How to Create Artistic Lampshades

There are different types of lampshades available in the market. If you have been shopping for lampshades lately you will find that they can be very expensive, especially the ones made of one of a kind fabric or those with embellishments.

It is easy to make your own unique artistic lampshades using inexpensive materials. You can also turn the ordinary lampshades into extraordinary ones by adding decorative accessories. In this article we will get your creative juices flowing in order for you to create one or several artistic lampshades for your home. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plain white or any lampshade you may have
• Fabric or paper to cover the lampshade (approximately ½ yard for small lampshade, 1 yard for big lampshade)
• Scissors
• Pencil or chalk
• Decorative trim (ribbons, buttons, lace, beads, feathers, dried or silk flowers, old photos, gift-wrapping paper, left-over wall paper, anything you can use)
• Decorative stamps with stamp pad and ink
• Stencils
• Acrylic paints
• Glue gun or spray adhesive

1. Create a pattern for your fabric or paper that you will use to cover your plain or old lampshade. You need a large work surface to do the next steps. Mark the top, bottom, and bottom of the lampshade with pencil or chalk. Roll the lampshade across the fabric or paper until it has fully rotated. Mark the end of the shade using pencil or chalk.

2. Cut the pattern using a pair of scissors. Leave an extra inch on each side to secure the fabric or paper.

3. Cut small tabs about half an inch in width along the top and bottom part of the paper or fabric which you will then fold to cover your lampshade.

4. Use glue gun and fold the tab one by one until they are securely folded neatly on the lampshade.

5. You can keep this as is or you can add decorative trims. Add lace, fringes, ribbons, beads, buttons, and decorative rope or any embellishments you can think of to adorn your lampshade.

6. You can use stamps or stencils to add any design. You can also draw some swirls or any artistic design using a small paint brush. Use acrylic paint to add color.

7. Another creative way to decorate your plain or old lampshade is by decoupage. You can cut out designs from leftover wall papers, gift wrapping paper and then decoupage them on your plain lampshade. You can also use old wine labels to achieve a vineyard inspired by Tuscany.

8. Another classy way to create a lampshade for a girl’s bedroom is by covering the lampshade with silk or dried flowers. Add these flowers either on the borders or all over the lampshade to add more drama. This is a great addition to a bedside lamp where you need subdued light for sleeping. You can also use dried or silk leaves.

9. Add raffia or straw on your lampshade to give it a more rustic or country look.

10. You can cut-out holes of different shapes and designs on your paper lampshades then add heat resistant plastic of different colors to play off the colors. For a baby’s whimsical bedroom cut-out shapes of dragonflies, butterflies, and bumblebees.

Tips & Warnings

• Use heat resistant glue or plastic for your project to avoid fires.

[LisaSmegal]

on 4/10/2008 What an interesting article! I've made lampshades from homemade paper before. I'm going to have to try some of these ideas.