Bright Idea: Modern Update

 My mom had found a pair of brass lamps at a garage sale for $15. Since all sales were final we couldn't return them to the 1960's, so they had to be updated. I liked the green in the middle but loathed the brass.

I teetered between painting the brass silver or a rod iron. I settled on this silver (Shiny Nickel) made by Rust-oleum that I purchased at Home Depot for around $8. I chose this one rather than it's cheaper counterpart since it had primer and paint in one.

First, cover your surface area. Be sure to cover around the perimeter as well since spray paint travels. Also, consider not leaving your cell phone on the table, mine now is covered in silver specks. Silver lining (ha!), the touch screen still works.

Second, I covered the green in the middle with painter's tape.

Shake the spray paint can vigorously for one minute and then hold the can 8- 12 inches away while painting. I had to stop and rotate the lamp so ensure equal coverage throughout.

Let dry for an hour before removing the tape and handling.

I can't even begin to express how much of an improvement spray paint created in updating this lamp! I am so happy with the way it came out!

Total Cost: $23.00
Time: 1 1/2 hours (including drying time)

Dog Collar Cover: DIY

I get tired of the boring black collar on my pups, so instead I have created a collar cover for them. It is super easy to make from a remnant of fabric.

First, measure the length and the width of the original collar. Add an inch to the length, to allow for a hem. Double the width (added up to the nearest inch) and add a half an inch to the measurement to allow for a hem. Therefore, since the original length was 12 inches and the width was 3/4 inch, the fabric was cut 13 inches by 2.5 inches.

Hem both width edges down. With the fabric pattern desired down, fold the fabric lengthwise and hem to create a tube.

 Turn the fabric tube right-side-out. Slide the collar through the tube, making the hum-drum more festive!

These can easily be customized dependent on holidays and celebrations, all it needs is a switch of fabric!

Before

After

Cost: $1.50 Time: 15 minutes for 2 collar covers