retro lamp shades fun

retro lamp shades fun

In “Making a 3D cake at home”, I went through the basics of taking a boxed cake mix and basic cake pans and building them into a wonderful character or object of your choosing. It usually takes 2 boxed cake mixes to accomplish the scale of cake that can reasonably feed a crowd of people. Most box cake mixes turn out a cake that is soft, moist and easily can crumble and fall apart, which makes is difficult to manage when manipulating into your shape. Taking out the fat from the egg yolks added and only adding egg whites makes the cake more spongy, and much easier to handle when cutting and standing up on it side. It gives the cake the strength it needs to stand up to a lot of icing as well. I love the texture of the cake that results from doing this. I also substitute milk for the water, to add a little more moisture. While building the cake, my daughter and I eat every leftover corner or cutout left behind, because it is so good. Using a good serrated knife, or bread knife when cutting the cake helps to keep from tearing or crumbling the cake. Once you have cooled your cake completely and cut your round cakes into halves, (I cut 2 round cakes into halves) you can begin to assemble them on a prepared cardboard cake board.

The shape of the object you are building will determine the way you place your cake pieces on the board. I will use the dinosaur for my example. I placed the cut round halves with cut side to board, using 3 halves side by side for thickness. The halves will stand well untill you get everything arranged to the shape you want them, then you can use icing to glue them together and crumb coat your cake. I then take the last half of the round cake, cut it in half and stand these two pieces up on their side on the cake board for the head, placing it in on the front side of the other 3 half rounds. For the tail, I cut the last round cake into a half moon shape and place it behind the rounds. You can curve it whichever way you want. For the legs, I made 4 egg shapes, using the Wilton egg shaped pan, which are perfect for the legs. Place these to each side. You can secure these with small wooden dowel rods, or just glue on with icing. Stand back and look at your shape, tweak where you need to. I curved my dinosaur a little on the board. When you get everything arranged into the shape you want, go ahead and place buttercream icing between pieces to stick them together and gently ice over all the pieces for a crumb coat. This prevents excess crumbs on your final icing.

Icing the cake, like I said is the most time consuming part of the process. I use buttercream icing from a basic recipe. You will need to double the recipe for enough icing to fill in your cake. A wonderful basic buttercream icing recipe is as follows.

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

4 cups powder sugar

2-3 tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla flavoring

I use gel coloring to color the icing. I usually separate it into separate bowls and color it, using a large part for the body and smaller portions for shading and details on the form ie., eyes, claws, spiney forms on dinosaur. I used green for the large portion of the body, a shade darker to enhance around the legs, and create the spines on the back and tail, black for the claws, white for the eyes and teeth. I used just a plain small round tip for the small details. It is necessary to fill in the spaces between the head and body, around the legs and between the tail and body, building with the icing with the star tip to get the full shape you want. Looking a picture of your object is a big help with enhancing the coloring. Embellishments with candies and chocolated cut to shapes is another great idea. I put small chocolate chips in the eyes. You can get as extravagant is you like. The options are endless. After your first one, a basic sheet cake just will not do. It is a lot of fun and your kids will love getting into the decorating. The hard part is watching it get devoured at the party!

White Contemporary Table Lamp Lime Green Cutout Shade $75.00 A great size and shape for bedside or small side table, this white lamp, with its lime green cutout shade, has a decidedly retro, fun feel....

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White Contemporary Table Lamp Lime Green Cutout Shade $75.00 A great size and shape for bedside or small side table, this white lamp, with its lime green cutout shade, has a decidedly retro, fun feel....

