I always wanted a Toto, or those amazing Oluce glowing stones for the yard, and this combines both functions for $50 rather than $500.

The CC is quite cynical about ALL solar lighting. He was secretly thinking that I had just made a really stupid purchase. To look at it, you might agree and think it’s just a smallish white cube with no hope of doing anything.

It has a solar charger that plugs in underneath.

Charge it for a few hours, and when night falls….you punch the little button underneath and…..

…. IT WORKS! Such a nice bright glow from the LED…there is some light love afoot my friends. How do I know the CC has forgiven me, and might even approve of this purchase? He brought it up to the treehouse for our sleepover Saturday night. You worked your way into his solar hatin’ heart Mr. Cube, and I think we will all enjoy each other very much.

For those who prefer a more rotund lighting friend, might I suggest Ms. Sphere, or their cousin, Master Planter/ Ice Bucket.

Happy patio planning!

Last year we cobbled together a lighting situation that I am determined to improve upon for round two. We thought we’d have installed some low voltage lighting on the trail by this year, but the treehouse kinda sucked all the energy and resources for such a project.  I saw this project below and wanted to do something kinda like it, but with a slight twist.

via eighteen25

I loved the idea of creating a big “moon” in the forest with bats affixed to it.  When I discussed this brilliant plan with the Things, I was immediately shot down as Thing One said, “But there’s already a moon.  It will look like Tatooine.”   I countered that it might be cloudy, and wondered since when has a touch of Star Wars EVER been a problem around here?!  For proof, go here.  They relented.

I ordered a 24″ yellow paper lantern to act as the moon and I already had some of these LED battery powered mini-lights.  The less extension cords out there, the better, so I’m hoping if I group a few of the lights in the big lantern, it will give off enough light for impact.

 via Just Artifacts

To test my crafty plan, I happened to have both a small yellow and a white paper lantern up in the attic.  They are a little worse for wear, but at least I could get an idea of how it will look before the big one comes.  I can use them in other parts of the party as long as they are high enough to hide their flaws.

I used a bat template from Country Living, but it was too big for a folded piece of 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper, so I ended up freehanding them, and just looking at the template for reference.  I used 80# black card stock.

Here are the “test lanterns.”  I’m excited about how the big one will look in the forest…I think it’s gonna work!  As you can tell, the dining room is officially, Halloween central.  I think we’ll be eating at the breakfast bar, or outside for the rest of the month….

via Zipper 8 Lighting

Same principle here, but too feminine for my Things.

So I thought smaller, tighter circles might give it more of a fishscale over floral vibe…so I punched out LOTS of little circles…this was just the beginning.

Gluing.  Small circles.   For FIVE AND A HALF HOURS.  Taking into account the breaks taken to feed people and other tasks…it took me WAY longer than I thought it would.  Just as well I love these little people.

Speaking of, Thing One helped me with the design.  He requested a stripe scenario with the silver at “the equator” of our globe, so I like to think I took direction well.

I might have opted for a solid, or an ombre effect, but this is their lamp and I want them to have input and ownership over their space, so stripe it is!  I started to worry that using card stock would block too much light, but I wanted the stiffness of the heavier paper and decided to risk it.

Well, once I hung it…it looks kinda like a disco ball!  Oops…or not!?  Hey-o!  Things like to disco!

It is not really bright enough for general lighting, but it is really great mood lighting/nightlight which might work out perfectly here.  There are other lanterns and such in here….

Of course, right when I finished, SFAS aired and I saw Orb-lando’s DIY wire pendant and well, that would look so much better in here.  THANKS Orlando.  I was happily discoed for a few hours.  We’ll see what the Things say on the matter.

BTW, I am really digging season 2…loving her vintage choices, and well, everything else. I’m so pleased to see a show like hers doing well.  Long may it last.

Where was I?  Yes.  We have a lamp that looks like a disco ball!

Next on the horizon?  Well, things are heating up around here….barn door installation, The Flea next weekend,  and THE SALE…and all the prep leading up to said event.  I’ve got to start shooting items for your previewing pleasure!

Excel lamp by Roll and Hill

I had no idea Adelman had posted DIY instructions on her website!  Her work is so beautiful..it is really generous of her to take pity on those of us who can’t afford her!

I’m super impressed with the results.  To see more photos of The Brick House’s DIY go here.

Photo by The Brick House

Then something happened…I missed the watershed moment, but Kelly Wearstler or some other wildly popular designer from a few years back must have featured one, because, for the past couple of years..this is what they are going for:

$12,000.00 Stejnar Chandelier

Attributed to Stejnar for ONLY $4,800.00

Stejnar is all wrong for the Regal Beagle, too formal…but Ikea has felt our pain once again and offered up their new Maskros.  The shelter blogs went nuts for this when it was unveiled in Europe a few months ago…but I hate to feature anything you can’t get your hands on yet, so, I waited until it showed up here.  Sure, it’s paper, not Austrian glass, but a great look on a budget.  If I were trying to pull it off in a more formal setting, I’d group several of them at different heights and the drama of that alone would distract many from the fact that your statement chandelier is paper!  Tord Boontje has been doing very well for years now with his paper chandeliers/pendants at the same price point, so why not Ikea?

$90 Maskros from Ikea

Anyway, this works for me on many levels.  sofa city sweethearts has made this pendant from 3 45s and 1 LP.  It has a mod, feminine, yet sinister quality I’m drawn to…..like ruffles on a biker suit…..

$40 from sofacitysweethearts via Etsy

As always, I acknowledge the sin against art when I feature knock-offs.  Moving on…

For those, like myself, who have always loved the gorgeous Giogali chandelier, your bargain has arrived.  Designed by the Italian architect Angelo Mangiarotti in 1967, it is a timeless classic.  Z Gallerie has taken it upon themselves to create their own version for only $299. No,  these are not handblown Murano glass links…if they were, it wouldn’t cost only $299!   That said,  I saw one in store and it does cast beautiful light through the glass much like the original does.

]]> http://modfrugal.com/2009/04/mod-mood-lighting/feed/ 0 http://modfrugal.com/2009/02/vintage-ice/ http://modfrugal.com/2009/02/vintage-ice/#comments Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:10:07 +0000 ModFruGal http://modfrugal.wordpress.com/?p=442

I’m always on the prowl for good vintage anything and I just spotted a tres cool pendant/swag light on Metro Retro.  E-bayers will know this guy – he always has good stuff..although prices keep creeping up.  I’ve included 2 of the photos…there are more at the site.  The light is chrome and glass, although you could change out the chrome chain that dates it and make a new cord and ceiling cap for hard wiring.  It’s a great example of how to take a vintage piece and tweak it a bit with minor updates. For $299…you can have a conversation piece that is truly unique.  Since he only has one, if you like it, better go for it!