Updating a Vintage Chandelier

Next up on the adventures in Nursery Land, the chandelier! So far, this is my all-time favorite project. Every time I look at it, I'm filled with glees. Baby Girl needed some bling and Baby Girl got some!!!

I scoured the internet for a small, girly chandelier that would be perfect for a nursery and I definitely found some beauts out there but who wants to spend $200+ for nursery lighting? Well, you know me, time to get crafty. In my hunt, I came across Tole chandeliers and I was diggin' the style. I found a few on Etsy that worked and were under two hundo but still, my inner cheapskate cringed. So, I turned to good ol' Craigslist. Lo and behold, I found the EXACT chandelier I was eyeing on Etsy for... brace yourselves... $50! It's times like these when I feel like God is saying "Ok kiddo, you deserve this." The heavens parted, the angels sang and I joyously drove the 50 miles to make that baby mine!!!



Now, let me explain. This chandelier was UGLY in the original condition. Most people would have turned up their noses and moved on to Pottery Barn Kids, or wherever people buy overpriced, "cool" kid's stuff but I have a knack for seeing the potential in imperfect things. My mom totally deserves the credit for this. As a teenager, she used to drive me crazy re-purposing this or fixing up that (MOM, why can't I just have "normal" stuff like the other kids?) but now I am so thankful for the perspective! Mr. B is also very appreciative that I hunt deals like the Kardashian's hunt fame. Ok, ok, back to the chandelier.

I wasn't kidding when I said it was ugly.

My mom and I took on the project together. I picked up some primer, a bright and cheery yellow for the base, a soft green for the leaves and samples of the paint from the nursery for the flowers.

I covered the electrical components with foil and primed the whole thing. 

It actually looked really cool in all white. Huge upgrade, already!

We sprayed everything yellow and then started painting the leaves and flowers.

It looks like a different chandelier!

Using the paint samples from the nursery was such a great way to match the colors and was SUPER cheap! I think I spent less than $20 on ALL the supplies for this project!

For the finishing touch, I got rid of the plastic bling that was hanging from the leaves and replaced them with the antique crystals that were used in our wedding centerpieces!

I was at a baby shower (something's in the water around here!) when Mr. B texted me the glorious results, I literally squealed in delight! I didn't realize a light fixture could bring me so much happiness but it totally does!

Le sigh 

When you get your mind set on a look, try not to go on autopilot straight to the mall. Hunt around, look past the surface of things and get creative. In the end, you'll have a one of a kind look and your wallet will thank you!!!

XOXO,

Mrs. B