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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Create Your Decor » Risking It

Risking It

by Lindsay Ballard on March 21, 2011 53 Comments

In general, I don’t really consider myself much of a risk taker.  I still cut up grapes and hot dogs for my 5 year old son.  There’s no way on Earth you could ever get me on a motorcycle.  I freaked out when I saw my neighbor standing on the very tip top of her ladder to hang lights on her home a few Christmas seasons ago.

However, in decorating, it’s okay to take risks.  Sometimes, I’m okay taking that risk – such as Zack’s brightly colored, crazy mural-ed bedroom.  Other times, I shrink back for fear of it not working out – like the giant turquoise chevron pattern I wanted to paint in my master bedroom that I know will never happen.

When my friend and idol, the Nester, showed off her fur covered ottoman and challenged her readers to pick a risky project, I immediately knew I was game.  Or rather, this lamp was game.

I’ve had this lamp for over 10 years.  I’ve had it longer than I’ve known my husband.  When I told him I was going to transform it, he said, “I was wondering how long we were going to be stuck with that thing.”  Well, hmpfh!  It’s not that bad.

The lamp itself works just fine.  It’s just scrawny.  And beat up.

So, with my glue gun and a ball of thick hemp twine in hand, I started wrapping it.  And wrapping.  And wrapping.  And wrapping.  I figured if I ruined it, I could just buy another lamp since I hated this one as it was.

I decked it out from head to toe, from top to bottom.  It didn’t take very long at all, and there’s no right or wrong way to do this.

Just glue and wrap.  Glue and wrap.  And then, keep on gluing and wrapping.

In the end, I have a new found love of this lamp.  The twine fattened up it’s skinny shape and really highlights the round design just below the shade.

Although I know it wasn’t a huge risk, it was a risk worth taking.

When’s the last time you took a decorating risk?  How did it turn out?

P.S. I’m linking up to the Nester’s National Take a Risk Day party.  Head over there and see how other folks took a risk.

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.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.

« Anthropologie DIY: Peek-A-Boo Lamp Shade
Mastering the Master Bedroom {the Inspiration} »

Comments

  1. the Blah Blah Blahger says

    March 21, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    I can TOTALLY hear Tom saying that. : )

    Reply
  2. Jenny D. says

    March 21, 2011 at 5:43 pm

    I like the lamp transformation! I am currently painting an old buffet for my dining room in “hail a cab” yellow. The hubs is nervous about that much color, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this isn’t a told you so moment for me : )

    Reply
  3. Darcy says

    March 21, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    I totally have that lamp and I’m not even kidding.

    Also, you have to (HAVE TO) paint a giant turquoise chevron pattern in your room. I will help. It will be amazing.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      March 21, 2011 at 6:07 pm

      Well, I have this new idea of doing something similar on my 2-story wall in the living room. It will likely involve scaffolding. Want to help with that one? 😀

      Reply
      • darcy says

        March 21, 2011 at 9:27 pm

        Bring it, sister.

        Reply
  4. Gina @ Temporary Nest says

    March 21, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    Very nice job! I would never have thought of that! Great idea Lindsay!! <3

    Reply
  5. Natalie says

    March 21, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    Now I wish I had a beat-up old skinny lamp! {stomping feet!!} Totally gorgeous!! Didn’t hear about this risk party, but that’s so intriguing! Heading over to take a look!

    Reply
  6. Lana @ ilovemy5kids says

    March 21, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    I love when you do things and I leave the site thinking “I could do that!”

    Love it!

    Blessings to you,
    Lana @ ilovemy5kids

    Reply
  7. Nester says

    March 21, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    and that, ladies and gentleman, is how to teach yourself to take a risk!

    heart you girl

    Reply
  8. Emily@remodelingthislife says

    March 21, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    love it

    Reply
  9. Pam says

    March 21, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    Awesome job! I never take risks either…. sigh.

    Reply
  10. Erin says

    March 21, 2011 at 6:33 pm

    Looks super fantastic! I’m taking a big risk with our floor stain (could end up too dark). Hopefully I won’t hate it because that is a MAJOR risk!

    Reply
  11. Fred @ One Project Closer says

    March 21, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    Real nice Lindsay. The risk we are thinking about right now is wainscoting in the dining room. I’m a little worried it might over-formalize our otherwise casual style …. but I love the look of box molding wainscoting and several other types (NOT beadboard! – nothing against it, but it just isn’t our look).

