On Wednesday I will start a new semester at college. Sadly, one of my four classes was dropped due to lack of enrollment. I am sure that it will in some way become a blessing. For those of you who enjoy my school antics and lovingly pray for me, thank you so much. One of the classes that really was a challenge for me last semester was an advanced lighting class. Early on our instructor informed us that we could opt out of a term paper if we created our own light fixture. So I turned to the internet for inspiration and had my socks knocked off by this beauty. The Lightbulb is Fully Lit.
The Lightbulb is Fully Lit
If you are a longtime reader of my blog you know that every now and again I get up on my well-designed soapbox made from reclaimed wood and extol the virtues of living green. So when I first saw this wonderful creation entitled “One Man’s Treasure Lamp” by artist Robert Ogden my eyes (pardon the pun) lit up. I had to know more.
Mr. Ogden is an artist who resides in Germantown, PA. He initially moved to Philadelphia for a job with Anthropologie. This came as no surprise to me. I have often spoken of my adoration for that store which is well known for its one of a kind fabulousness. Clearly, this clever man fits their bill perfectly with his extraordinary talents of turning old sewing machine and plumbing parts coupled with general junk into truly one of a kind treasures. 
In 1996 Mr. Ogden, a self-taught artist, and metalsmith began a company called True Resources. It sold his furniture, brilliantly repurposed decor and of course, lamps. In 2002 he turned the operation over to Ben Beiler and the company was renamed Peddler’s Home Design. Mr. Ogden remains the chief designer and now travels the globe in search of inspirational objects which he magically transforms into metallic feasts for the eyes.
Crush
You can find his delightful designs through retailers such as Mothology, Sundance Catalog, and smart former employer Anthropologie. At this point and time, his objets d’art remain a bit out of my price range. However, I must say that in my quest to create a lamp of my own, I found that just a single component to his designs, such as an antique mercury shade, are quite pricey. Given the materials and work involved his prices are justified and this is saying something as you know how frugal I am. Indeed after many bidding war losses on eBay, I had to forgo my dream of creating a lamp and sadly wrote a term paper instead. The topic was on Salvaged Lighting. I, of course, noted my artistic crush on Mr. Ogden and it would seem that my teacher fell in love with him as well. I got an A.
Swoon-worthy
With just one look I know that many of you will jump on the I Adore Robert Ogden bandwagon too. How can you not admire a man who created a beautiful kitchen from cabinets obtained from the As-Is section of Ikea? His countertops rival lovely soapstone which is made from… are you ready for this: bathroom stall dividers. Then there is the lighting. I am swooning for his ceiling lamps which are truly whimsical delights.
Although I haven’t yet created my own one of a kind luminary masterpiece, rest assured, the desire is still there. My journey began last Friday when I took a class on soldering. I’ll share my creations from the class in an upcoming post.
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway one post down.
Be lit from within,
Laura
Wow – so many beautiful light fixtures, so many different ideas, beautiful.
Very informative post. I'll be interested to see what you create!
Beautiful lamps!! I cannot wait to see your next project: a soldered lamp of course!
I am hooked and stunned at those lamps, honey! I think Mr. Ogden has a new devotee in me also. Just so original. I'm thinking of putting a chandelier in place of one of my recessed lights in the kitchen. My problem??? Getting Love Bunny to accept the idea and to do the WORK needed. This could take a while. 😉
Just gorgeous – all of them.
xoxo,
Connie
So creative, useful and green. How do they come up with these ideas?!!
I'll be thinking of you as I study, too. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be done. One class at a time. Paper by paper. Oh the joys of school when one is “of a certain age.”
Your lighting guru does a wonderful job! Very inspiring. Makes me want to go to a junk yard and see what I could find.
Instead, I'll read some French grammar.
blessings,
Lorrie
Love his ideas! Recycling items will eventually be the only way to go. I start back to school tomorrow. This break went by too fast.
Your post “lit up ” my dreary evening. The sun sets so early these days, the hour needed some bright cheer. Thanks for the great pics, and may you found inspiration in your new classes!
WendyBee
I am definitely on this bandwagon! How beautiful all those lights are. Thanks again, Laura, for showing me something new and inspiring.
Wonderful! I can't wait to see your creations. Have fun in your classes! 🙂
these are just amazing!!! good luck with your classes! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
I love the lamp shade that has the pebble look to it.. nice.
Laura.. when you decide to work your masterpiece.. it's going to be grand indeed.
Good luck on Wednesday.. and play nice (wink wink) and enjoy! Hurry back to tell us all. Can't wait to hear it!!
with love,
Olivia
how cool..looking forward to seeing your creation…soldering is on my to-do list..take care..
HI!!!!
Very beautiful lamps!!! I also love individuality!!! And one of a kind is RIGHT up my alley!!!!!
I wish you much luck and success with your new semester!!!!!
hugs,
jamie
lunch this Friday???? Scottsdale fashion square–Modern Steak, at 12 noon!!!! Ok, it is my birthday, my hubby has to work, so my daughter said Let's DO lunch!!!! I said, Ok I'll ask a few friends to join us!!!!!!
No Gifts PLEASE, just your company would be Gift enough!!!!!
I am certainly smitten now as well, his work is amazing. That stinks you ended up having to write the paper but the grade made up for it I'm sure!
Thank you for your kind comment on Casey's passing.
~Michelle
That's some amazing lighting! I have to admit that I, too, always went for the “hands on” projects rather than writing the paper!
Laura,
I love Ogden's design. It seems he has created pieces that transcend style boundaries.
I wish you continued success with school and the balancing act it requires.
Deborah
Fabulous! I love those three pendants. And the ladder! Oh my goodness. I can't take it. I can't wait to see what you come up with. Lisa~ http://www.livingmybestlifeii-lisa.blogspot.com
Beautiful lamp. I can see why you fell in love with it. I am looking for your give away… can you help me find it?
Blessings!
Gwen
I love that idea for the countertops! I am looking for fresh ideas like that.
I've been following for awhile, now and then–it feeds my soul to see such beauty. Your comment that you are starting classes spoke to me, as I just blogged tonight how I read to my 3 yr old from this semester's textbook for a bedtime story: Advanced Accounting!
Dear Laura
Thank you so much for your kind words. Reading your blog made me feel so proud and blessed.
Your always welcome to email me with a wish list. Robert@peddlersdesign.com or Robert@roberttrueogden.com
Always
Robert