Lamp Revamp

   In these cold winter months, one thing that gets me through the dreary days is the expectation of Spring, Summer, & fun things to come. Right now, we're planning a big road trip for this coming summer and we've started talking about a trip next winter... somewhere warm. :) 

  Last week I posted some ideas using maps. With all this talk of traveling & maps, I was itching to get to this project I've been planning since last fall. I present to you my latest makeover, the travelling lamp!

It started out with this 80's brass lamp with a dusty rose little highlight in the middle. It would have gone perfectly in my bedroom when I was 12 years old. I'm not sure about you, but I'm so over that colour scheme. :) 

I paid $4 for it at a local thrift store. 

I also paid $4 for the lamp shade, which wasn't so bad to begin with. It was just a bit dirty. 

I got out my favourite glossy white spray paint...

Then I wrapped the cord & the light socket with aluminum foil before starting to spray.

I gave the base 3 light coats of spray paint. The first two I was able to do outside in the garage because we were enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures. Then it got cold & I had to bring it inside to do the last coat. 

The house smelled for days! Ya, not one of my most brilliant moments. :)

After cutting the map into sections, I used Mod Podge to decoupage the map to the lamp shade, 

being careful to push out the bubbles with my fingers. 

After it had dried, I trimmed the edges & hot glued some white grosgrain ribbon to the edges to finish it off. 

Oh, by the way, I paid $2 for 2 vintage maps at an antique store here in town. 

The colours are slightly more muted than a brand new map.

We're enjoying our new lamp in our family room & it reminds me of our fun travels to come. 

I would like to thank all of you, my wonderful readers, for stopping by. 

In these last several months, I've been so excited to see Silver Boxes grow & see my friend count rise bit by bit. 

I really appreciate all of my new friends in the blogosphere. Thank you for your kind words & support.

I hope you stop in again soon. And don't forget to join the party on facebook! :) See you there!

Enjoy your day!

I'm amazed by all these features! WOW! Thank you!

This project featured at:

Pad Thai

  Lately, I've been trying to cook a bit more vegetarian. Not cutting out meat entirely, but just trying to cut down on the amount of meat our family consumes. Not only is it easier on the pocketbook, it's easier on the waistline as well. I've noticed I've already dropped a few pounds since the beginning of January. Ya-hoo! :)  

  This Pad Thai recipe is one of our family's favourites. It's packed with flavour as well as lots of healthy veggies! It's a win-win!

Pad Thai

makes 4 servings

8 oz. rice vermicelli noodles, uncooked

sauce:

1/4 cup ketchup

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

2 Tbsp. lime juice

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar

1 tsp. sesame oil

1/4 - 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (Depending on how spicy you want it. 1/2 tsp. is a bit too spicy for our kids, but my husband & I like it.)

1 tsp. canola oil

1/2 cup diced red onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup bean sprouts

1/2 cup grated carrots

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup chopped, fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Cook noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain. Set aside.

Mix sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large, non-stick wok or skillet over medium heat. Add onions & garlic. Cook & stir until onions are tender, about 3 minutes. Add sauce & bring to a boil. Add cooked noodles, bean sprouts, carrots, green onions, & cilantro. Mix well. Cook until noodles are heated through, about 2 minutes. 

Sprinkle individual servings with chopped peanuts. 

Mix it up: Add some stir fried shrimp, chicken, or steak to make this dish heartier. 

Have you made any healthy changes this new year?  I'd love to know about them - please leave a comment!

Here's to getting healthier in 2012!

Enjoy your day!

Thanks so much for reading!


Join me for even more fun on the Silver Boxes Facebook page!

On A Map Quest

  Maps... they bring me a sense of excitement. Probably because my husband & I love travelling so much. So when I see old maps used in clever ways, it really brings a smile to my face. 

Here's several favourites I've spied over the last little while...

Cover some old shoe boxes in maps & use as a nifty storage solution.

Via

Cut out a bit of several maps that represent your favourite places 

and frame them together as a nice reminder of your travels.

Frame a vintage map.

Via

Use a map to brighten up a drab dresser.

Via

Cover some wooden letters spelling out the place on the map.

Cut an old globe in half & use as a bowl.

Via

Cut letters out of an old map (or sheet music) to add a nice alternative to a gift tag.

Via

Cover an old trash bin with a map.

Via

Add some fun colour to a monogram.

Via

Make some pretty pinwheels for your desk.

Via

Make light pennants from an old globe.

Via

Wrap a gift with a map. Wouldn't it be fun if the gift was a trip or some airline tickets? Or perhaps a travel book?

Via

Line a drawer with an old map. 

Via

Make a Christmas ornament.

Via

Line a table top.

Via

Make a set of coasters. Another great way to remind you of your favourite travels.

Via

Which was your favourite? Have you made any projects involving maps? Please let me know! I'm always looking for fresh inspiration. :)

I've actually been working on my own map-themed project this past week. 

I hope you come back to check it out next week!

Enjoy your day!

Industrial Style Letter Tutorial

  Last week, when I posted about my grey & yellow vignette, I gave you a peek at the wooden letter that I recently finished. Today, I'm going to show you how I did it!

Here's what I started with:

~Wooden Letter

~Aluminum Foil

~Craft Knife

~Mod Podge

~Foam Brushes

~Black Craft Paint (not shown)

1) Trace & cut out the letter shape as well as strips for the sides on the letter.

2) Mod Podge the aluminum foil edges first. Shiny side down. Be careful to smooth out any bubbles.

3) Now, Mod Podge the front & back. Again, shiny side down. Let dry.

4) Once it's dry, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over the whole thing. Let dry.

5) Working in small sections, brush on a small amount of black craft paint. Wipe off with an old rag or paper towel. Work quickly because the paint dries fast! A bit of paint with stick in the crinkles & corners, giving it an industrial look. Let dry.

Incorporate it into your decor & enjoy!

On a completely different subject, what do you think of the new chevron background on Silver Boxes? 

I'm likin' it. I'm trying to learn some new blogging skills so I can change up the look a bit. 

You may see more changes soon. Thanks for your patience as I learn.  :)

Thanks so much for stopping by. Make it a great Monday!