fresh new look

I think it's been about a year that I've been thinking about decorating this old lamp. It was my grandma's lamp and probably one of the first memories of have of her house. I always loved it. It sat right next to the dinner table where she kept her sewing machine. I can clearly picture her sitting next to it, stitching a hem or sewing a button, while my sister and I were all snug-as-a-bug on the sofa bed watching Dallas and Fantasy Island. When she sold her house, I couldn't stand the thought of this disappearing from my life. It's goofy, but I still love it.

Then about a year ago, maybe even longer, Heather Wells of Bright Lights Little City was on Martha demonstrating her umbrella lamp construction. I LOVE her lamps! I knew immediately that it would give my grandma's lamp a fresh new look. Don't know why it took me so long to do. But now it's done! It wasn't as easy as I thought to find cocktail umbrellas. Of course - you know how it goes - seems I used to seen them ALL THE TIME and then when I actually want them... no where to be found. But I finally popped into the party store and grabbed a couple boxes. I over-estimated my umbrella needs, though, and have about 150 left over. I'm stocked for a lifetime of tiki bar parties.