Found-Object Finials - Fun, fun, fun!

The moment I saw this 1970's lamp at Julie's garage sale, I knew I wanted to do something with it. 

The painted metal was all flaky, and not in a good way, so it needed paint or stripper or something. I was not sure just what at first.

I loved the details, and I knew it could be SOMETHING.
Even though its life as a lamp was just a memory, this piece had a future!

On Pinterest, I had seen some found object finials done by another blogger. I imagined this lamp might make a lovely finial. I also considered reworking it as a lamp, but it is taller than I usually prefer my lamps to be.

I removed the "gas light" key to save and use in a future lamp, and that necessitated finding other components to fill in the space. 

If you've ever re-wired a lamp, you'll remember the components are held together by an internal rod with screw threads on either end. 

I could have found a shorter internal rod, but I chose to keep the original one and try to find other components to complete the finial.That proved to be more difficult than I imagined it would be. Either the hole in an object was too small for the rod to slip through it, or it was too large. 

I have been collecting an assortment of odd wood pieces and components when I find them in thrift stores. 

I was happy to be able to use some of them! These wooden drapery finials were .50c each. I wish I'd bought more. When I went back to buy them, they had been snapped up already.

I added a little gray and some white plaster paint, and voila!

A drapery finial and an ugly candlestick came together pretty well to make a fairly sweet-looking finial. The whole is greater than sum of the parts. Symbiotic relationships are just the best! 

This "finial" didn't even require glue - the drapery finial just sits there nicely, balanced on the candlestick. Theoretically, the candlestick is still a candlestick, so I can use it as one if I ever change my mind. 

The other large finial on the back, left side is actually a large piece of turned wood I bought from neighbors in Houston years ago. It was a gift from a friend who loved to do turned wood. 

I have used it as a candlestick, a small table (with a plate on top), and now it simply has a smaller garage sale finial sitting on top of it, not even glued down. 

Just like the smallest finial, it can still be used for a candlestick or small table. Hmmm. I may have a problem here...How is that for non-committal? 

I still need to find just the perfect little something to top off the lamp finial - a tiny finial that will fit where the nut tightens all the components together. Everything I have tried so far is too large. 

Oh, well. I guess I'll just have to keep trolling the thrift stores in search of something!

Word for the Day:
Haggai 2:9

The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.’”

Possibly Linking With
Sunday
http://www.twiggstudios.com/	Sunday Show-off Link Party
http://www.findingsilverpennies.com	Silver Pennies Sundays
Monday
http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/	Masterpiece Monday
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/	Make it Pretty Monday
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/	Mod Mix Monday
http://www.maisondepax.com/	Give Me the Goods Monday
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
www.CedarHillFarmhouse.com/	The Scoop
http://www.whitelacecottage.com/	The Scoop
http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/	The Scoop
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/	Inspire Me Tuesday
http://cityfarmhouse.com/	Inspiration Exchange Linky Party
Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.net/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://www.timewashed.com/	Blissfully White Wednesday
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com	Cottage Style Party
Thursday
http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/	Thursday Open House Party
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/	Time Travel Thursday
http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/	Treasure Hunt Thursday
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday
http://petitemichellelouise.blogspot.com/	Grey Dey Thursdey
http://www.commonground-do.com/	Be Inspired
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/	Fabulously Creative Friday
http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/	Friday’s Five Features
http://vintageinteriorblogs.com/	Weekend
Saturday
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/	Party Junk
http://too-much-time.com/	Get Schooled Saturday