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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Create Your Decor » Transforming a Jurassic Thrift Store Find

Transforming a Jurassic Thrift Store Find

by Lindsay Ballard on June 1, 2009 45 Comments

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.

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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Comments

  1. FOR THE SAKE OF TIME says

    June 1, 2009 at 6:28 am

    This is Dino-mite! How cute for you son’s room. Thanks for sharing.

    Charla

    Reply
  2. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    June 1, 2009 at 6:59 am

    LOVE it! You sure think outside the box. 🙂 I am loving Sarah’s linky party today. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Sue @ Laundry for Six says

    June 1, 2009 at 7:47 am

    That looks amazing! Excellent color choice. I would never have had that vision. I wanna come play in that playroom!

    Reply
  4. Dream Mom says

    June 1, 2009 at 8:28 am

    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
  5. Songbirdtiff says

    June 1, 2009 at 9:20 am

    This is ADORABLE! Dinosaur trophy is the perfect description.

    Reply
  6. Embellished Bayou says

    June 1, 2009 at 9:27 am

    Great job! Sometimes shopping at Goodwill really does take imagination.

    Reply
  7. Ashley @ AshleysBusy says

    June 1, 2009 at 10:21 am

    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
  8. ilovemy5kids says

    June 1, 2009 at 10:26 am

    That is so precious! I love that idea!

    Reply
  9. Kammy says

    June 1, 2009 at 7:55 am

    So much cooler – Love the new look !
    Hugs ~ Kamnmy

    Reply
  10. Dawn says

    June 1, 2009 at 8:08 am

    That came out great! I would have walked right by it and never even imagined what you did.

    Reply
  11. Angry Julie Monday says

    June 1, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    Fabulous transformation Linds…

    I wish I had the time to be as crafty as you…but someone has to pay the bills in the Angry Household!

    Reply
  12. Rebekah says

    June 1, 2009 at 9:54 am

    That’s some transformation! I never cease to be amazed by the power of spray-paint.

    Reply
  13. Amy Jo says

    June 1, 2009 at 9:57 am

    That’s a great lamp! Yeah spray paint!

    Reply
  14. Tina says

    June 1, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    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
  15. Amanda@Imperfectly Beautiful says

    June 1, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    I love me some trash to treasure and spray paint. But I have to admit, I would have NEVER seen the potential in that fugly dinosaur. You rawk sister! It turned out so stinkin cute!

    ~Amanda

    Reply
  16. Kara@ Creations by Kara says

    June 1, 2009 at 10:38 am

    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

    June 1, 2009 at 10:57 am

    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

    June 1, 2009 at 12:43 pm

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

    Reply
  19. Paula says

    June 1, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    What an adorable elegant dinosaur…you are very creative!

    Reply
  20. marmielu says

    June 1, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    That looks great! What a clever idea. I love thinking outside the box.
    Mary Lou

    Reply
  21. Kim @ Everything Etsy says

    June 1, 2009 at 6:25 pm

    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
  22. Coco says

    June 1, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    I would never have thought of this. Ever. Very cute!!!

    Reply
  23. Marie says

    June 1, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    So adorable! Perfect for the room.
    Blessings,
    Marie
    http://emmacallsmemama.com

    Reply
  24. Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says

    June 1, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    That diny turned out great! I would never have imagined! I loved her little flirty eyes but she was a little clownish, eh? Wow, this looks great!

    Reply
  25. Lisa says

    June 1, 2009 at 3:03 pm

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

    HUGS FROM MAINE

    Reply
  26. twinklescrapbooks@yes! that's my child screaming! says

    June 1, 2009 at 8:25 pm

    Okay that is an adorable transformation!!!
    🙂
    tina

    Reply
  27. Sarah says

    June 1, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    WOW, I'm super impressed with your dino lamp. It was perfectly HORRIBLE, before your transformation. Job well done! ;>

    Reply
  28. Jane says

    June 1, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    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

    June 2, 2009 at 12:12 am

    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
  30. Kim says

    June 1, 2009 at 10:26 pm

    Adorable! That’s the perfect place for it, too! My boys would be so jealous.

    Reply
  31. Michelle says

    June 2, 2009 at 7:54 am

    What a perfect example of Tacky to Terrific! Wonderful job. Thanks for sharing your vision.

    Reply
  32. Kim says

    June 2, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    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
  33. Simply Susan says

    June 2, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    I love the elegant dinosaur lamp. It is totally awesome!!!

    Reply
  34. Becky says

    June 2, 2009 at 8:52 pm

    You're inpsiring me to go to Goodwill. Every time I pass one, I think of you. 🙂

    Reply
  35. Jennifer DeDonato says

    June 2, 2009 at 11:24 pm

    very cute looks so much better.

    Reply
  36. Carmen says

    June 2, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    I seriously LOVE that!!!!! You did a wonderful job!

    Reply
  37. Jill says

    June 3, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Too cute! Love it.
    -Jill

    Reply
  38. Tiffany says

    June 3, 2009 at 11:16 am

    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
  39. Eileen says

    June 3, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    Wow. Just. Wow.

    Well done, SuperMom!!

    Reply
  40. Jessica says

    June 5, 2009 at 8:17 am

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

    Reply
  41. Karen says

    June 6, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Dine-O-Mite transformation!!! So awesome!!! Love it!!!

    Reply
  42. Erin says

    June 11, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    I think "elegant dinosaur" is my new favorite home decor phrase.

    Reply
  43. Jenny says

    June 13, 2009 at 9:24 pm

    That is an awesome transformation!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 10 Ways to Decorate Your Playroom With Thrift Store Finds says:
    August 11, 2010 at 3:04 pm

    […] 3.  Reinvent an old children’s lamp into a playroom centerpiece: Reinventing an Old Child’s Lamp. […]

    Reply
  2. DIY | Pearltrees says:
    April 29, 2012 at 3:14 am

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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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