How to Glue Ribbon to Lampshades
Ribbons have a wide variety of uses in the home. They are a simple method of dressing up a plain lampshade, hiding an unattractive pattern or matching the lampshade to the decor of the room. You can apply a single ribbon along the base or top of the lampshade or use multiple ribbons to cover it in a horizontal or vertical pattern.
Instructions
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1
Measure the height and width of the lampshade. "The size of the lampshade and the degree to which it slopes determine the amount of ribbon required," says Mary Noden in the book "Beautiful Ribbons."
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2
Cut the ribbons about 2 inches longer than the width of the lampshade. Cut the ends on a slant so they are diagonal.
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3
Determine the pattern in which the ribbons will lie on your lampshade. If you are covering the shade completely, it will be helpful to arrange them in a pattern on a flat surface first. This will also help ensure that they will fit the height of the lamp.
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4
Place the shade on a flat surface.
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5
Attach the ribbons to the shade one at a time. Dab a small spot of glue on one end of a ribbon. Press this end to the seam of the lampshade. Apply another spot of glue on the ribbon a short distance away from the first spot and then press this part of the ribbon to the lampshade. Make sure the ribbon lies smoothly. Repeat this process until you come to the other end of the ribbon. Dab a spot of glue on this end and make it overlap the other end.
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6
Repeat step 5 for other ribbons if applicable. Wait for the glue to dry completely before attaching the shade to the lamp stand.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to test the pattern of the ribbons on the lampshade before you glue, use clothes pegs to hold them in place.
