Being organized can be a challenge for all of us. My cousin Terry challenged me to put together a necklace holder for her mom as a gift. Terry picked up a wooden lamp and a wired fruit bowl. I’m not sure what the other wired piece is. Maybe you can shed some light on that? Anyhow, it’s time for the Thrift Store Décor Team Challenge and this is my project.
Lamp parts and more
These are the pieces that Terry handed over to me one night at dinner. She got a really good deal on all of them. I think the total was just over $10. Try to buy a large jewelry organizer for that price!
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Dismantle lamp base
The first step on any project like this is to gut the lamp of it’s original parts. I carefully removed the socket and the wiring to save for another project down the road. That threaded rod and nut had to go. I used a trick that Rodney showed me when I was trying to take pegs out of a table leaf.
Recently I bought a good set of locking pliers or vice grips and they were perfect for this project. I locked them onto the threaded rod, then used my hammer to tap, tap, tap on the pliers until the threaded rod and nut were separated from the lamp base.
This is a dry fit—trying to get a feel for how this project is actually going to come together. I think Terry had a fabulous vision when she saw these pieces at the thrift store, don’t you?
The vice grips were also handy to remove the small ball bearing feet of the fruit bowl. I simply locked them in place and gave a twist! I struggled with whether or not to keep the little balls. What do you think?
Prepare to paint
Have you ever used a drill bit gauge? I simply fit the rod into the proper hole and that helped me decide on which drill bit to use.
Time to paint! Since this was a Christmas present, I was working on this in December. It was pretty chilly outside. I worked quickly, taking the spray paint in with me between coats. On the right, if you look closely you’ll see a stick in the ground to hold the unknown piece upright while painting.
Jewelry Organizer/Necklace Holder
Voila! I love how this necklace holder turned out! It can hold necklaces and rings for my Aunt Dot. But can’t you also imagine how handy this would be for a girl’s headbands and bows?
My little grandniece could use something like this for all of her bows, headbands and other accessories. I’ve actually made something for she and her mom, but dad hasn’t installed it yet. Stay tuned!
Be sure to check out all the other great projects from my friends on the Thrift Store Décor Team.
Jewelry Tray Makeover - Domestically Speaking
Repurposed Lamp Necklace Holder - My Repurposed Life
Popcorn Tin Makeover - Refresh Restyle
Multi-Use Candlestick Makeover - Our Southern Home
Antique Mirror Makeover - My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Repurposed Magazine Rack - Sadie Seasongoods
Decorative iPad Stand - Petticoat Junktion
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Christy @ Our Southern Home
Well your cousin know that you have an eye for creating amazing things with finds. This is so creative with so much jewelry storage! Thanks for the inspiration, Gail!
Marie
What a clever lamp repurpose! Not only does it look great painted black but talk about a lot of necklace storage. Pinned Mama needs one of those drill bit gauges.
Gail Wilson
Thank you Marie! Yes, those gauges are so handy to have. š
gail
Terry hayes
Thank you for making this for Granny. She loves it! All her jewelry is in one place and it's easy to find the right piece for a night on the town.
Maryann
You're so clever Gail!! I have no idea what that piece is, but you made it work!
Kristin salazar
So creative, love how this all came together and your grandniece is adorable!
girlfromwva
such a great transformation. idk what that other piece is either. all of it together made a great piece.
Gail Wilson
Thank you so much Nova! I really think it would be perfect for Shelby's bows and headbands.
Terry really got a great deal on all the pieces, and it was a fun project.
gail
Pam
I am amazed that you took those three random things (I have NO idea what that one piece was) and made them into something so cool! And BTW, what a cute little baby!!!
Gail Wilson
Pam,
I know, right? what was that thing? My cousin was the brains behind this, I just made it happen. lol
And that sweet baby!! Oh my, I could just eat her up!
thanks so much Pam!
gail