    So, we are still considering it – and how to find a good balance between casual and slick. Like I said, I don’t want it over-formalized… just want it to look nice. What do you think?

    Reply
  12. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    March 21, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    I love it!! It looks wonderful, Lindsay. I’d never think of something like that, but that’s why I don’t write a decorating blog. 😉 Stopping by from The Nester’s “Risk Day” party. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Jessica @ Decor Adventures says

    March 21, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    Hi Lindsay,

    Well that is just the perfect solution for that lamp! A total makeover, and it looks great. Love the natural texture, and the bulkiness, you’re right about that part.

    Risk pays off 🙂

    Reply
  14. Oona says

    March 21, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    Wow, you are patient! I started wrapping some Ikea candlesticks in hemp last year and I got bored and never finished them. lol

    It looks super-fun, I love it!

    Reply
  15. Sarah says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:24 pm

    ooooo. very nice! cute idea

    Reply
  16. Abby says

    March 22, 2011 at 5:18 am

    Love it! It looks so good! And completely different!

    Reply
  17. Bonita says

    March 22, 2011 at 7:00 am

    Oh honey, I think you just saved my ugly brass floor lamp from the trash pile! I love this idea and it would fit perfectly with the look I’m after for my living room. Thanks for sharing your lovely risk!

    Reply
  18. Laurel says

    March 22, 2011 at 8:06 am

    What a fun thing to do – and it looks great, too!

    Reply
  19. Sue says

    March 22, 2011 at 8:07 am

    ah ha! The sisal rope lamp may be the answer to MY beat-up lamp also!!! I LOVE it.

    Reply
  20. Kristen: Making a House a Home says

    March 22, 2011 at 8:47 am

    I love this lamp makeover! For the past few months I’ve been hating my Walmart floor lamp in both our living room and bedroom and have been trying to decide on a color to spray paint them both. Well, now I have a new option! Great job – it looks great!

    I took a risk this weekend as well and painted my first piece of furniture. http://decoratingdiy.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-and-improved-end-tables.html

    Reply
  21. Gillian @ Letters to Liney says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Your poor little beat-up lamp looks amazing now! Love the wrapped twine look and how you left a little bit of metal exposed at the base. Way to go on taking a risk and saving your lamp from the landfill!

    Reply
  22. Danielle @ The Sunshine Girl says

    March 22, 2011 at 9:53 am

    What an awesome idea! It looks great!

    Reply
  23. Nashville Mom says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:05 am

    That’s freakin’ brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  24. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:13 am

    Seriously? You covered a lamp with twine? You are amazingly clever! I never, never would have thought to do something like this–but it’s a great idea! What a wonderful way to hide the old finish and bring in a cool texture at the same time. Yes, I’d say that was definitely a worthwhile risk!

    Reply
  25. Jo-Anna says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    This lamp looks amazing! Who would have thought twine! You have inspired me to try this! I have always disliked my living room lamps – they just look so functional! Time to fabulous them up!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  26. mandie says

    March 22, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    I love it! SUch a great idea! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Jennifer says

    March 22, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    You did a great job! Love how it turned out.

    Reply
  28. Kimm at REINVENTED says

    March 22, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    OMG, that’s my kind of fabulous! Love love love the texture.

    Reply
  29. Laney says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    I love it! I can’t wait to hit the Goodwill to find a lamp and recreate what you have done.

    Reply
  30. sarah says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    Love that!

    Reply
  31. Claygirlsings says

    March 24, 2011 at 9:07 am

    This is fantastic! I was just looking at our bedside lamps and reminding myself I have to transform them from green to red. This hemp idea is a perfect neutral color to go with the new red lampshades. I’m so inspired! Thanks!

    Reply
  32. Lindsay says

    March 24, 2011 at 10:43 am

    I too have a lampt that I dont love what a great idea! Maybe I’ll do this to mine. How much just did you use. I did this to a candle and it took a long time. Great blog and a great name my name is Lindsay too! I found you on “nesting place” come check out my blog.
    http://www.countrygirlhome.blogspot.com

    Thanks for sharing your ideas.
    Lindsay

    Reply
  33. Marie says

    March 24, 2011 at 10:47 am

    I love the lamp! Isn’t it fun to take decorating risks? I love doing that, even though projects don’t always turn out the way I envisioned.

