work, then it's the "us" in it, they like, and if we take that out, it's just not our unique style, and collectors aren't interested.
Good lesson!!!
I've re-done several of my own things, that's for sure!
Just recently I painted a ceiling medallion….three times!!! I just didn't like what I did the first two times and had to re-do it. Now I like it!
Yep, I've done that. I'm working on a wall shelf right now that wouldn't sell. I kept looking at it and thinking something wasn't right and that I didn't like it!
So, it's getting a makeover right now.
I really like what you did with the lamp. It is more your style and I can see why it has sold. Great idea with the sheet music.
hugs
Sissie
I'm learning the hard way too. I attempted a paint and paper treatment that wasn't me on a table I didn't even LIKE. 🙂 I ended up nearly paying someone to take it off my hands.
Stay true to you. I just had that conversation with a friend today in fact.
Cool lamp. 🙂
Donna
Yay! Great lesson learned!
Love it now. I don't think the circles would do it for me either. It is fabulous with the sheet music. Gorgeous. Hugs, Marty
So true!!! I remind myself of a little saying every single day…ALWAYS BE TRUE TO YOURSELF!! I apply it to every aspect of my life.
Love the lamp with the pages! It's perfect!
Table and Chair really make the scene too! smiles.
UGH! I have a drop leaf table sitting in my shop right now that has been sitting for a LONG time. The paint job is just kind of blah..You've inspired me once again…I guess I'll go get it and start over:) It's a Duncan Phyfe drop leaf table with brass feet if anyone has any suggestions! I am all for them!
Blessings,
Kelli
I am about to tackle a headboard and I just can't decide what to do with it! I am certain that it will be re-done several times! I love the lamps new look. Not surprised it sold so quickly, it's you now.
What a unique table, why are the legs like that? I have never seen a table like that before.
Love the lamp redo! I'm a decorative painter and it's a secret guilty feeling when I love a wall with just a nice neutral or leave something unadorned. So many go over the top, you know? 🙂 Are you sad it sold after you loved it so? Oh — and yes, I've done redone some projects and been so happy with the sequel. Great post!
The makeover on this lamp is perfect! I can see why it sold. I have a dresser that I worked on and it just doesn't sing. So I am planning to re-do it very soon! Ha!
Hugs
SueAnn
I painted a side table this past summer, and while it's pretty and white I think it needs a little something. I plan to make it over, but I'm not sure how yet. Pretty painted flowers? A bit of wear and some stain? I just can't decide.
If I do something to sell that isn't totally me it's usually an experiment or a new technique I've been wanting to try. Usually the only painted furniture that sells in my store is Shabby Chic white so I stick with that if I want something to sell but that gets boring…QUICK! I can usually tell what will sell quickly because I want to keep it. But then again alot of things don't sell that I think "they're crazy not to buy that!" So who knows…thats why I just try and stick with what makes me happy to create. I am glad to hear that some things do stick around in your shop for over a year and it's not just me!! I'm rambling………thanks for your post so we can see you are "real" like the rest of us.
xoxo
Lisa