While at a yard sale last summer, I came across something unusual. I found a heavy, dense cylinder with a raised pattern consisting of strange, symmetrical shapes and nubbins all over it. It had holes on each end and someone had attached a lamp base to the bottom.
Definitely something unique.
Intrigued, I asked the owner if she could tell me anything about these one-of-a-kind, heinous-yet-filled-with-potential lamps.
She said years ago, her father-in-law lived in Sweden and worked at a wallpaper plant. They used these cylinders, dipped in dye, to print the pattern on the wallpaper.
I was intrigued and paid her the $2 asking price.
I started remaking them by spray painting them turquoise. Since they had so many grooves, nooks, and crannies, it took several coats to hit all the spots.
I also spray painted the base a bright gold before setting-off on a mission to find some the perfect lampshade. I found some plain white shades the right size and then taped off the chevron pattern with 3M Painters tape. After the taping was complete (cough … took a lot longer than I expected), I spray painted them with several coats of the same gold.
Back to the cylinders … I then took my trusty Dremel, with a sanding attachment, and sanded down the raised pattern parts so that the original gold metal beneath would show through. I then reassembled and topped them with the new chevron shades.
I thought they turned out really cute! I love that they have a story behind them, and that I had the privilege of saving them from the landfill.
Plus, no matter how hard you look, you’ll never, ever find another pair like these!
Absolutely awesome Shanna and I just love the story behind them
it always makes you wonder how they make wallpaper now I know!!
Where the keepers or did you sell them?
How much are you listing them for?
Well done my friend.
Those are so cool!!
Thank you my friend!
They are very cool. Before you put them back together, did you see if they would work by stamping something! Maybe you could stamp the pattern on some curtains?
Sadly I did not Susan. That is a great idea though! I have one other set of them so I might have to give it a try!
Not gonna lie – those turned out way better than I was thinking they would. All the in-process pictures looked like a hot mess. 🙂 Love the final result, though!
Thanks Sarah! I agree they were U-G-L-Y in the beginning. I’m glad you like the end result!
Amazing!!!
Once again, one person’s junk has been turned into treasure!
These lamps turned out gorgeous! You have a good eye. Love the chevron lampshades too. I think I may need some gold around my place soon 😉
Thanks so much Sherry! The taping on the shades did take a lot of time but I think it was worth it!
I really love this. What a great find and what a creative mind you have to create something gorgeous out of it. Are you planning on keeping them or selling them?
If I had any place at all in my house for them I would totally keep them, but sadly I do not so they will be going on craigslist soon.
Love these so much! I’m very jealous of your talent. You make everything look so beautiful!
Wow! What a beautiful transformation, you’ve done it again. I love blue and gold together.
Jeannie
L-O-V-E
I want to buy these lamps. How can I buy them?
Hi Shanna,
I found you on the Craft-O-Maniac Party. I’m your newest follower via G+. I would love for you stop by and check out my blog Fluster Buster I also host a party at 6pm on Tuesday’s Fluster’s Creative Muster and would be thrilled if you linked up this post.
Hugs, Smiles and Blessings,
Robin
Thanks for following Robin! I’m going to check out your blog right now!
You are so lucky. I have been looking for some wallpaper rollers for several years. They make wonderful printed fabrics as well as paper.
They are unique but I really really like them…..wow good paint job also detailing the the raised design. 🙂
Thanks Sharon! I like things that are a little out of the box!
DANG i love this! GOOD job, looks so high end like west elm or something 🙂 Visiting from thrifty 101. Glad I found your cute blog!!
This is so awesome. Love your work…
Thanks so much Shrunti! Have a great weekend and please stop by again!
What a great project!
Cheers,
Char
http://1epicmom.com/2013/03/14/cruising-with-kids-series/
Thanks Char! Have a great weekend!
you are amazing! You are so creative! Thank you for sharing your lovely blog at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop xo
Just letting you know that I featured your amazing project today. Thanks for sharing it on The Inspiration Board and have a wonderful weekend.
http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-inspiration-board-link-party_15.html
wow! What a wonderful find… and I love how your repurposed them! Little Bit p.s. I’m pinning this onto my repurposing board.
Thanks so much! I hope you come back by again!
Newest follower here! I found you through the blog hop. You have a super cute blog, I can’t wait to read more. You can find me at meandmr.com
-Melanie @meandmr.com
Thanks for following Melanie!
These are awesome! Wish I could find some wallpaper rollers. 🙂
Thanks Crystal!
These are beautiful! You were smart to pick them up … and at $2?! That’s a steal if I ever saw one. It’s great inspiration for sure.
Thanks for sharing! I’m hosting a giveaway over at my blog. Feel free to check it out and enter. I have a lot of great goodies up for grabs.
Have a great week!
http://cloverandmustard.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorites-giveaway.html
Thanks so much Michelle! My husband thought I was crazy when I brought those home! I signed up for your giveaway and liked you on FB!
LOVE LOVE LOVE these. They are beautiful!!!
Thanks so much Jess!
I have to say I love how those lamps turned out, you must have had a vision how you wanted them. They are incredible, great you have another set to stamp with. The old ways of doing things weren’t so bad, just different with more work involved. Nothing that harm a person but to learn from, hopefully. What a fabulous find, lucky you. When you use them to stamp with hope you’ll show how it turned out.
Happy week
beautiful job! love your vision here!
What a cute project!! Visiting from Cupcakes & Crinoline
You have a great eye! They turned out great. I love them.
These lamps are seriously too cool!!! I love the story behind them!! The colors you chose look so great together! And you’re right nobody else will have these lamps, truly original! I would love it if you would link them up at Sweet Inspiration Link Party that starts on Friday and runs until Tuesday! Hope to see you there!!