What we have here is another lamp makeover. This is the top of a 1930's torchiere lamp that was bereft of it's shade. Attached to it is a simple wire frame made in the 1960's in order to be fabric covered, and hung as a Tiffany shaped swag lamp. I took the rotted fabric off the swag lamp shade and inverted it to make the torchiere into a large poppy shape fixture. Then I twisted a few dozen old artificial flowers around the wires of the shade to make a bouquet lamp.
Old chairs are another favorite item in dumpsters.
It's finish was worn, and it's seat cover was both tacky and dirty. This time of year you should make an effort to find things to use all winter in craft projects for the home. The best time for dumpster diving in Fairbanks is on clear sunny Sundays near the beginning and end of summer. These are the days that most people do the most house cleaning where they decide to throw out good stuff. However we have found good things on weekdays, rainy days, and snowy days in mid Summer and Winter as well.