This vintage lamp is preserving childhood and my overall mood.

Tabby is only 11. However we are on the verge over here and I’ve read enough Tolkein to believe this ceramic baby deer might be infused with unexplainable Elven magic that is preserving her childhood while also conveniently indulging my infatuation with woodland creatures. I thrifted this talisman of innocence for about $14 and like most things it sat around for about year until I could get it together to complete it with a lamp shade.

Tabby wasn't thrilled with the babyish vibe of the lamp so I assured her we would choose fabric for the shade that would work with a more “grown up” lamp base which we would replace the vintage deer base with whenever she wanted. But honestly folks, I don’t want to replace this lamp anytime soon because the fantasy weirdo that lives inside me thinks it just may be an enchanted object powered by the collective innocence of childhood AND the sweetness of woodland creatures (not to mention all my hopes and dreams) which combined together will surely protect her from our insane world forever and ever amen.

It wasn’t a total lie because the fabric we selected for the shade WILL work on a more modern lamp base should she eventually wear me down. Which will most likely definitely happen. But for now we can still dwell happily in childhood…

Final thoughts, I am handy and enjoy making things but considering my predilection for procrastination on personal projects I decided there wasn’t enough curved lamp shade DYI YouTube videos in the world that would work for my brain right now therefore I opted to hire a pro to ensure this project actually GOT DONE. It turned out beautifully. Money well spent!

Shade fabric: Cotton + Steele Paper Cuts in Starstruck by Rashida Coleman-Hale

Lamp base: thrifted vintage $14

Shade fabrication: Cruel Mountain Custom Lamp Shades on Etsy $55+shipping