Why I love Garage Sales

I am so excited to show my newest project!
I have wanted a better light fixture for over our table for.ev.er.
This is the boring, builder, kinda-looks-like-a-boob, light fixture that has been over our table since we moved in.  It's fine, but it's so BO-ring for over a table. 

I wanted some kind of chandelier type thing...for cheap.  Since my decorating budget is next to nothing, I have to be creative.  I love the challenge!
So one Saturday this summer I was driving around and stopped by a yard sale.  It was a pitiful little yard sale, but it was at a nice house and I was just compelled to pull over.
I spotted what looked like a small chandy sitting haphazardly in a cardboard box.  I go inspect.
Looks good.  I ask the man how much......
$3!!!!!
I grabbed that bad boy up and had the cash out before he could change his mind.
THREE DOLLARS.  Wooty hoo hoo!
I was so excited and nearly skipped back to the car.
I so wish I had taken a before picture, but I was way too impatient and had the thing spray painted before I had a clear thought.
Here's a similar picture of what it looked like before:

 It had a different finish and only 3 arms.
Not bad, but I had plans.
So I bought a $3 dollar can of Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint and went to town.
I didn't even use half of the can so I can use the rest for other projects. yay.
Avery said to me today, "Mom, you spray paint everything."  Yes, I do.
I flipped the arms facing up and have been looking for shades ever since. 
I need cheap.  Why pay full price when it feels so good to get a deal?
Pottery Barn & Ballard Designs shades were around $15-$20each....well they were super cute but that defeats the whole purpose of getting a $3 chandy!
I have been patient.  I have looked at Hobby Lobby, Craig's List, Ebay, etc.
The cheapest I'd found was at Hob Lob for $2 ea. after the 50% discount.
But they were square and that read Asian to me.  Not the vibe I was going for.

Today the boys and I ran by this store called Oops!
Oh, Oops!, you are now my best friend.
We were wandering around, when the clouds parted and there was a big ol' display of lamp shades.
There were about 3 shelves of clip on shades.
I looked at the price................wait for it.....

50 CENTS!!!!!!!!!
I about wet my pants.  I may or may not have jumped up and down a little bit.
Then I grabbed 3 of them up and hugged them to myself. Seriously, I did this.
I may have some issues, not sure.
As soon as I got in the car, I called AJ to screach to him my good fortune.  He tried his best to be enthusiastic for me, bless his heart.

He really does put up with a lot. :)

Had to show this hottie in action gettin' it all settled for me.


















And look at it now! 

I LOVE it.  It is exactly what I was wanting.
It changes the whole look of our dining "area."  :)

Break it down sista:
chandelier: $3
oil rubbed bronze spray paint:$3
Shades:$1.50
Total: $7.50

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