Create A Customized Lampshade
Decoupage a lamp shade:
Decoupage a Lampshade for a Custom Look:
I had a plain white lampshade that was me begging to do something "crafty and creative" with it. How was I going to go about Decorating this Lampshade?
In the meantime, I stumbled upon a very old and torn up Webster's Dictionary. I do not like to tear up books, but this one was definitely beyond repair and not valuable. I felt that this book was very needy and wanted to be put to use in some "crafty and creative" way. Light bulb moment: repurpose and use this old book to decorate the homely lampshade!
My First step: I searched the internet to find directions and ideas for decorating lampshades. I have included links to video tutorials and websites below, so keep on scrolling down the page.
Second step: I searched my home to find the supplies for this project. After all, I really did not want to get out -- it had been raining a lot and I did not feel like getting wet. I also wanted to use up what I had on hand or reuse materials. Don't want to over-load those landfills. If you need some supplies for this home decorating project, I have included some suggestions, too.
What do you think of my decoupaged lampshade pictured here? Scroll down to the bottom of the page and give me your input in my guestbook.
(The image of the lamp belongs to me as do the photos in the photo gallery below.)
How I Decopaged My Lampshade: - Click on each photo to enlarge it and read the instructions:
Click thumbnail to view full-size
About Mickie_G's lamp:
A little home décor history--
The lamp base used in my lampshade project has been around for a long time. It was mine when I was 13 years old. It is white hobnail glass and the original shade was pink velveteen. It kind of looked like a wide brimmed loopy hat.
I am scouring the web for a picture of this shade. The lamp was made in the early 1960s. If you have a photo of one, please send it to me so I can see if it is the one. Check back later to see if I found it.
Supplies You might need for a custom lampshade project:
One can always upcycle an old lampshade, but sometimes buying a brand new shade in a different shape could update an old lamp. If you like color, pages from an old dictionary will not satisfy you--unless it is an old illustrated child's dictionary. Scrapbooking paper might be the ticket. Consider using fabric scraps, too. Here is a link to a page that will teach you how to use fabric on lampshades to make a customized shade: Fabric Covered Lampshades.
Craft Glues to make a lampshade: - 2 parts glue to 1 part water; mix well
I found that the "Tacky Glue" in the gold bottle was just too thick to use for my lampshade project. It was also difficult for me to thin with water--but that could just be me.
If you have Elmer's Glue on hand -- as most of us do, just use that. Thin it with water if you find it too thick.
Sobo Glue is made in the USA. I need to buy some of this glue. I used it many years ago and remember it being a great all purpose craft glue.
How to Choose the best lightblub for your newly decorated lampshade:
Accordng to Lampshade Buying Tips, "Be sure you have 2-3 inch separation from bulb to shade, especially for higher wattage bulbs. Be sure the top opening is wide enough to vent the heat. Compact Fluorescent bulbs are great for most lamps because they burn cooler, but you may need larger harp since CFL's are taller than standard light bulbs."
Additional Inspiration for customizing your lampshades! - Copy, imitate, use or expand on these decorating ideas:
Yes, a clickable list of ideas. Hope you find some inspiration from this list of websites. I know I did.
- How to Decoupage a Lampshade With Fall Leaves | eHow.com
How to Decoupage a Lampshade With Fall Leaves. Bring in the outdoors during the fall by decorating common household items with leaves. One great project that can be completed in about an hour is decoupaging a lampshade with fall leaves. This... - Retro Age Vintage Fabrics: How to make a pleated wallpaper lamp shade - Barsony style
- No Pattern Required: Making a Vintage Lamp Shade
- Originate and Renovate: Lamp Revamp
Revamp a garage sale lamp. - Anthropologie DIY: Peek-A-Boo Lamp Shade
It's been a little over two weeks since I set foot in an Anthropologie, and 'm still ogling their goodies online every day.
Is my custom lampshade completed?
OK all you crafty people out there, is my lampshade finished? If you think I am not finished decorating lampshades at my house, give me ideas. Please! (you do not have to be a member of Squidoo to make a suggestion)
Share, share, share! We all need ideas to steal.
Thanks for your participation! You do not have to be a member of Squidoo to let me know you were here! All comments are welcomed.
© 2009 Mickie Gee
