Whimsical Lamp Makeover

Transform a plain lamp into a boutique-worthy, whimsical masterpiece!

Let’s create a bold and playful decor piece using checks, stripes, gold cabochons, and a stunning embroidered lampshade. Ready?

Supplies Needed:

• Lamp Bases – At Home Stores

• Lamp Shades (15" diameter) – Facebook Marketplace or Amazon: https://amzn.to/41e34xP

• 12mm Gold Cabochons – Amazon: https://amzn.to/41e34xP

• Paints:

  • Dixie Belle Mineral Paint (Whitecap or any white)

  • DecoArt Lamp Black

  • Plaid Liquid Leaf (Classic Gold)

• Small flat paintbrushes (short, fat, flat & firm bristles)

• Painter's tape

• Pencil

• Vegetable oil (for brush cleaning)

• Lazy Susan (optional but helpful!)

• Parchment paper (to prevent liquid leaf lid from sticking)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep & Base Coat

1. Clean your lamp base thoroughly.

2. Apply a full coat of white paint to the entire lamp base. This gives you a clean canvas to work with.

Step 2: Plan Your Design Layout

1. With a pencil, lightly sketch sections directly onto the lamp base:

   • Mark areas for black & white stripes.

   • Designate sections for black & white checks.

   • Plan where solid black areas and gold cabochons will go.

2. Optional: Label sections with small "S" for stripes, "C" for checks, "B" for black, etc., to keep track as you work.

Step 3: Painting Stripes

1. Start with the sections you marked for stripes.

2. Use your pencil and painter's tape (optional) to mark straight vertical lines.

3. Offload excess paint from your brush before applying.

4. Paint alternating sections black.

Step 4: Painting Checks

1. For round lamp areas, sketch vertical lines dividing the space like cutting a pizza.

2. Add horizontal lines to form a checkered pattern.

3. Use a small brush to fill in every other square with black paint.

4. Offload your brush with each dip to maintain crisp lines.

Step 5: Adding Gold Accents

1. Shake and open your Plaid Liquid Leaf carefully (use parchment paper under the lid to prevent sticking).

2. Using a dedicated brush, apply gold to the sections you planned for metallic accents.

3. Paint gold on raised details and in-between stripes/checks where desired.

4. Allow to dry completely.

Step 6: Attach Gold Cabochons

1. Once all paint is dry, apply 12mm gold cabochons onto the solid black sections.

2. Use a strong adhesive or glue gun to secure them in place.

Step 7: Lamp Shade Finishing Touches

1. Use the embroidered lampshade as-is for a bold statement.

2. Optional: Add pom pom fringe or trim to the top/bottom of the shade if you’d like extra whimsy.

Step 8: Sealing (Optional)

1. If you’d like added durability, apply a clear brush-on polyurethane sealer (avoid sprays to prevent drips).The Finished Product

Your completed faux vintage book box is now ready to display or gift! This versatile piece works beautifully on coffee tables, bookshelves, or vanities. It provides both decorative appeal and secret storage space for small treasures.

What makes this project special is how truly customizable it is. You can select papers, images, and embellishments that match any decor style or create one that reflects a specific theme or person when making it as a gift.

Tips & Tricks:

• Offload, offload, offload! Too much paint on your brush will ruin crisp lines.

• Use a Lazy Susan to rotate the lamp base while painting for easier control.

• Liquid Leaf is runny! Work slowly and use minimal product to avoid drips.

• Perfection isn’t the goal — whimsical charm is!

Want More Projects?

If you loved this tutorial and want unlimited access to all of Debi’s whimsical home decor projects, join the Sisterhood! You’ll get exclusive tutorials, live sessions, and a whole lot of crafty fun. 👉 www.studiomdaz.com/sisterhood