Yard Sale Find Repurposed: Lamp

Paint the Base

Remove the lampshade (ours was in such bad shape that we had to toss it), harp (the metal loop around the bulb) and finial (the decorative knob above the shade), if it has them. Use tape to cover any cords or metal parts you don't want painted. Sand the base with the sanding sponge, then prime it (and the finial, too). Let dry. Apply two or three coats of spray paint (we used Krylon's Sun Yellow), letting dry between coats. Remove the tape.

Decorate the Shade

Starting at the back of your new shade (where the seam is), glue the ribbon along the bottom edge, folding the ribbon's ends under to prevent fraying. Repeat at the shade's top edge, then replace the harp and set the shade over it.

For more tips, check out Decorating on a Budget: Thrifty Finds Transformed