Antique Lamp Restoration with Handmade Shade
Well I finally finished my antique lamp restoration and I think it turned out amazing! It is a cultural dazzler.
You may remember my post from two weeks ago where I put the antique Indian sari on the fantastic "Mini Turban" frame. Well, here it is in its final glory!
Ahhh..the beads. You all know how I feel about making a master bead strand--it is painstaking and filled with crazy-making frustration. My tribulations this time included:
- Not having the right color and size of beads to get started
- Driving two hours to the biggest bead store in the world and burning a paycheck
- Sewing at least 25 strands on before I realized the need for alternating strands
- Freaking out that I did not buy enough of a very important bead, only to be exactly ONE bead short. I found an undetectable replacement.
As always, Dax was there to help bring me in off the ledge. Here she is surveying all of the vintage Venetian seed beads that I purchased. Look at that face...so cute!
Here's how the beads finally ended up looking after Dax told me to get my shit together, quit complaining and get back to work. In total, the shade contains 72 hand-strung stands, and 1,152 pieces. I just LOVE the garnet drops on the ends, which I found hidden in the "vintage" section of the bead store. You won't see these anywhere else because I bought them all. Muah ha ha ha haaaaa!
A close-up of that gorgeous antique silk sari with all of its lovely embroidery, sequins, hand beading, and jewels. Notice the delicate jacquard pattern in the fabric, with gold thread highlights? So pretty!
Just for fun, here's a "before" shot of the lamp. Heh...I remember that day.
And here's the finished lamp, all lit up and glowing. The jewels on the sari are translucent, and you can see light shining through them. Very cool effect! For the finish, I used two different antique metal trims shipped over from Amsterdam. With regard to the base, I decided not to paint it. I loved the dark patina of the original finish, and the haphazard paint it came with---gives it that insanely authentic antique look!
One more picture, just because this one turned out so gol'darned pretty!
Happy #NeedleworkMonday, everyone!
All images © @crytalize.
Oh my, that's stunning! I can't believe how you took an antique sari and then matched all the beads to it to make something so unique and gorgeous. You have an amazing talent :) (and Dax is a beauty!)
Thank you @mtnmeadowmomma! With Dax as my muse, all goes well. Hee!
woww amazing job!
I love handcraft too. But not as good as you!!
Your story of struggle makes me feel a whole lot better about the schemozzle of a thing I turned out the one time I tried to do this. Yours is beautiful. I love the way the light shines through those gorgeous beads.
A wonderful result of the work! I thought that everything would be very beautiful and original. I have two lamps, but I still will not find the time to make such beautiful lampshades. I wish you creative success in your unique work!
OMG! Job well done!!! Even Kitty was stunned <3
Wow, I just love it! It's amazing looking and you're so talented!! I can't believe how much work goes into these guys and you do such an amazing job making them look just perfect. I love those beads. They're gorgeous and definitely compliment the fabric! Wow!!
Thank you so much @apanamamamma! Yes, the lamps really are a lot of work but they are so worth it! It seems like there are not many of us out "there" doing this sort of thing so I enjoy not having much competition..LOL! I really appreciate your kind compliments!!
I can imagine it is nice not having competition! All of them are so nice. I just love that you photograph the process and completion. :)
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This is simply fabulous work! Love it!
Thank you for the wonderful compliment and visit to my page, @artbyjolla!
My pleasure...:) have a wonderful weekend :)
That lamp is outstanding! I really like the antique lamp it's self, and the lampshade really sets it off very well!
It's a good thing you have Dax to keep you on the path... :-)
Hey @amberyooper! Thanks so much for the page visit! Yeah, that lamp base is really something else...I snapped it up off Ebay the second I saw it. Mine, mine mine!
Gorgeous Work!! Beautiful functional art!! How precious!! Truly stunning <3
Thank you @ipharadsi! There simply is no art like functional art, in my opinion. Thanks for the visit and the kind words!