Monday, August 2, 2010

Lampshade Makeover



My brother made a sweet lamp for me for Christmas, and I've been meaning to buy a lampshade for ages now. My dear husband stepped in and did it for me when he couldn't stand my procrastination any longer. Only problem: he chose the one lampshade that looked like it had been run over by a shopping cart (or two). Naturally, he unwrapped it and put it on the lamp and threw away the receipt before I pointed out the damage. I didn't dare return it with no receipt, no wrapping, and no proof that I didn't crumple it, so I decided to give it a facelift instead.



Lampshade covering tutorials are a dime a dozen these days, so I'll be brief.
Gather your supplies: 
  • Paint Brush
  • Fabric glue (I used Mod Podge)
  • Fabric (yardage depends on the size of the lampshade)
  • Ribbon or any other trim you desire
  • Hot glue gun & glue sticks
  • Trusty assistant
  • Toenail scissors
Begin by painting the fabric glue right on the lampshade. This is where that trusty assistant comes in handy. Four-year-olds are really liberal with glue coverage, so let them go nuts.
After the shade is sufficiently glued, wrap the fabric around the shade, pulling the fabric as tight as possible, and smoothing out any air bubbles/wrinkles.
Let the glue dry.

After it's dry, trim the fabric flush with the edge of the lampshade. 
Then get out your ribbon/trim. Working in three inch sections, hot glue it to the top and bottom of the shade to cover the raw edge of the fabric. 
After the ribbon is on, trim any little fabric bits that stick out with your toenail scissors. 

And voila! You've got a snappy new lampshade.


6 comments:

Cherry Blossoms said...

love the print! Very cute.

Lauren said...

Ok, when I get a house or get married I NEED your help.... really though!

Wahzat Gayle said...

The lamp is gorgeous ( your bro did good work) and that shade is amazing WOW.

PS~Erin said...

I love it!! Thanks for the diy instructions.

Lindsay @ Hello Hue said...

Love that fabric! What a fun transformation! :)

Unknown said...

christina, I have been wanting to cover a lampshade that I have so this came at the perfect time--that photo of Hudson could not be any cuter if it tried! Hope you are well-can you believe how fast summer has sped by? Sending you lots of happy wishes for this weekend :)

xo Mary Jo