Decking Out the Back Yard

I'M SO EXCITED FOR SUMMER!!!! We've been working hard to get the backyard into a super fun, comfy lounge zone for what, I've heard, is predicted to be an extra-dry sunny summer in Seattle. Whoo hoo!

We've got all the furniture outside - mostly from IKEA and Cost Plus World market - the flowers planted, the garden in and the twinkly lights strung around the porch. Next major project is getting a new pool heater installed so we can start SWIMMING. Hooray!

Serious summer hang out zone

Cafe lights adding just the right amount of je ne sais quoi

Must get cushions

$4 thrift store lamp makeover

 

 The repainted lamp looking pretty fly on the madeover desk. 

I found this metal lamp at Value Village for $3.99. It had cool lines and I immediately knew that with a paint job it would be a killer piece for my sister's new office. 

I wrapped the cord and covered the inside edge of the lamp shade with painter tape, then started spraying a copper paint. It took about 3 coats to completely cover it and in maybe 2 hours I had a great-looking lamp that complemented the makeover desk quite nicely

---

PROJECT REFLECTIONS:
Total cost: $11
     $4 for the lamp. $7 for the paint
Easiest part: The painting was so easy.
Hardest part: tightening the loose fasteners.
What I'd do differently next time: I'd paint a little more carefully because it can definitely start to run on the curved parts.
What I learned: That the thrift store is a great place for finding reusable pieces! (I'm not a huge thrifter to begin with.)