Decorator.

[Diin]

I've been contemplating this for a while, but i still dont know what to put in my decorator tray. i was thinking a mix between plastic flowers or shrubbery, and berries or some sort? anyone have any ideas? 

 

also, im still looking for a 52oz screw cap bottle, it can be empty. and a squiggle crew cap :P

[Jonas Clark-Elliott]

I once had a rain lamp next to one, and didn't notice for weeks that a leaf from the Decorator's plants was touching one of the plastic lines, siphoning off a few droplets of oil. Within a few weeks, I was mystified when the rain lamp's pump began to gulp air. The mystery was solved when I found the tray FULL of oil!

 

Don't put anything liquid or melty in there. It can get inside the base through the seams!

[Derek Hyde]

I just bought one of these.  I guess I'll have to go to a craft store now!

[Erin]

I redid two of mine because they were missing the flower ring. I recommend tiny green/brown zip ties to assemble. 

Derek Hyde said:

I just bought one of these.  I guess I'll have to go to a craft store now!

[Mr MaGoo]

I still like the fiber optic look for the flowers..

[Derek Hyde]

Erin, those look like real flowers.  Cool.  The one I got today is the one that has been on eBay for some time.  It's the gold squiggle one with the orange globe for $150.  Looks to be in immaculate shape.  I got an Enchantress Planter first and just broke down and bought the damn Decorator model today.  I think I can have fun with it.  Thinking of going seasonal with it. And doing it up for Halloween/Christmas too.

[Erin]

They are definitely not real flowers. I've seen the Decorator you're talking about - that's been on eBay for awhile, like you said. I just got one awhile back (much cheaper - I got lucky) and have to put something in the container, too. 

I will say this - be careful about cleaning the Squiggle lava lamp bases with the Magic Eraser - they work well, but too much wiping will start removing the paint. I found that out the hard way. :(

I really like the idea of going seasonal with it! I'm just too lazy to do so. :D

Derek Hyde said:

Erin, those look like real flowers.  Cool.  The one I got today is the one that has been on eBay for some time.  It's the gold squiggle one with the orange globe for $150.  Looks to be in immaculate shape.  I got an Enchantress Planter first and just broke down and bought the damn Decorator model today.  I think I can have fun with it.  Thinking of going seasonal with it. And doing it up for Halloween/Christmas too.

[Derek Hyde]

Is that a photo of your Decorator?  Looks just like the one I got.  Yeah, $150 is at the high end of the price range but I think it's ok for a vintage lamp from the '60's or '70's.  It gets crazy when you see '90's and 2000's lamps listed for that price. The Decorators didn't have a flower ring shipped with them, the idea was for the user to get creative.  Thanks for the tip, I would think a magic eraser could be too harsh.  I usually use some dishsoap and water since it is a mild solution.  I'll post pictures of what I do with it when it arrives. 

[Erin]

Thanks mr_a500! The one on the left needs fluid, but I'm too afraid to top off right now. What's interesting is that the flow is totally different on each of these (as shown in the pic). 

Derek, yes, that was a pic of my Decorator when it was on eBay. I got it for $50 shipped a few weeks ago. When a seller doesn't post good photos, sometimes people won't bid. I know I will have to replace the liquid in the lamp, but I'm getting better at that all the time. You can't even see the lava in the lamp right now, as it is. Total soup. 

[Derek Hyde]

What do you use to replace the liquid?  I'm petrified to even open them.  I think I saw the one you got when it was listed and remember thinking it was too cloudy, so I passed.  I'm kinda new at the eBay thing.  Do you think $150 was too much?  For a vintage lamp in what appears to be perfect condition I didn't think so.

[Erin]

I think $150 is too much, but to the person who wants it, maybe not. Lava lamp prices are all over the place right now, so it's hard to price stuff. But, $50 shipped is cheap and was a lucky get.

I was scared to open them too, but when you have something this cloudy, you kinda have to. I'm going to do a write-up soon.

[Derek Hyde]

The way I rationalize it is: if it's in great shape and it's a model I don't have I see it as a one time purchase.  I won't be needing another Decorator after this, so $150 was not too bad and is within range of other comparable lamps of that vintage that I have seen.  But that's the top end price that I would pay, and it was pushing it just a bit.  I guess everyone has their own limits with price, condition, etc.  I'd rather pay a little extra and get a lamp I don't have to fix.  I do, however, have a couple that need attention.  I will be looking forward to your write up as I think it may help me.

[Erin]

No need to rationalize it to me. ;) I've spent a lot of money on lamps that other have passed on. A lamp is worth whatever you paid for it! :) Decorators aren't my fave, so I never wanted to spend much on one. But red/whites are, and I'll drop more cash on something like that. 

Derek Hyde said:

The way I rationalize it is: if it's in great shape and it's a model I don't have I see it as a one time purchase.  I won't be needing another Decorator after this, so $150 was not too bad and is within range of other comparable lamps of that vintage that I have seen.  But that's the top end price that I would pay, and it was pushing it just a bit.  I guess everyone has their own limits with price, condition, etc.  I'd rather pay a little extra and get a lamp I don't have to fix.  I do, however, have a couple that need attention.  I will be looking forward to your write up as I think it may help me.