Lamp Loveliness

This is another one of my finds from the fabulous estate sale. The one where I regret not buying more. I got this on day 2 and so my $5 lamp cost me a whopping $4. It's hard to tell from this shot but it's pretty darn tall. How could I pass that up for $4? I could not.

The wiring was pretty old and looked like it was covered in fabric. It originally had two bulbs with a brass fitting. I'm not sure what the shade would have looked like but it's getting a new and bit more modern one put on.

The base is 14" in diameter and pretty scuffed up. But I loved the shape of it. So, I thought I could try to make it beautiful again.

The socket just unscrewed. No, my knuckles are not hairy. My husband did the wiring.That whole socket is going to be replaced with a 3 way socket. I guess I could have reused that one but I really like 3 ways. Lamps that is.

Here it is with the new wiring threaded through. He attached the end of the wiring with blue tape to some stiffer wire to help it thread easier through the base and out the top. Now, if it was me I would have just taped it to the old wiring before pulling it out. But whatever. I let him do it his way.

Then I had to use a little wood glue and some clamps. The pole was split, which I split even more while getting it into the car. But having it it two pieces did making threading the wire easier. I let it dry overnight.

I gave it some sanding. I was trying to smooth out some rough spots and then I filled a couple of gouges that were bugging me. Always sand last with something fine so that you have a smooth finish to work with. I put on about 3 coats of creamy white paint. This was a Lowe's color that I was wanting to use up because this little sample can was getting cruddy. The name has the word tequila in it, funny how I remember that.

After all that painting what did I do? I sanded it yet again. Here and there. Sometime too much here so then I would go back over it with the tequila and lightly dry brush it so it was more subtle. Because there was still some dents and rough spots I figured I should just go with it. I then mixed some of light tan color that looks like melted chocolate ice cream with some glaze. This is the best way to get a sheer color. It gives you time to work with it and if you don't like it, wipe it off.  I then added some burnt umber at the end and dabbed it in the little crevices. I wasn't crazy about how the base looked in the picture below. So, once again I went over it lightly with more tequila. There is no science to it. It's all matter of what you like and that is why this is forgiving. Just keep your colors handy and go back and forth. I like to let each layer dry so that it doesn't get muddy but I wasn't working with dark colors so it wasn't bad if I rushed it a bit.

This is what I wanted. Sheer color and some sheen.

I'm leaving the plastic on the shade until I decide if I like it. I love the shade. It has a nice nubby texture. I feel like it's still too small and I was hoping for some opinions. The lamp is just so tall. Ignore the dead leaf in the corner. I'm not having a green thumb lately on my indoor plants.

So, what do you think? Bigger shade?

Update: I just wanted to add that I have been looking all day online for a extra large shade that doesn't cost a gazillion dollars. I found this one from Pottery Barn. Bottom 17", top: 14", height: 10.5. Opinions?? Not big enough? Too white? If anyone has an idea on where to look please let me know. Thanks so much!

I am linking up with:
Meridian Road Re-do Private Party

Domestically Speaking Power of Paint Party