Lovely Lampshade Looks

A basic white or neutral-colored lampshade is full of opportunity. It’s blank canvas for you and your friends to experiment with using decorative fabric and a variety of fun adornments.

You can use up fabric and other items you have around the home, or take a shopping trip to your local craft or fabric store. Just bring our handy lampshade project shopping list and look for items that spark your imagination. There are all kinds of fabrics out there: silks, satins, linen, cotton, ultra suede, velvet, nylon or lace. Take your pick, just remember lightweight fabric will work best because it can easily wrap around a standard lampshade.

Also, look for heat resistant materials or items that will not be highly flammable, especially if you are making the shade for a lamp that will be used for long periods of time.

Step 1: A Light Invite
Since this is a special get-together, why not create special handmade invitations? Just gather 8 1/2” x 11” plain cardstock or heavyweight paper, 4-3/8" x 5-3/4" invitation envelopes, some lightweight fabric scraps, and a few simple adornments like ribbon or buttons.

1. Fold the paper in half vertically, so the size is reduced to 4 1/4” x 11”.
2. Cut in half to create two 4 1/4” x 5 1/2” cards.
3. Trim off the corners starting at the bottom to create a triangular shape resembling a lampshade.
4. Cut the fabric to match, and glue down onto paper carefully with a glue stick, smoothing out any bubbles or bunches in the fabric.
5. Attach ribbon, buttons or any other fun items you find to the edges of the card with hot glue or fabric glue. Remember to only use flat items so the card will still fit in the envelope.
6. Write the details about the party inside, including what to bring—for example, a basic plain lampshade, and any extra fabric or adornments they’d like to use or share with everyone.

Step 2: Create Your Pattern
Arrange a large flat work
surface where everyone can spread out and get started decorating!

• First, lay a large sheet of paper on your work surface.
• Next, place the lampshade on its side with the seam against the paper and mark the top and bottom of the seam on the paper with pencil. Be careful not to mark the lampshade.
• Start tracing the shape of the top carefully rolling the shade along the paper until you meet the seam again. Go back to the beginning and trace the bottom edge of the shade in the same way.
• Add an extra inch at the top and bottom and a little extra overlap at the seam line.
• Cut out the pattern of the shade from the paper.

Step 3: Trace Your Fabric Covering

• Place the fabric face down on your work surface, and the paper pattern on top of the fabric. Pin or clip the pattern onto the fabric.
• Cut out the fabric, using the pattern as your guideline.
• Test fit the fabric over shade and trim any excess as necessary.

Step 4: Attach the Fabric Cover
Since you will be using spray adhesive for this step you may want to cover your surface in paper or move to a different area, such as a garage or basement. Just make sure you move quickly so the adhesive doesn’t dry before you can attach the fabric.

• Spray the shade generously with spray adhesive.
• Use the helping hands of a friend to carefully roll the shade onto the fabric a few inches at a time, smoothing as you go. Make sure to wrap the fabric around the shade so that the extra inch you added is shared evenly between the top and bottom.
• Pick up the shade and continue smoothing the fabric, lightly stretching and smoothing until the whole shade is covered.
• In order for the extra inch of fabric to curl over the top and bottom of the shade so it can be folded inside, carefully clip the edges of the fabric every half inch to create tabs.
• Fold the tabs in, alternating between the top and bottom and glue down with a small amount of fabric glue.
• To give the interior a finished look, cover the tabs inside the shade with a satin ribbon using hot glue or fabric glue.
• Allow the adhesives to dry.

Step 5: Add Adornments
Now the fun truly begins! Decorate the top and bottom edges with a band of colorful or metallic braid, satin ribbon, lace, strands of beads, buttons or even fringe. Get creative and add decorative elements along the top, bottom, and fabric seam or all over the shade! Just use hot glue for heavier items and fabric glue for lighter items, press on and hold for a few seconds.

Keep in mind that light will be shining through it when choosing your decorative items.

Complete your recycled craft project with a group picture with all your newly adorned shades so everyone can remember your fun day together!