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Transforming a Jurassic Thrift Store Find

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When shopping at thrift and discount stores, it’s helpful if you can learn to think outside of the color and intended of a particular item and see what it can become. Cheese plates can become dioramas. Homemade student desks can become beautiful pieces of furniture. Discarded cake plates can become pedestals for displaying everyday necessities.

I really needed to use my what-can-it-become eye when I spied this dinosaur lamp at one of my local Goodwill stores.

As you know (and are probably so sick of hearing me talk about that you could just scream), I’m in the process of decorating my son’s playroom in a elegant dinosaur theme. Yeah, I know. “Elegant dinosaur” sounds totally fruity, but I’m not into primary colored themed rooms, so this is my way of forcing a playroom to be pleasing to both children and adults.

When I saw the clown-meets-dinosaur lamp, it kind of scared me a little bit. How could it not, right? Then, I started thinking about what I could do with it, and I immediately fell in love. I took it to the cashier and she cheerily said, “Oh, how cute! It just needs to be cleaned up a bit.” I thought to myself, “Um, yeah. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.” I told her I was going to paint it and she gave me a “Oh, thank heavens!” look.

After throwing the too-ratty-to-save shade in the trash, I spray primed the entire lamp with gray primer. Then, because I couldn’t decide exactly what color to paint the base, it went through several color variations. I started with Krylon Chocolate Brown, but it was too chocolate-y. Then, I tried a basic black gloss, but it was just a little too boring. I finally settled on Krylon Fusion Chocolate Brown Hammered and it was perfect. I added a black lampshade and the transformation was complete.

I think the paint color ended up being more bronzed and much less hammered than I expected, but I think it’s wonderful. It reminds me of a little dinosaur trophy now.

I added the newly transformed lamp to a little bookcase in the corner of the playroom, and I think it’s just the perfect touch.

What great Goodwill find have you transformed lately? What were you able to transform into something unexpected? Tell me about it! Or better yet, join Sarah’s Goodwill Party over at Thrifty Decor Chick and share your own project!

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Comments

  4. Dream Mom says

    Well, I have to give you credit…for the life of me, after that first hideous photo, I couldn’t imagine how you might transform that awful lamp into something I’d like. But, it looks fantastic!!! I love what you did. I also appreciate the fact that you are doing a more upscale playroom for your son.

    I am doing a 7 year old girl’s playroon that is more sophisticated as well using black and white (just posted some preview pics on Friday on my blog) with lime green walls. The whole pink thing or bright colors with the green walls seem overdone. I tell you that only because I think we are on the same page. Children’s play rooms don’t have to be “old school” but can be done in a fresh and modern way. You have done that beautifully.

    Reply

  7. Ashley @ AshleysBusy says

    Aww, that lamp reminds me of the movie The Land Before Time. I remember watching it in my third grade class, and I just cried and cried.

    The lamp is super cute, I always love lamps that have some sort of creature for the base.

    Reply

  14. Tina says

    I’ve gotta say, I didn’t have too much faith when I read “elegant dinosaurs” but you certainly didn’t disappoint! Awesome for a boy’s room. Yay! 🙂

    Reply

  16. Kara@ Creations by Kara says

    How awesome that you found a dinosaur lamp right when you needed it! It looks sooooo much better now, I love it!

    (And I am not sick of hearing about your dino room. I’ll take all the great ideas I can find.)

    Reply

  17. Meshellyn says

    Ok, I couldn’t figure out what was going to make that lamp look “elegant” but you did it. Great eye!

    Reply

  18. Jill says

    Oh my goodness!!! How super cute!
    Great job! A real “winner”! (someone already used dyno-mite :)!)
    Blessings!

    Reply

  21. Kim @ Everything Etsy says

    I love the way it turned out! The dots on the dino threw me off a bit and I don't know if I would have been able to see what it could be at the store. Great job Lindsay! Next time you are passing through my area we have to go shopping. I found a great desk at our Goodwill, but I have a few projects lined up before I get to it. Can't wait to see what you come up with next girl!

    ~Kim

    Reply

  25. Lisa says

    SERIOUSLY, I THOUGHT, WHAT ON EARTH COULD SHE POSSIBLY DO WITH THAT. BUT YOU DID IT!!!

    HUGS FROM MAINE

    Reply

  28. Jane says

    That turned out great! I was at the thrift this morning and I tried to look at things with transformational eyes, but I am pretty sure I would never have seen the vision in that clown dino! If that can be made cool, there is hope for almost anything!

    Reply

  29. Centsational Girl says

    I have to admit, if I saw the spotted dino at the thrift store I would giggle and pass it up, but I am shocked, I mean, shocked how much I love your little dino now. Seriously. If I saw that new version in a boutique, my hands would be all over it.

    Thanks for the reminder to always think outside the box !

    Reply

  32. Kim says

    I think this just looks fantastic. It really DID go from tacky to elegant. This is my first post to your blog and I love it. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas.

    Reply

  38. Tiffany says

    I would have probably never looked twice at that dinosaur lamp. You've got a good eye. Nice job, you made that crazy thing look incredible! Wow. I'm so impressed!

    Reply

  40. Jessica says

    I LOVE the lamp! I'm trying to start having the eye for things like that so I can find some hidden treasures!

    Reply

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