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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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October 30, 2013

Spray Painted Ceramic Lamps & Thank You Bonnie Seymour

Sigh…I love spray paint so much. It’s like magic in a can.

I love it so much that I wanted to find out who invented it. Taking the time to research this is proof of my love!

The man who’s listed as the inventor of spray paint was named Edward Seymour and “in 1949 he added paint to existing Aerosol technology” (Wikipedia).

But guess who gave him the idea???

His wife!! I smiled at my computer monitor when I read that.

A woman had the idea first and her name was Bonnie Seymour. Yes siree!

Do you think she was a frustrated DIY’er who was looking for an easier way to give things a makeover?

Before and After Spray Painted Ceramic Lamp Makeover from atthepicketfence.com

Do you think she would relate to me, searching high and low for just the right living room lamps? Coveting the ceramic ones she saw online but not willing to pay the crazy prices? Do you think she would have haunted the thrift stores, hoping against hope that she might find just the right ones and then practically knocking people out of the way when she spotted this pair of beauties for only $5 each which is probably what new ones would have cost in 1949?!

thrift store ceramic lamps

And do you think it would be at that moment when she would realize the full power of her idea?

ceramic lamp before

That a person could totally transform something like a ceramic lamp by simple shaking up a can, hearing that glorious sound of the rattling ball inside and spraying whatever color their heart desires!

Spray Painted Ceramic thrift store lamp from atthepicketfence.com

In this case, a beautiful, soft shade of celery green.

spray-painted-ceramic-lamp-on-glass-chest atthepicketfence.com

Oh, Bonnie Seymour, you and I would have been kindred spirits.

Besties.

BFF’s.

Before and After Spray Painted Ceramic Lamp Makeover from atthepicketfence.com

Because you saw the potential for magic when paint was put in a can.

And, I’ll bet, you even let your husband think that it was really all his idea. 😉

But, we know the truth.

And we, and our homes, are forever grateful!

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

P.S. The Spray Paint used for this project was Krylon Brand Indoor/Outdoor Gloss in “celery” color.

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Thrifty Decor Chick Before and After Party

P.P.S. I did not receive anything in return for promoting this brand. I just really liked this color! 🙂

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Fall Into Fall 

I’m Lovin’ It Party

34 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, DIY, Good Ideas Tagged With: Makeover, spray paint, spray paint projects

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Comments

  1. Kim says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:24 AM

    Those are beauties indeed. Love the color.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 30, 2013 at 7:10 AM

      Thanks so much Kim! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  2. Judy says

    October 30, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    Love the new color. Great job as always.

    Reply
  3. Thistle says

    October 30, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    Hee hee! I love a good idea from a wife. 🙂

    Happy day to you rock star and your lamp is beautiful!

    karianne

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 30, 2013 at 7:09 AM

      I’m just wondering what she would have thought about Aerosol hair spray! That would have really rocked her world huh? LOL! Thanks for coming by sweet friend!

      Reply
  4. Teresa Stout says

    October 30, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    May I ask the color and brand of spray paint you used?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 30, 2013 at 9:20 AM

      Hi Teresa! I used Krylon brand Indoor/Outdoor Gloss spray paint in the color “celery”. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    October 30, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    That lamp looks great, Vanessa! Such a great idea to update a lamp like that. I never think of spray painting ceramics.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 30, 2013 at 7:08 AM

      Thanks Kathy!! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    October 30, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    Well you learn something new every day! I love that and I love spray paint. 🙂 The lamp looks beautiful too!
    xo

    Reply
  7. Harriet Hadley says

    October 30, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    What type of spray paint did she use? I have a vase I would love to redo; but, wasn’t sure what type of spray paint. Like y’all–I love spray paint–my daughters’ always call me “THE SPRAY PAINT QUEEN”.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 30, 2013 at 9:19 AM

      Hi Harriet/Spray Paint Queen! 😉 I used Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Gloss Spray Paint in “Celery” color. Thanks so much for coming by!

      Reply
  8. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    October 30, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    I just adore a fabulous spray painted lamp makeover! And you’ve just reminded me of a project that I need to get moving on. Oh, and it may involve spray paint. So I’ll give Bonnie a big thank you too!

