Thrift stores are brimming with lamps of all shapes and sizes, often at unbeatable prices. However, they sometimes lack the charm or style you desire. We have an undeniably beautiful solution using our latest transfer, the Collage de Fleurs. This transfer invites a burst of floral elegance, allowing you to breathe new life into your thrifted find. The process is simple fun, and the results are truly rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting, this project is a fantastic way to showcase your creativity and elevate your home décor with a personalized touch.

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• IOD Collage de Fleurs Transfer

Other Supplies: 

• Thrifted Lamp Base & Shade
• Damp Cloth/Baby Wipe
• Polycrylic Water-Based Sealer in Gloss
• Foam Brush
• Misting Bottle
• Deep Brown Paint*

 * we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

Step 1: Clean Your Lamp

Before starting any modifications, it's crucial to clean your lamp thoroughly. Dust and oils can interfere with the application of transfers. For most items, a baby wipe will suffice to remove surface grime. However, if your find is particularly dirty, you might need to use a stronger cleaning solution. Ensure the lamp is dry before proceeding.

Tip: We liked the base color of our lamp, but if you don’t, you can always paint your lamp base before applying IOD transfers. You’ll want to make sure your surface is prepped properly and your paint and top coat are thoroughly dry before applying transfers. This prep will help you avoid any paint lifting with your transfer application. You can learn more about transfer application on our Transfer 101 page. If you aren’t sure what will work best for your surface, your local IOD Stockist or the Creative Tribe can help you make the proper choice for your project. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Transfers

It might seem daunting, but cutting your transfers is necessary for customization. For lamps with buildable transfer designs, like the florals in our Collage de Fleurs transfer, start by cutting out the main elements you want to use. For this project, we cut out three of the large blooms to use in our design. Arrange these on your lamp, thinking about the flow and balance of the design. You can help ground your design by adding elements coming from the bottom up like you would see in a naturally growing flower or bouquet. This will help ensure your lamp doesn’t get a case of "floating flower syndrome” (unless that’s the look you’re intending 😉).

Tip: Use this step to experiment with placement before making anything permanent. You can use small pieces of tape on a corner of the design to hold them in place while you decide on your composition.

Step 3: Apply the Transfers

Once you're happy with the arrangement, begin applying the transfers to the lamp. If your lamp has edges or curves, make sure to wrap the transfers around them for a seamless look. Once applied, use a piece of the gridded backing sheet to burnish the transfers, ensuring they adhere well to the surface.

Our lamp is ceramic, which generally holds transfers well, but thorough burnishing is crucial to ensure a long-lasting application. Feel free to repurpose any unused parts of the transfers, like stems or smaller flowers, to fill in gaps and enhance the overall design.

Step 4: Seal the Transfers

To protect your work and ensure the transfers match the finish of your lamp, you will want to seal them. In this case, we want to match our glossy ceramic surface, so we will apply a gloss, water-based sealer. We used Polycrylic, but you might want to consult with local stockists for product recommendations that best suit your lamp’s material. This step will also enhance the sheen of your lamp, making the transfers look as if they were originally part of it.

Step 5: Age the Lampshade

Lastly, address the lampshade. If the existing shade is too bright or plain, you can give it a nice aged look to match your newly decorated base. Mix a small amount of deep brown chalk paint into a misting bottle with water, shake well, and lightly spray it over the shade. This technique adds a subtle color and vintage feel, completing the transformation of your lamp.

By following these steps, you can turn a simple thrift store find into a bespoke decorative piece, adding a touch of character and style to your home decor. Share your finished piece with us over in the Creative Tribe. 

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!