Ideas for a rusty Tiffany shade?
by
Vikki
+19
Got this at a garage sale for $5--couldn't resist. It's very large--widest part about 2'. The metal between the glass is rusted, plus I don't really have anywhere it could go inside--so I was thinking it could be upcycled somehow outside. Any ideas?
22 answers
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Have you every heard of navel jelly? This may work it you "paint" it on the rusted parts with a small artist size paintbrush, or you could tape off. Not sure it it would damage glass so you may want to try in a very small area. Since you said you were going to use it outside why even bother getting the rust off? Turn it upside down with the smaller end imbedded in soil a couple inches so it stays upright and either put potting soil in it or put a potted plant inside. This would make a beautiful planter. Loctite 16 fl.-oz. Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver Bottle
Mary Insana
on Aug 28, 2013
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Hey Vicki in Levittown, I'm from East Meadow. Can you turn if over, Find a way to hang if (drill the glass, its easy) place a clear glass plate in it and candles for summer time hand under the tree or porch. Maybe Lisa Rose
Lisa Rose McPherson
on Aug 28, 2013
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So I don't have a porch or tree lol. One idea was a planter but I think I'd want a base not put in dirt. Or another idea was somehow turn into bird bath. But I wanted to see what everyone else comes up with!
Vikki
on Aug 28, 2013
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@Vikki I'd up-cycle it into a garden table. Cone side down, wide part up for the table top. )
Sia@South 47th
on Aug 28, 2013
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wow what a beautiful piece. Wish I had some ideals for you. Can't get a real feel for the piece by the one pic. sorry.
Eileen Smith
on Aug 30, 2013
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I have a metal rusty shade and I hung it very low in the middle of a conversation area on my patio. I put an Edison light bulb in it and that gives off just the right low light to talk around.
Pam
on Aug 30, 2013
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I'd set this pretty baby on outside table, rig up hanging candle, and let the beauty glow !!!
LJ Elliott
on Aug 30, 2013
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My brother owned a CO. for over 40 yrs making the lead, designing and restoring stained, etched and beveled glass. Just a few things to consider, BE CAREFUL,, the CAME' as its called, is LEAD. However you work with it wear protective garb. Due to the detail and it will be slow cleaning. It is fragile when it comes to cleaning off the rust..don't scrub. Its easy to loosen a seam or two causing the whole thng to become unstable and bend if you loosen too many. If you really like the piece I would not put it upside down for a table, it will put the weight of the bowl and a table top, on the points, may weaken and make them unstable. If it were mine, I'd check some web sights for ideas and cleaners, look under restorations. I'd attach something from the inside area to hang it upside down with several candles. Some flameless have timers and remote controls if you put it in an area not easy to get to. good luck and have fun, its a jewel waiting to be repolished..
Wanda sinnema
on Aug 30, 2013
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The metal between the glass is not iron or steel, so the "rust" is not your typical kind. Most stained glass of this type is done with a copper foil that has adhesive on one side. This is stuck to the glass leaving the copper edges exposed. The copper is then fluxed and "soldered" with a lead and zinc based material. Lead in its natural form with develop a whitish gray "oxidation" layer. There are however a number of products available that can be used to "tint" or color this lead. http://www.delphiglass.com/soldering-supplies/flux-finishing-chemicals/black-patina-for-lead-and-solder-8-oz
KMS Woodworks
on Aug 30, 2013
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If this is a real Tiffany shade, I wouldn't do anything with it until I got it appraised. It could be quite valuable. Please have it checked.
Dixie Brooks
on Aug 30, 2013
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I am thinking upside down on an ornate pedestal with an insert and it could be a fabulous birdbath, or a fountain if you feel like doing the pump and plumbing (again with an insert).
Natalia Corres
on Aug 30, 2013
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I use scrub free to clean my less than perfect Tiffany type chandelier. It had brass on it and really cleaned it up. I had to polish it to get it to shine. I use scrub free on it once a year. If it was an expensive antique would not recommend this.
Zondra Myers
on Aug 30, 2013
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There
Rita Peters
on Aug 30, 2013
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At Michaels or any other craft place they have tubes of finish you can rub onto metals and it makes the metal look brand new. They have a multitude of finishes and you just need a qtip full to work it.
Rita Peters
on Aug 30, 2013
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Is there anyplace you can hang outside it as a light fixture? It would be lovely on a patio for in a tree.
Bonnie D
on Aug 30, 2013
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Are you sure it is rust, it may just be the copper foil that it was made with, some are copper channels, it looks nice as it is, just put it in the garden as a focal point, or hang it from a tree, for $5.00 who cares. If it is not rusted, as you think, wire it and put it in your house!
Judy Grecco
on Aug 31, 2013
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It wouldn't have enough strength for a table. Just plant something in it as it is show in the photo, or, better yet, flip it over and grow plants in the wider side. You may need to create a frame so the weight doesn't collapse it. Or you could make it into a birdbath by placing a shallow dish or pan in the wide part. However, again you might need something stronger inside it to support most of the weight.
Anessa
on Sep 01, 2013
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Thank you all for the ideas so far, and I thought I'd answer some of the questions with some pictures with more views. I can't tell if it's a real Tiffany and I'm not sure if there would be a mark as such somewhere but I don't see it. It appears to be rusted or tarnishing, but it's definitely not how it's supposed to be. Here's some more angles if that helps.
Vikki
on Sep 01, 2013
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Pictures within comments not loading so trying again...
Vikki
on Sep 01, 2013
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I also have an old chandelier..was thinking of: tracing all pieces on paper, lay them out on a table..grout! Just because this is round, remember all the pieces are flat!
Diane Ditzler
on Sep 01, 2013
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I would say flip it over and put a terra cotta saucer in it for a bird bath or feeder
Kathy Siddons
on Sep 01, 2013
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Turn it upside down and hang it in a macrame hanger (another project) and put a potted plant in it. I think it would be great with a nice fern!
Dana
on Sep 02, 2013
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