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Writer's pictureDeb Bodine

14. Let there be light...at the end of the tunnel

At what point does a passion become an obsession? Just asking for a friend...


Another sleepless night last night; finally fell asleep around 4 a.m. Why, you ask? Well, I was working on the completion of the Fairy Forest project and realized that it will never end. I can't stop! Every time I think, "just this one more thing", I find half a dozen more "things" that I absolutely must have to make it perfect! Where will it all end?!


Elsewhere in the blog I mentioned that I added fairy lights to some of the ivy garlands adorning the space, noting that I should have bought more ivy with lights. I pooh-poohed that at the time, thinking it was satisfactory as is. Not so. My plan is to include a small library, making the Fairy Forest a perfect reading nook. But light is essential. Since then, I have added some extra fairy lights, and a couple of other small light sources, including this $14 fairy light tree, but I'm still not content.

I have a craving that is eating away at me, calling to me, taunting me. I have resisted thus far, but my will power is waning. I crave a red and white toadstool lamp; one that provides more light than the fairy lights can provide, yet still fits the space perfectly. They are available all over the Internet: Etsy, AliExpress and more, but I am struggling with the expense. Not that I am considering the gorgeous murano glass version available from MagmaVetriArtistici on Etsy. That beauty is priced at CA$1237.66 and I have no problem passing that one by.

But there are a couple of others that are calling out to me (much like that proverbial bag of potato chips, only pricier). Also on Etsy, this time from CharlieScheeleArt, is a cute woodland mushroom lamp for CA$42.15. Not too bad, but shipping adds CA$23.13 to the cost. And did I mention, it's only 5" tall? Not enough illumination for my needs. Again on Etsy, from 3DCrabClawCreations, is another beauty, on sale right now, down from CA$69 to $55.20! And say what? Free delivery! But it measures about 7.5" tall. So tempting, but still a bit small.



Over to AliExpress and what do I discover? An amanita table lamp that stands a whopping 12" tall (almost). With free delivery! Five star rating. USB plug-in. Be still my racing heart. Alas, this perfect purchase is priced at CA$72.38. Back to square one. Do I have to provide a flashlight should any visitors wish to partake of the reading materials? Heavy sigh.

I could consider other forest-inspired lamps I suppose.... I'm already a wee bit heavy on the flower theme, but I guess it's worth taking a look.

Option #1 is one of those "to die for" options, if only I could win the lottery. It is custom-made in Italy and comes from fiorediluce on Etsy for the no-doubt reasonable price of CA$1,171.33. Stunning, but out of reach.


Looking at other options has become a lesson in online shopping. Google "flower lamps" and you will uncover a myriad of options. This 20" table lamp would coordinate wonderfully with the winding vines already prolific in the Fairy Forest. But at $175 on Wayfair, it's outside of my meagre budget. A quick search reveals the same light from at least one online marketplace for half that. (In the US, Walmart offers it for US$62.) Still more than I want to spend.

I found another 20" piece on Wayfair that I liked, but at CA$200, again, it was way out of my league. But a little bit of research revealed (what appears to be) the identical lamp, available on many other online marketplaces at many other price points. Same dimensions. Same description. They all have bendable necks...

Both AliExpress and Temu offer several examples of this lamp, from a number of sources, ranging from $12 to almost $100. The more expensive ones include free shipping, the cheaper options often add $40 or more for delivery. Some would not be received until late October, some within a couple of weeks. It takes some legwork, but it can really pay off when looking for the best price. But, also be aware, there are political objections to some of these sites. Only you can decide what you are comfortable with.


So, will I ever find a forest-themed lamp I am happy with, for cheap? Folks, I have found two suitable options. Approximately $20, the desk lamp below is available on several sites, in different colours. I like its simplicity, and the fact that it's not too frilly. The other choice is the lamp above, that I found for about CA$20, shipping included, with delivery mid-September. I am a sucker for a fluted lampshade. Which one do you think I should get?


I hope this has been somewhat illuminating! Until next time....






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