Friday, March 21, 2008

A Glow


We found this old hanging lantern at a flea market.... in a box.... under a table... under more junk...
It was in sad shape.... but we could not resist it... We were always on the lookout for unusual light fixtures to add to our collection of antiquey old salvage things to eventually add to our home... so we brought it home...

Took it apart... removed the old brittle wiring... fixed and replaced the broken parts... cleaned it up... rewired it... lengthened the chain... searched out a tiny light bulb to fit... put it all back together... and hung it from the ceiling...


The original glass was long gone... we took a chance and added white Japanese textured paper, cut to shape to diffuse the light... we were struck and pleased by the effect....

although not bright enough to read by ... it has a Glow enough to transport you...

It was worth the effort...

...brought to mind that old quote ... "Nothing ventured... Nothing gained"

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

See, I may have pouted over the idea of using paper. But look how pretty! I envision that swirly kind of beigish glass (purplish and pinkish swirls). Know what I'm talking about?

sarahelizabeth said...

gorgeous! the paper looks really beautiful. what a great find!

Sherrie said...

I love it! I'm so glad that it didn't languish in a box forever - it's beautiful.

Marie Alton said...

Ahhh...the ambience this lamp creates! I too love diffused lingting (except at my work table). Fabulous that you were able to give it a second life!

Beaumont Employee said...

Hey Gwen... what a beautiful addition to your stunning home! That's the sort of thing that's right up my alley! Congrats on having the sight for the "potential" in the lamp, and kudos for doing the work necessary to make it shine in your home. xoxo, K.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Thanks for checking out my old hanging light. Now if I could only finish up all those other "wouldn't it be great to bring that to life" ideas!!!

Ruth said...

Paper - brilliant. So pretty.