Friday, March 25, 2011

Redoing a Frenchy Pedestal


Sometimes you find just bits and pieces at GW, and that was the case this week.  This base was all by itself and I didn't see anything that looked like it should belong with it, but I just loved it, so I figured I could create something frenchy and old world.


 25% off day, so for $3.74 it definitely was coming home with me.


 I started looking through my stash of accessories and goodies and found this little glass dish that fit the base perfectly.


 Then one of my cloches fit on top of that.  How fun is this.


 I also had this hurricane and was thrilled that it fit the base perfectly also.


 Only problem is the finish.  Just a little too goldy for me.


 My favorite fix for almost anything is dark walnut stain.  I just know this will tone it down.


 With a paper towel I just globbed a lot into all the crevices of the piece.


 Then I took another paper towel and wiped all the excess off.  Much better.  I can't wait to create a new vignette with it.

What do you think it was originally?  I have no idea, but I am thrilled that I can use it in several ways.



 Be sure to check out Table Top Tuesday and see how I used it.

I am linking to the following parties:
Saturday Showoff @ Male's Rose Garden
Favorite Things Saturday @ Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie
Sunday Showcare @ Under The Table and Dreaming
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House In The Roses
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Thanks so much for stopping by, I always look forward to your visits.



87 comments:

  1. DianeMarch 25, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Very clever! I love it, I will have to start to look for something like that! Looks great.

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  2. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMarch 25, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    I wonder if it originally held something glass, and the glass broke, so the owner gave away the base. Either way, it looks great with your glass dish and cloche on it, Marty! It looks like it fits perfectly! When I find things like that at my Goodwill, there is one nasty woman there {she never smiles - ever} and she says "there is something that goes with this", but I never see that something and she will sell the other piece. Whenever I go in now and she's working, I always say "oh no" under my breath.

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  3. Miss CharMarch 25, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Great find Marty. Our GW in my area don't really have a lot because our online store is so popular. I buy a lot from there.

    Your redo of this little gem look perfect and it also looks like you've got options as to how you want to use it. With that glass dish you have on it I think it would look elegant as a soap dish in a guest bathroom.

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  4. Blue Ridge Altered ArtMarch 25, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    What a great find. Very nice piece in that there will be many ways you can use it. Incredible price and I love the way you toned it down. ~~Sherry~~

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  5. MartinaMarch 25, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Marty what a great little find! I love the last picture with the candle,can't wait to see the vignette you create! Have a great weekend, Martina

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  6. SandyMarch 25, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    Marty... I see you on lots of lovely ladies blogs and decided to come and visit. That was a perfect find...I love it when you run across something that you just have to have but don't have a clue what to do with it. It always works out, doesn't it? I hope you will come over for a visit with me. Have a wonderful weekend. xoso Sandy O

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  7. Debra@Common GroundMarch 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    Ah Marty, A woman with vision!!! Love it!!

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  8. SheliaMarch 25, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Marty! You're just the smartest one. This is beautiful and I love how your darkened it. I have some of the Minwax and never thought of doing something like this. It's a lovely piece you've done good giving it new life! ;)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  9. Debbie@Debbie-DabbleMarch 25, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Marty,
    What a great idea you came up with!! It came out really elegant looking !!
    Wonderful project!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  10. Glenda/MidSouthMarch 25, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Probably a hurricane candle holder or container for potpourri. Using it with a cloche is a great idea. I like the way you toned the gold down.
    Have a great weekend.

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  11. Allyson PecilunasMarch 25, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Love it Marty!! It's beautiful

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  12. SheilaMarch 25, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    What a great find. I love it. I love what you've done with the walnut stain. I may just have to try that trick sometime. I bet it was a lamp base in it's previous life. I used to have an old lamp with a base something like that, but I love they way you have used it. Perfect!

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  13. Marina MottMarch 25, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    It is a great idea! Lovely!!xx

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  14. KathyMarch 25, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Great find, I always love coming here, you have so much inspiration and energy!

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  15. TeresaMarch 25, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Wow, that was great that your items fit perfectly, how fun is that? I can't wait to see your vignette.

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  16. Ceekay- Thinkin of HomeMarch 25, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Ooooh...I really like that! Great job!!