    I saw that you are judging this week’s CSI Project submissions & thought I’d check out your blog — now I’m a new follower! I’m looking forward to seeing other new and thifty ideas. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Rambling Heather says

    March 24, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    WoW it turned out so perfect. Great idea, love it and totally worth the risk!

    Reply
  35. kristin says

    March 24, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    I love your lamp treatment. it makes the lamp more current and covers up all the dings. i would suggest you add a trim of jute cord to the shade to tie it in.

    Reply
  36. Amy says

    March 27, 2011 at 10:07 am

    I think it looks great. I haven’t done it to a lamp, but I did do a lampshade and I love the way it turned out.

    Twine is a ladies duct tape, isn’t it?

    Reply
  37. brandi says

    March 28, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Pure Awesomeness! LOVE IT!!!

    Reply
  38. emily says

    July 11, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    Think you can do something cool with these? Wouldn’t mind sending you samples: http://www.glasswich.com/store/index.php?route=common/home

    Cheers!

    Reply
  39. Liz @ Here's to Handy Andy says

    October 11, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Saw this a while back and LOVED it! I used this as inspiration for my latest project and linked to this here, http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/2011/10/dollar-store-candle-holders.html. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  40. gwen says

    December 7, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    I tried this with one of my cheap target lamps. It looks nice, however, I can never sit close to it because the smell of the twine is awful — kind of like a wet cardboard smell. Did yours have this smell or is it the kind of twine I used? I used a roll of smooth hemp twine from wal-mart. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      December 7, 2011 at 6:01 pm

      Hi Gwen- No, I didn’t have that issue at all! Was the twine smell before you used it or does it just smell bad when it warms under the light bulb?

      Reply
  41. leah says

    March 9, 2012 at 8:31 am

    Very nice! I love wrapping things in hemp and twine but i have issues w/ hot glue… it always ends up stringy. any tips?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      March 9, 2012 at 9:52 am

      Yeah, that’s the problem with glue guns. I call them glue gun hairs. I spend lots of time pulling them off of my projects. I even found myself pulling them off of a friend’s project at her house once purely out of habit. I was horrified that I did that!

      Reply
  42. lila says

    April 3, 2012 at 1:28 am

    Lindsay, I have a 30 year old oak and brass standing lamp that still worked well but so date ( but then so am I) so I did what you did, took me 2 afternoons topped with a brown pattern shade and I love it! Good to go another 30. The sista rope I used did smell oily for the week but it’s great now.

    Reply
  43. Jenny says

    April 22, 2012 at 12:15 am

    Thanks for this idea! My mom’s lamp that she’s getting rid of is so mine now!!! I’m a risk taker (just ask my husband), but I never buy anything for more than $50 and lots I’ve gotten free; it’s probably easier to transform it that way.

    Reply
  44. Robin says

    March 16, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    OMG–Lovin this!! I have a vintage lamp that somehow has rusted a bit on the bottom-I was so upset to see this happen–I cannot wait to try this idea to update it–I also want to add some teal color somewhere on it. Love your site!!

    Reply
    • Lindsay Ballard says

      March 17, 2014 at 9:37 pm

      Oh, yay! That’s a great reason to use this little trick!

      Reply
  45. Heather says

    June 28, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    How much jute did you end up needing? I am about to do this to my old floor lamp but am struggling to estimate how much I need to buy ?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Tip Top Lamp says:
    March 26, 2011 at 5:17 am

    […] Risking It I freaked out when I saw my neighbor standing on the very tip top of her ladder to hang lights on her home a few Christmas seasons ago. However, in decorating, it's okay to take risks. Sometimes, I'm okay taking that risk – such as Zack's brightly . I've had this lamp for over 10 years. I've had it longer than I've known my husband. When I told him I was going to transform it, he said, “I was wondering how long we were going to be stuck with that thing.” Well, hmpfh! […]

    Reply
  2. bullfrogs & bulldogs | 5 Things To Do With Twine says:
    June 13, 2012 at 10:21 am

    […] Via […]

    Reply
  3. Lamp Recovery: A Pinterest Project | Reclaim, Recycle, Reimagine. says:
    April 26, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    […] Inspiration: Pinterest pin (original link: http://makelyhome.com/risking-it/) […]

    Reply

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About Makely

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.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.


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