CanCan 2 Adjustable Floor Lamp by Lights Up $376.2 Whether used for reading or ambient lighting, the Lights Up! CanCan 2 Adjustable Floor Lamp adds 1950s retro flair to any design scheme. It comes with a cylindrical fabric shade that showcases one of the many fun and funky fabrics. The latest patterns are printed on 100% recycled PET fabric made from plastic bottles, including the new Anna Green and Anna Red, created by UK designer Camilla Meijer. Comes with a brushed nickel or brushed brass finish. Adjustable height from 52" to 70" as needed. Lights Up! is dedicated to creating "modern lighting for easy living." Based in Brooklyn, New York, Lights Up! has been developing affordable contemporary pendants, floor and table lamps, and sconces since 1987. Lights Up! features lighting designs by Rachel Simon and offers printed fabric shades by innovative modern textile designer Thomas Paul and UK designer Camilla Meijer. The Lights Up CanCan 2 Adjustable Floor Lamp is available with the following: Details:Cylinder-shaped, fabric, optical poly film, or wood veneer shadeMetal base and stem3-way switchHeight adjustable from 52"-70"UL ListedOptions:Finish: Brushed Brass, or Brushed Nickel.Shade: Anna Green, Anna Red, Black Ginkgo, Black Mumm, Black Optical, Black Silk Glow, Blue Cornflower, Blue-Red Optical, Burnish Chintz, Chamois, Cherry, Circles, Clear Optical, Cocoa Chintz, Cream Optical, Croissant Silk Glow, Dijon Tweed, Driftwood Silk Glow, Ebony, Eggshell Silk Glow, Faux Bois Dark, Faux Bois Light, Fuschia Optical, Gold Silk Glow, Green Ginkgo, Green Optical, Ivory Ipanema, Kimono, Knotty Pine, Mango Leaf, Natural Linen, Orange Ginkgo, Pebble Silk Glow, Penguin Tweed, Platinum Silk Glow, Poplar, Purple Optical, Red Dupioni, Red Mumm, Red Optical, Rose Tweed, Snowflake, Tan Cornflower, Turquoise Optical, Walnut, White Linen, or Yellow Optical.Lighting: One 150 Watt 120 Volt Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 2-4 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Overall Height Adjustable from 52 In. to 70 In. Shade: Diameter 18 In.

Pruitt Floor Lamp by Arteriors $960 Versatile retro style for modern living spaces. The Arteriors Pruitt Floor Lamp features five cylindrical metal shades, all of which are independently adjustable for the ideal orientation of direct and ambient light. The deep Antique Bronze of the shades balance the bright gleam of the Polished Nickel stem and base. Since 1987, Texas-based Arteriors has paired timeless concepts with a nod to the latest looks, offering home lighting with unique character and enduring presence. The lighting from Arteriors is ideal for both transitional interiors and modern homes, capturing a flavor that reflects the trends and traditions of lighting design across the world. The Arteriors Pruitt Floor Lamp is available with the following: Details:5 cylindrical Antique Dark Bronze metal shadesMetal basePolished Nickel finishFoot dimmer switchShades swivel, tilt and rotateUL ListedLighting: Five 40 Watt 120 Volt E26 Base Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 5 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 69 In., Diameter 24 In.

Ahoy Mate Lamp & Shade $49.95 The design of the lamp and shade from the Ahoy Mate! collection is truly innovative and fun. The base is designed with a socket switch and is painted in shades of blue featuring a sturdy boat with whimsical flag and sail accents. The paper shade showcases a cute little monkey perched at the top of a palm tree on a blue checkered background edged in brown. The lamp and shade are great accents to the sailing theme. The base measures 5.5" wide and stands 12" tall. The shade is 4" wide at the top, 10" wide at the bottom, and is 7" high. Uses a 40 watt bulb maximum to softly light your child's room. Gift Wrap not available. Shipping Note: This item ships via UPS Ground within contiguous United States only. Cannot be shipped to AK/HI, PO boxes, US territories, or APO/FPO addresses.