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  17. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill StudioMarch 25, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    What a wonderful find! I love what you have done to it.
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  18. SandyMarch 25, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    thanks for coming to visit.... I'll be back my new friend.
    xoso Sandy O

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  19. Blondie's JournalMarch 25, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    I love it when someone can see the potential in a piece and you sure did. The base turned out wonderful. I love it with the hurricane!

    XO,
    Jane

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  20. WillowMarch 25, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    What a wonderful thing you found and so many uses for it. I do like how you made it darker.

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  21. Kim @ Cheap Chic HomeMarch 25, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    This looks fantastic, Marty. About the last half dozen times I've been to Goodwill, I've found NADA :(. Hey, thanks for putting the feedburner count on your blog--I've been meaning to do that for some time now and seeing yours motivated me to add it. Hugs back, Kim

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  22. PamMarch 25, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Great find. It looks so much better "aged". Don't we all though?

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  23. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)March 25, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Your the most cleverest Marty my dear!
    I would never have thought of that!
    Have fun at the Blogger Tea, wish I was there!
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  24. Sandi (Meme)March 25, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    Wow! What a transformation, and it's low priced too! Thanks for sharing! Sandi

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  25. MaryMarch 25, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    WoW...what a great find, love what you did the the stain. The piece certainly does not look like an under $5 treasure ! !

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  26. West Side of StraightMarch 25, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    Wow~ great addition for your table!

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  27. Susan HawthorneMarch 25, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    what a brilliant idea- love it with the cloche.

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  28. Paula MontalvoMarch 25, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    How neat! It looks great! What a great and creative idea. I wouldn't have given this a second glance. Now I will be looking at things differently when I am out thrifting! Blessings <3 Paula

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  29. salmagundiMarch 25, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Great find, and the stain took care of its only problem. I'm sure you will find lots of use for it - everything looks better elevated! Sally

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  30. CindyMarch 25, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Great find and very clever...love it!

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  31. SusanMarch 25, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Marty, I dont know what it was. But your ideas of what to do with it are awesome!

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  32. ShirleyMarch 25, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    How fun it would be if everyone who picked this item up and put it back down could see what you have done! I bet they would be sorry! Not you! You win....it is beautiful..alway look outside the box...we should do this more often..
    ~Shirley

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  33. Ruthie's Renewed TreasuresMarch 25, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Love that you used the mini wax product on this. Perfection.

    Ruthie

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  34. Sharing ShadymontMarch 25, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Marty,

    What a great find. I love it with the hurricane on it. What a perfect fit!

    Blessings,
    Kathy

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  35. TammyMarch 25, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    Love your creativity!
    Tammy

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  36. GinaMarch 25, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Who would have thought that it would be such a versatile piece! I bet it held a glass at one time, like a hurricane of sorts. Very interesting.

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  37. SarahMarch 25, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Marty, this was a great find and love what you did to make it useful once again. ~ Sarah

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  38. A Few PenniesMarch 25, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Beautiful project! Very elegant looking. Have a great weekend. Patty

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  39. Tiffany Steers, Sylacauga, ALMarch 25, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    I see alot of old lamp bases that look similar...we actually by old ugly lamps at thrift stores and garage sales if they have a cool base & discard or re-purpose the top part and use the base just as you have done. Great tutorial, Thanks for sharing. Tiff at the Cranky Queen

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  40. AnonymousMarch 26, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    Marty what a wonderful looking piece! It does sortof look like a lamp base like Tiff suggested. Whatever it is it's lovely now that you have your hands on it!

    I will be doing some serious shopping with Vanna soon!! The size of my suitcase and pocket book will definitely help keep me in check!

    bee blessed
    mary

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  41. PaulaMarch 26, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    Your new pedestal looks perfect with both the hurricane and the cloche. Using stain to tone down the gold is such a smart solution. I'm sure you'll find many places in your home to use this in vignettes.

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  42. joMarch 26, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    Oh You clever girl!! I am very jealous that you are able to access such great stuff! Great job on the repaint too!!