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 30, 2013 at 9:22 AM

      Thanks so much Linda!! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    October 30, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    I am addicted to spray painting lamps! Love yours, Vanessa — and don’t you think Bonnie would’ve fit right in with us?? 😉
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  10. Mimi says

    October 30, 2013 at 12:04 PM

    Spray paint is indeed a wonderful thing. I use it a lot to transform little items like toys to match my Christmas decorations. Truly an incredible invention.

    Reply
  11. CathyT from TX says

    October 30, 2013 at 1:17 PM

    OMG!! I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw these lamps. I have the exact same ones!! They were my grandmothers and I love them but the roses thing just doesn’t go with anything I have. I never thought about doing this. They look completely different sprayed a solid color! Do you have a trick technique to getting the paint so smooth? On my computer, the color looks white instead of a light green but the smooth finish is what is so impressive. Any hints?
    Thanks so much for posting this!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 30, 2013 at 2:14 PM

      Hi Cathy! The color pale green color didn’t come through so well on the images but truly the only trick is using the gloss spray paint. I did several layers of it too so it would be really smooth. One thing to be careful of is any dripping that might occur if you spray too much in one spot so I would definitely try to spray lightly and just go layer by layer until you get the look you want! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Angela says

    October 30, 2013 at 1:23 PM

    A girl after my own heart! Just yesterday I visited 3 Goodwill’s in my area looking for lamps to transform! Alas, I came up empty handed but I’m keeping the faith! Yours look magnificent!!~~Angela

    Reply
  13. Lisa @ Lisas Creative Designs says

    October 30, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    Oh! I have a few of these old lamps in my online boutique and they just have not sold. I also have a couple in storage. I love spray paint and am an avid upcycler. I think I am going to have to try this on one of my old lamps. I love it! I am not a gold person but love silver. I think I will paint the base silver! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  14. Carol Reddin says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    Beautiful lamps Vanessa! Looking forward to seeing them at Christmas!! Mom

    Reply
  15. Candace @ Vintage News Junkie says

    October 31, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Oh my, Vanessa!! How beautiful?!? I see lamps like this all the time at thrift stores… and despite what I would like to call my “eye for upcycling ‘ol junk”… I would have never seen the potential in these lamps!! They turned out AMAZING!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 1, 2013 at 7:48 AM

      Thank you Candace!!

      Reply
  16. Angie says

    October 31, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Vanessa, How amazing are you, and brave too! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pos! Not for the beautiful project (which it is) but for your lovely personality that just lit up my day as I read your words. Nice to know someone else thinks like me. I bet I would have loved Bonnie Seymour too.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 1, 2013 at 7:48 AM

      Awww…thanks Angie!! Your comment just made my day! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Julie @ Creating This Life says

    October 31, 2013 at 10:52 AM

    Oh my word. Beautiful! I’ll never look at a thrift store lamp the same way again.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 1, 2013 at 7:47 AM

      Thanks so much Julie! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    November 1, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    Oh yes….I think Bonnie and I could be besties as well! Love this redo and that color is fabulous!

    Reply
  19. Kelly @ thelilypadcottage says

    November 3, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    Who knew?! The color is fab 🙂

    Reply
  20. Anita K says

    November 5, 2013 at 6:21 AM

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  21. jeanie says

    November 5, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    ok, I am going to be the negative one!!! I have that same lamp handed down to me from my Mom…I really can’t imagine painting it!!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 5, 2013 at 7:04 PM

      Hi Jeanie! You know, if this had sentimental value to me I probably wouldn’t have been able to paint it either! I have lots of pieces which have been passed down to me which I would never dream of painting so I totally understand! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Shirley @ Intelligent Domestications says

    November 18, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    What a fantastic makeover for an outdated but still useful lamp! I’m just glad you had the nerve to go for it and shared it with us! I think I can, I think I can….and now I know how!

    Reply
  23. Aperturas de puertas villa de vallecas says

    September 28, 2014 at 4:57 PM

    Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to
    safeguard against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything
    I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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