I’ve been all abuzz with projects and crafts lately, and I have just completed a quick DIY project this past weekend. It turned out pretty cool, so I wanted to share it with you – a custom lampshade! It didn’t take very long at all, about 30 minutes total.
Here are the supplies you will need for this Custom Lampshade:
Self-Adhesive Lampshade – purchased at Hobby Lobby for $9.99… but free if your BFF bought it years ago, kept it in her closet, started nesting and cleaned out said closet to make room for her newborn baby girl’s itty bitty clothes, and then let you rummage through her junk!
5/8 yds. of Fabric – mine was purchased at Joann’s fabrics and was $7.99/yd. But last week, Joann’s had a 40% off sale!
1-3/4 yds. of Trim – mine was from Joann’s again. I bought (2) 4ft. length rolls of trim for $3.99/each.
Fabric Pen – actually, I just used a Sharpie.
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Step 1
Peel the label off of the shade. This label will be your template. Place the shade off to the side, standing upright. It is pre-glued and tacky, so be sure to not lay it on its side, unless you want cat hairs to enhance the look of this lampshade! Not that this happened to me…
Step 2
Place the label on your spread-out fabric (you may want to iron the fabric prior to this step so as not to have creases) and trace the label onto the fabric, adding 1” around all edges to allow for seams. I did not measure, but just freehanded it. It doesn’t have to be exact, just enough to wrap around the top and bottom edges of the shade.
Step 3
Cut out the traced pattern.
Step 4
Align the edge of the fabric with the seam of the shade. Center the fabric so that there is about 1” extra above the top and 1” below the bottom edges. Press the fabric onto the pre-glued surface of the shade. Continue pressing the fabric as you turn the shade until you get back to the seam.
Step 5
Using your hot glue gun, glue down the edge at the seam. I folded the edge of the fabric under before gluing it down to make a more finished edge. Now, tuck the 1” around the top and bottom edges and glue those down on the inside surface.
Step 6
For a finished look, add trim to the top and bottom edges of the shade. I used a cute pom-pom fringe!
Step 7
Place the shade on a lamp, add a finial, and Voila!
How to make it “yours”:
Of course, you can use a fabric of your own liking! One that coordinates with the room in which it will be displayed. There are so many cool fabrics out there right now, it’s overwhelming… and oh so fun to shop for!
Create a self-edge trim, using the same fabric or a contrasting, coordinating fabric instead of the pom-pom fringe.
Pick a funky finial that coordinates with your selected fabric and room décor.
Hang the shade from the ceiling using a cord set. You can pick one up at IKEA, I know.
I hope this little project inspires you to find something in your home to make your own and show off your style!
DawnT
Dawn is a commercial interior designer who has worked on the East Coast before recently returning to her home state of Oklahoma. She is also growing as a photographer who loves to capture family moments, and is learning to sew and craft accoutrements to incorporate into photo shoots and celebrations for her friends. A volunteer for the youth at her church, an avid reader and Oreo dunker, Dawn believes a home should be artistic, personal and functional for the owners. She has recently purchased her first home and is looking forward to working on a Before and After process of her own!
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