Orbit Table Lamp by Robert Abbey $217.8 A modern retro design--with sleek lines and a cut globe shade. The Robert Abbey Orbit Table Lamp features orb-like white cased glass and steel/cast metal frame and base in a choice of finishes. It's cool, fun and fabulous '50s all in one. Robert Abbey has been designing and manufacturing fine lighting since 1946. They offer a diverse collection--wall swingers, chandeliers, floor lamps and more--in a myriad of styles, from tradition to neoclassical to groovy. Collaborating with acclaimed designers Jonathan Adler, Rico Espinet and David Easton, Robert Abbey creates impeccable lighting that is perfect for modern everyday living. The Robert Abbey Orbit Table Lamp is available with the following: Details:White cased glass shadeSteel/cast metal bodyLight Bronze finishHi-Lo line switchUL ListedLighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Type A Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 4-6 weeks. Dimensions: Base: Diameter 7.5 In., Height 1.25 In. Fixture: Height 16.75 In. Shade: Height 5.25 In., Diameter 6.25 In.

Betty Boop Fun and Flirty Martini Glass $14.99 Betty Boop Fun and Flirty Martini Glass. Have a drink with your favorite animated lady! This Betty Boop Fun and Flirty Martini Glass features Betty in a red dress with fun retro designs, and the phrase "Fun and Flirty!" This 7-ounce glass stands 7-inches tall. Order yours today!

Weegee Table Lamp by Lights Up $178.2 With a space-age feel so often seen in 1950s retro style, the Lights Up! Weegee Table Lamp features a tripod design to both create stability as much as a sense of whimsy. Includes a flared shade available in a wide range of fabrics, with patterns printed on 100% recycled PET fabric made from plastic bottles, including the new Anna Green and Anna Red, created by UK designer Camilla Meijer, and the popular Faux Bois (woodgrain) patterns. Lights Up! is dedicated to creating "modern lighting for easy living." Based in Brooklyn, New York, Lights Up! has been developing affordable contemporary pendants, floor and table lamps, and sconces since 1987. Lights Up! features lighting designs by Rachel Simon and offers printed fabric shades by innovative modern textile designer Thomas Paul and UK designer Camilla Meijer. The Lights Up! Weegee Table Lamp is available with the following: Details:Flared-shaped, fabric shadeMetal tripod baseBrushed Nickel finishOn-off switch on cordUL ListedOptions:Shade: Anna Green, Anna Red, Black Ginkgo, Black Mumm, Black Optical, Black Silk Glow, Blue Cornflower, Blue-Red Optical, Burnish Chintz, Chamois, Circles, Clear Optical, Cocoa Chintz, Cream Optical, Croissant Silk Glow, Dijon Tweed, Driftwood Silk Glow, Eggshell Silk Glow, Faux Bois Dark, Faux Bois Light, Fuschia Optical, Gold Silk Glow, Green Ginkgo, Green Optical, Ivory Ipanema, Kimono, Mango Leaf, Natural Linen, Orange Ginkgo, Pebble Silk Glow, Penguin Tweed, Platinum Silk Glow, Purple Optical, Red Dupioni, Red Mumm, Red Optical, Rose Tweed, Snowflake, Tan Cornflower, Turquoise Optical, White Linen, or Yellow Optical.Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 2-4 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Overall Height 27 In. Shade: Diameter 16 In.

Wildkin Retro Kickstart Messenger Bag - Pink Retro $23.99 Wildkin-Colorful, fun messenger bag for kids and teens

