Current Obsession : Sputnik Lighting

 Over the last month or so I have fallen in love with the iconic Mid Century Modern Sputnik Chandelier but this week it turned into an OBSESSION.

     Influenced by the "Atomic Age" it is easily recognized by its many arms exploding from a single orb, extending to an individual lightbulb.  Today this iconic piece has been recreated in many different ways, you can purchase it in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.  This is an amazing piece for any room to add interest and history 

 

The Sputnik was extremely popular in the 1960's but was actually designed 3 years before Sputnik Satellite was ever launched in to space. The original Sputnik-style designs were made in 1954 by Gino Sarfatti. Unfortunately for Gino these designs were discontinued in 1959, but the design lived on being recreated by many copy-cats. 

So thank you Gino Sarfatti. Because of you, this week I am Obsessed. 

- Joshua 

The Glitter Lamp

I created this lamp for my clients daughters room, she just turned 14 and they have moved into a new townhouse in Hyde Park. So it was decided it was time to update her room and give her a more sophisticated look for high school.

This is just one of the original pieces that I created for her. 

         

When I found this lamp at Ikea I thought it was a great clean piece, but kind of boring for a 14 year old. So I put it into the back of my mind as an option just incase I found a cool lampshade or some way to make it a little more interesting.  While out shopping with some friends I saw a glass hour glass full of sand and immediately remembered the lamp. It would be so great to fill it with something to and add that special touch that I was looking for.  Glitter immediately was the obvious choice, A- I  love glitter, B- using silver glitter would add that sparkly metallic punch, but it was still a neutral making it a great color to add to any room.  C- 14 year old girls also love glitter !

Step 1 : Gather your supplies 

I purchased the lamp and shade at Ikea there are different sizes but I spent 18.00 on the lamp and 9.99 on the shade. I also purchased two 16oz jars of glitter from Hobby Lobby, with coupons I think i spent 12.00.  You will also need some scrap paper, a plastic straw and a hot glue gun. 

Step 2 : removed the plastic plug that held the cord in place. 

I then created a small funnel out of scrap paper and at the bottom taped a plastic straw.  I know this sounds kind of elaborate to funnel glitter into a lamp, but the hole is so small that using the plastic straw made it a clean easy project to siphon the glitter into the lamp.

Step 3: Add glitter ! 

(Easier said then done)

Just take your time, I found that the best method was to add small amounts at a time and lightly tap the straw to keep the glitter moving through the funnel 

Step 4 : 

(I apologize I don't have a picture of this, I did not have enough hands) 

Once you have decided that you have the amount of glitter desired replace the plastic plug, I also added hot glue to make sure that it was completely sealed. 

Sealing the lamp in very important, we all know how dangerous glitter can be !

Over all this project was a easy quick change that made a large impact. Anastasia loves her new room, but I received a text last week telling me how much she specifically loves the lamp.

- Joshua