    Jo

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  43. Confessions of a Plate AddictMarch 26, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    Wow! What an amazing find, Marty! And I love what you have done with it...so versatile! I hope you are having a great weekend!...hugs...Debbie

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  44. DaphneMarch 26, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    Wow, Marty! What a super base for the pieces you already had. I especially love the cloche on it. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

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  45. Karen@StrictlySimpleStyleMarch 26, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    Love how you updated the look and took down the gold a bit. I could see a round glass vessel on top with a flower or candle floating inside too.

    This is such a versatile piece, I'm sure you'll find ways to incorporate it into your many beautiful tablescapes throughout the year.

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  46. Kathleen EllisMarch 26, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Hi Marty!
    Oh my! What a FABulous find! and what you have done with it! the options you have for it!!! FABulous!!!
    Thanks so much for your visit!
    Have a beautifully creative weekend~
    ;-D Kathleen

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  47. Ann@A Sentimental LifeMarch 26, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    talk about a great repurpouse!! I bet your were thrilled when the pieces all fit together!

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  48. JacquelineMarch 26, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Marty, you are always so clever! I love how the stain just toned it down and what options you have. I can't believe the hurrican and the plate fit it perfectly. It makes a great candle holder. You amaze me another time!

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  49. xinexMarch 26, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    I like that, Marty, very Frenchy indeed and gorgeous!...Christine

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  50. RettabugMarch 26, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    What a great score & what a neat find, Marty!! You have such a wonderful eye for seeing the possibilities. I love what you've done to it with the stain. I may try that on my 2 picture frames that are too bright gold for me. Thanks for the tip!!

    fondly,
    Rett

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  51. On Crooked CreekMarch 26, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Marty,
    I adore the little "lift" you gave your newest Thrift Store find. The hurricane look was calling my name! Cleaver lady! Thanks for sharing!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  52. Teresa at Splendid SassMarch 26, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    How beautiful! Love it! Lucky find.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  53. Karie's Chic CreationsMarch 26, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Very Pretty. Don't you just love it when you find something and you can add your own touch. Can't wait to see it in one of your vignettes. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Karie

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  54. Olive CooperMarch 26, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    I bow to the master of all things conected with cloches! Brilliant!

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  55. ClaireMarch 26, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Marty-love this fab find-especially that it fits right in with some of your things-can't wait to see what you do with it! Claire

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  56. BobbiMarch 26, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    Just beautiful and I love that you have lots of ways of using it.

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  57. PicketMarch 27, 2011 at 2:58 AM

    Hey girl...I love what you are always doing with that dark walnut stain! I gotta get me some of that...lol...I love your new piece with the cloche and the hurricane one it but the hurricane is my favorite with it...hummmm could have something to do with the fact that I just made my new hurricane candle holders! lol Thanks for coming by sweetie and girl you just bless my heart with your comments...have a great Sunday Marty...love ya girl...Picket

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  58. CHERIMarch 27, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    What a deal. Now you have a one-of-a-kind item! And you can interchange it makes an even greater bonus. I think whatever was on top was probably glass, like the hurricane, and held a candle. Somehow the glass probably got broken and the owner didn't have the vision that you have and so gave it away. Sounds like me!!! I do believe, Marty, you could take a sow's ear and make it into a silk purse...literally!

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  59. Divine TheatreMarch 27, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    I am so grateful that you visited me! I wish I had discovered your blog sooner!
    I am your newest happy follower!

    Andie

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  60. Sue (Someone's Mom)March 27, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    You were so lucky to have pieces at home that worked with it so well! I can't wait to see where you put it.

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  61. SheliaMarch 27, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Hi Marty! OH, I'm thrilled you'll be coming to my party! Can't wait.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  62. Farah MuzaffarMarch 27, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Great find, and great job you have done ... your piece is marvelous one ... Wood polish gives it so grand and classy look... very impressive Marty ... really I am going to start searching for something ... Beautiful job...
    If you love to play with colours and flowers? Please visit me at
    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
    Love
    Farah

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  63. Pink Roses and TeacupsMarch 27, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Oh Marty, what a great find! Love what you did with it! It's perfect either way!

    Debbie

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  64. DebbieMarch 27, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Love it, especially with the cloche. Debbie the Dunderhead would have walked right past it and missed a golden opportunity.

    Looking forward to the vignette.

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  65. Heidi PocketbookMarch 27, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Marty, you have the most amazing ideas. Very cool!

