Little Light Refurbishing

I decided that I needed a small improvement project that I could actually finish before I go back to the project that shall not be named this weekend. Since we bought the house there are a million things that need to be done, some big, some small. Improving the light fixture in the entryway seemed like a quick little soul satisfying project.

It feels like I am always messing with the entryway, trying to make the first impression of our home a little bit better each time. Read about one of my early entryway efforts here. Oh for a complete demolition and makeover...sigh.

Notice I say improve the fixture and not replace the fixture. Replacing costs money. Surprise! Here is a before picture.

And an up close portrait of that beauty queen after I took it down.

Replacing the glass shade with an, I don't know, shade from this century, seemed like a good idea. Although I wasn't sure how I would attach it, I figured an idea would present itself after I got the shade.

Here is the naked fixture after I took the glass shade off:

I got this little guy at Target for $18. I had to muscle the metal part out so I could fit it over the candle-ish parts.

I wish it was a little longer, but it was the longest one they had. So. Attaching it. This is a little embarrassing example of my low standards. I wanted it up there quickly and easily-I'm impatient like that, so I hot glued some poster paper around the inside edge for all those "arms" to rest on.

Is that too ridiculous? At the time it seemed like a good idea. Then the tension in the little arms and the little "lip" made by the paper keeps it in place.

It could be better, but it's a lot better than it was. It actually makes me really happy. Have you done any quick and easy projects lately? What are your best decorating short cuts? Or would this kind of half baked project drive you crazy?

Inquiring minds want to know :)