How to Make a Fabric Lampshade
Yes, you can cover that faded old lampshade! All you need is the shade of your choice, newspaper, some great looking fabric, scissors, spray adhesive and trim. The rest is pretty easy. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Spread out the newspaper (or butcher paper) on the floor or a large work surface.
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2
Put the lamp shade, seam edge down, on the paper.
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3
Trace the shape of the top and bottom edges of the shade as you roll it slowly across the paper until you come back to the seam.
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4
Add 1 inch to the top and bottom of your pattern and cut it out, leaving a little extra at the seam line, too.
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5
Spread out your fabric, face down, on a flat surface.
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Align the paper pattern on the fabric and pin it in place.
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Cut out the fabric.
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Fit the fabric over the shade to make sure it conforms to it.
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Spray the wrong side of the fabric with spray adhesive.
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Starting at the seam of the shade, carefully lay the shade down and roll it onto the fabric a few inches.
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Smooth the fabric on the shade as you roll, stretching it slightly until the whole shade is covered.
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Cut small notches at the top and bottom of the shade so that it folds over smoothly and glues to the inside.
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You can use clothes pins or clips to hold the fabric in place until it dries.
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Use ribbon, lace, fringe or whatever decorative touches you want to decorate the top and bottom edges. Spray the back of the ribbon with the spray adhesive to attach it.
You can even hang beads or crystals or glue on a feather trim for an extra girly touch.
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Tips & Warnings
Measure everything before you buy your fabric and trim so that you have the right amount. Test the glue on a small piece of fabric first to be sure it doesn't soak through and leave spots.