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  66. Jane@Cottage at the CrossroadsMarch 27, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    I love how you used stain to tone down the gold. I really liked the last picture and I'm waiting to see how you use it in a tablescape.

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  67. VictoriaMarch 27, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    That looks so good! What a great vision you had buying that:)

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  68. Pam - diy Design FanaticMarch 27, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    You always find the best things at the Goodwill! I love how you changed the finish!

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  69. PhyllisMarch 27, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    I would have walked on by and left the base on the shelf and look at the creative way you have used it! I am wondering if it was the base to a lamp. Whatever it was in its former life, I like the new use you have for it.....it is just a wonderful attractive piece to use and display.

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  70. EmilyMarch 27, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    So many clever ways to use your new Frenchy Pedestal. The cloches is a perfect look for the base, and I love the fact you can use as the hurricane too. Great find...

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  71. Nancy's NotesMarch 27, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Marty, that is absolutely a special treasure! You've got a special piece there and you are truly doing a great job to make it even more valuable!

    Hugs,
    Nancy

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  72. laurie @ bargain huntingMarch 27, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    You are sooooo clever! What a great base for a hurricane or a cloche ~ a one of a kind. Love the way you toned it down with the wax. Thank you for linking this beauty to Favorite Things. laurie

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  73. lvroftiquesMarch 27, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    Marty I'm sure somebody already told you , but just in case they didn't, it's an old lamp base. I buy old lamps with ornate bases all the time and use them for display pedestals and sometimes use the rest of the lamp for other projects. That one's a nice big one! I LOVE it with your cloche! And I've never used minwax to tone one down. It looks great! I'll be giving that a try girlfriend *winks* Thanks for the heads up. Vanna

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  74. Jess @ Frugal with a FlourishMarch 28, 2011 at 3:47 AM

    Looks fantastic!!! I love how it turned out!!

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  75. AnonymousMarch 28, 2011 at 4:28 AM

    What a treasure! You've done an excellent job toning it down. Love your word 'globbed'...A real gem!
    yvette@twistedvines

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  76. kara@elements-interiors.netMarch 28, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    Marty, that turned out BEAUTIFUL!!
    I love the depth you added:)

    I would LOVE for you to add
    Whassup Wednesday to you party list:)

    I will see you here tomorrow;)

    xoxokara

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  77. Chrissy...The Apothecary ShopMarch 28, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Good job Marty...love it with the cloche top too! Hope you are well,sorry its been so long between visits! x0

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  78. Janell @ Isabella and MaxMarch 28, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    This has convinced me if I had the right stands for my cloches I'd figure out how to use them better! Looks wonderful! Janell

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  79. MaryMarch 28, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    I love it! Thank you for joining in on Masterpiece Monday. Have a great week, Mary :O)

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  80. Cozy Home ScenesMarch 28, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    My guess is that it was a hurrican candle holder and the top broke. I had a hurricane lamp that was similiar to this many years ago. Not the same design, but it looked like that. The glass is easily broken on things like that.

    I like the cloche you made for it. I'm sure there are many ways you can decorate with it now!

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  81. Jane @ Jane's Junk and TreasuresMarch 28, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Marty what a great find!!
    It looks great!!

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  82. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜March 28, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Marty that is so classy looking! I love your score. I will be linking up tonight for your party..it's been awhile since I have had a tabletop to share:)

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  83. Wsprsweetly Of CottagesMarch 29, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    It is such a great feeling when you bring something home and it fits right in..and is so useful and versatile! Lucky you...and very smart you!! :)
    Mona

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  84. Life with LMarch 29, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    What a beautiful treasure you found. I love the paint treatment.

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  85. KathyMarch 30, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    This is a gorgeous pedestal! Perfect for your cloches and such! Great find!
    Kathy

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  86. InMyOwnStyleMarch 30, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Hi Marty-
    You are so clever - bet we will be seeing lots of hurricanes like you used on pedestals. It looks perfect and much easier to find then a cloche.
    I never thought about rubbing stain on to darken metal - great tip.
    My best- Diane

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  87. MaryApril 1, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    I love this! I also love your Frenchy Candle Holder, so I featured them on "My Top Ten Fav Picks" at Boogieboard Cottage. Have a great weekend! Mary :O)

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