Light it up!

A while back, my Father In-law gave me a white Ikea lamp that someone had given him...I wasnt sure what to do with it, so it sat in my spare room for a while...I couldn't figure out what to do with it.This is where Facebook comes in. I posted about said lamp, and asked if anyone had any suggestions. And withthe help of a friend, I found the perfect solution.

Here is that solution:

Now that we've established the finished product, lets get to how I got to it.

It all started with this lamp....

Then I tore some pages out of a trashy romance novel that I had....I honestly dont even remember the name of the book!! Then I burnt the edges of the pages with a lighter that I had to steal from my husband - ninja style - Or um, I asked him....he said yes.

After I burnt the edges, I soaked the pages in some water I had some black paint mixed into...to give it a darker 'antique' look. Then layed them out on drying racks to dry up. It took about 30 mins for the pages to dry totally.

Once the pages were dry, I took the plain ole boring lampshade, and started using my trusty mod podge, and gluing the pages to the shade. At the bottom and top I folded it under and mod podged it to the back side of the lamp...pretty easy. If I remember correctly, it took about 12 pages of the burnt paper to totally cover the shade, with much over-lapping.

I did about 3 coats total of mod podge on the shade..letting each coat dry totally inbetween. Then I put a coat of clear coat spray on it, just incase.

I also busted out my best friend...spray paint! I painted the base of the lamp black, to match the 'antique' look of the shade.

Here is the final product:

I love love love love this project.

It turned out much better than I had anticipated, and I cant wait to find somewhere in my house to use it.....so far its just been put back in my spare room...poor neglected lamp.
(potatoes anyone?)