Parker Table Lamp by Jonathan Adler $371.8 The Robert Abbey Parker Table Lamp designed by Jonathan Adler adds a fun look to your room with its groovy grid design. Truely Happy Chic! The Parker Table Lamp features Polished Nickel with Carrara marble base or Deep Patina Bronze with Bronze base, both with frosted cased glass surrounded by a metal grid. Jonathan Adler is known for a design aesthetic that combines bold colors, modernistic forms and groovy retro patterns. One of the country's leading interior designers, Jonathan Adler has also been the lead designer for Bravo's "Top Design" series and creates lighting for Robert Abbey. Robert Abbey has been designing and manufacturing fine lighting since 1946. They offer a diverse collection--wall swingers, chandeliers, floor lamps and more--in a myriad of styles, from tradition to neoclassical to groovy. Collaborating with acclaimed designers Jonathan Adler, Rico Espinet and David Easton, Robert Abbey creates impeccable lighting that is perfect for modern everyday living. The Jonathan Adler Parker Table Lamp is available with the following: Details:Cylinder-shaped, White Frosted cased inner glass shadeOuter perforated metal shadeMetal bodyFull range dimmer switchDesigned by Jonathan AdlerUL ListedOptions:Finish: Deep Patina Bronze with metal base, or Polished Nickel with White Carrera Marble base (shown).Lighting: One 60 Watt 120 Volt Type A Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 4-6 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 16 In., Diameter 7 In. Base: Height 1.25 In.

Lancaster Floor Lamp by Jonathan Adler $636.9 Need a little leather in your lighting? Try the Jonathan Adler Lancaster Floor Lamp. It has an elongated base that is wrapped in white leather (with white stitching), and a lovely oyster linen flared shade. The Lancaster is a fantastic choice for transitional and contemporary spaces in need of a touch of ingenious, elegant, fun style. Jonathan Adler is known for a design aesthetic that combines bold colors, modernistic forms and groovy retro patterns. One of the country's leading interior designers, Jonathan Adler has also been the lead designer for Bravo's "Top Design" series and creates lighting for Robert Abbey. Robert Abbey has been designing and manufacturing fine lighting since 1946. They offer a diverse collection--wall swingers, chandeliers, floor lamps and more--in a myriad of styles, from tradition to neoclassical to groovy. Collaborating with acclaimed designers Jonathan Adler, Rico Espinet and David Easton, Robert Abbey creates impeccable lighting that is perfect for modern everyday living. The Robert Abbey Lancaster Floor Lamp is available with the following: Details:Flared Oyster linen hardback shadeWhite Leather Wrapped Base with White StitchingPolished Nickel accents3-way switchUL ListedDesigned by Jonathan AdlerLighting: One 150 Watt 120 Volt Type A Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 4-6 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 68 In. Shade: Lower Diameter 19 In., Upper Diameter 13 In., Height 21.25 In. Base: Diameter 10 In., Height 1.5 In.

Parker Floor Lamp by Jonathan Adler $679.8 The Robert Abbey Parker Floor Lamp designed by Jonathan Adler adds a fun look to your room with its groovy grid design. Truely Happy Chic! The Parker Floor Lamp features Polished Nickel with Carrara marble base or Deep Patina Bronze with Bronze base, both with frosted cased glass surrounded by a metal grid. Jonathan Adler is known for a design aesthetic that combines bold colors, modernistic forms and groovy retro patterns. One of the country's leading interior designers, Jonathan Adler has also been the lead designer for Bravo's "Top Design" series and creates lighting for Robert Abbey. Robert Abbey has been designing and manufacturing fine lighting since 1946. They offer a diverse collection--wall swingers, chandeliers, floor lamps and more--in a myriad of styles, from tradition to neoclassical to groovy. Collaborating with acclaimed designers Jonathan Adler, Rico Espinet and David Easton, Robert Abbey creates impeccable lighting that is perfect for modern everyday living. The Robert Abbey Parker Floor Lamp is available with the following: Details:Cylinder-shaped, White Frosted cased inner glass shadeOuter perforated metal shadeMetal bodyFull range dimmer switchUL ListedDesigned by Jonathan AdlerOptions:Finish: Deep Patina Bronze with metal base, or Polished Nickel with White Carrera Marble base (shown).Lighting: Two 60 Watt 120 Volt Type A Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 4-6 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Height 60 In. Base: Height 1.5 In., Diameter 10 In. Glass Shade: Upper Diameter 11.5 In., Lower Diameter 11.5 In., Height 14.25 In. Metal Shade: Upper Diameter 14 In., Lower Diameter 14 In., Height 12.25 In.