The Lampshade Lady Blog

Recycle Cut Velvet Shirt + Styrene+ wire= Lovely Drum Shade For Me!

 
                                        Merry Christmas!

This time of year I usually try to bang out a few shades for my house. Clearly last minute plans... Cheerful light is invaluable this time of year. I love having a few new lampshades in my house. So, what to do. I am probably my most fussy customer!!!
Recently my most favorite cut velvet shirt had it's last mending. Oh, how sad I was to loose it. This shirt was just one of those handy, throw it on, great color casual or dressy. Drats, I hated to part with it. I had recently been asked to try to make a cut-velvet for my friend Cindy. I wasn't sure how it would work out but gave it a try. Everyone that stopped into my shop wanted to buy it. This gave me the idea to recycle my purple shirt.
It couldn't have been easier. I cut the bottom part of the shirt off below the sleeves, ironed it and laminated it to a rectangle for a 9" x 9" x 6" drum. I made it so the top and bottom would roll around the shade wires. Yes there is a shirt side -seam, but it's for me and I don't care. Cool. That took a matter of minutes to execute!!! really. I was smiling from ear to ear! On a roll, another 1/2 hour till closing, okay, one more shade for the house from my most expensive fabric of the year. I'll probably never make a profit on the shades made from it, so I might as well enjoy a little my self.
The first shade here is the one with the uber -expensive French Vintage Fabric. It is one of the most beautiful colors I have seen. Love it, too.
I needed a baby present for my friend Sam. I'd been eying this dresser scarf for days thinking it might be just the right one. I began this one after lunch on Tuesday. Perfect cheerful little baby shade, none of those way too commercial motifs!
I've taken the past 2 days off to pull my house together. A little baking and getting the pet hairs up from everywhere... I love to bake over the holidays. Yesterday I got my Stollen recipe out; years ago it had fallen out of my Blueberry Hill Cookbook. Today I made cheese bread; the recipe had fallen out of my old Bakery Lane Cookbook. And then there are all the old Gourmet recipes that are saved. Does your recipe file look like this? Lots of love and mess. Guess Martha's probably doesn't....

It is so easy to pop open the computer and search out great recipes. I do that too. Yesterday I was making Black Bean Soup from some local beans I'd gotten at The Dorset Farmers Market. I pulled up on a super food blog, can't remember which one, but gave me a few new ideas for the soup. Yum. lots of ground cumin, chipolte and lime plus the veggies. I'm thinking the local beans made the best black bean soup ever! I'll have to search out for that blog again.

It's white as anything here in Pawlet, maybe 6 inches of fluffy new snow. I was suppose to head to the airport to pick up my son, but my sweet husband knew I was nervous nilly on the highway with snow... so nice of him to offer to head off to Albany. Guess that leaves me with some more baking time. I've checked off the list Pistachio, Cranberry and Apricot Biscott's. The figs might be in line next. 

Thanks for following my blog this year. It was a busy year keeping up with orders, workshops and book events. Guess we survived the crummy economy crisis; not too hard when I'm the only employee and once in a while I pay myself! The joys of owning my little cottage business is a pretty big pay day. Who knows where our life takes us. I don't. I am encouraged reading about 20 somethings starting their own creative businesses. When the chips are down creative people will aways figure it out. It's a pleasure to work dog gone long hours when it's your baby.

Hope there is a Lampshade Lady Book under your tree or a new shade in your house, too.

 

Polka Dot Square Shade How-To

I just finished a pair of these square shades. A sweet gift. I used an Amy Butler cotton, one of the heavier weight cottons that she has. I was on a roll with dots. Also just used up the last of my favorite vintage dot cotton.
It's always so sad when you run out of a favorite vintage fabric. Sometimes you find it again; which can be like finding an old friend. Yesterday after finishing this I started on the how-to photos. Instead of lots of my scribbling I will post mostly the how to photos with short notes.
step 1: make template
step 2: cut 3 more with template
step 3: laminate to fabric
step 4: trim panels
step 5: glue onto frame
step 6: hold panels with long ribbon
step 7: make trims for vertical
step 8: glue up self-trims with quick glue from The Lampshop.
step 9: figure out trims. sometimes easier said than done!!!
step 10: pick grosgrain out and rest of trims. This fabric was particularly hard to find the right colors, but these were pretty nice.
step 11: add grosgrain to bottom and top.
step 12: add decorative trim from MJ Trim onto grosgrain.(trim was not on their website...but in store) 
step 13: detail of glue on top of shade/ make little snip at brass wire
step 14: add decorative grosgrain on top. Oh, the unpredictable is good. And only had enough for one of the shades.... so must figure out something for the other.... always hard to have lots of yardage of trim on hand, but I'm not too matchy anyway....(except most customers are, but maybe not the ones that might like this fun mix of materials)
step 15: smile and sell it! (or give it away....).... or take it home:)

Hope you are enjoying the holiday count down. We just got about 6" of fluffy snow. Bright and pretty out. Gotta get back to finishing up my orders. As you can see making lampshades isn't too hard if you can find the trims and fabrics.

As always, The Lampshop in Concord, NH is a reliable, helpful source for lampshade making materials. Give them a call or check out their website. http://www.lampshop.com  

How-To Vintage Monogram Lampshade

Vintage Monograms make great shades. They are a little hard to make up for inventory in my shop; it's best to use common letters and then take orders. B's, S's, T's, are good choices. I love this one; it's so nice and thick. I took pictures today as I was making it. No fancy photography, but hands on how-to. It's always interesting taking a picture and holding a glue bottle and a trim at the same time.... not quite like book production, but I think you'll get the idea.
I cut 6 panels out of styrene for the hex bell frame, 5" top x 8" bottom x 6" high. I thought it would fit the monogram nicely. I had considered using the fabric behind the panels for the trim, but decided to save it for a couple big shades, it's a hard to find pretty barkcloth.
Panels are glued onto the galvanized frame.
Run a bead of glue around the 4 sides of the panel opening and set styrene/fabric panel and clip into place with clothespins.
I like to use a long piece of grosgrain ribbon to hold panels in place. A good time to adjust and then let them dry, about 20 minutes. Vertical trim goes on next.
Next step is to choose the trim fabric. I thought this one might look nice, but decided against it.This cloth tape is what I use to make the self trims. It is pressure sensitive on one side. The Lampshop carries it and it is called Bias Trim Fold Backer. I usually just call it pressure sensitive cloth tape.
Trim decision: believe me, this can be the hardest decision of the project or maybe I am just too fussy, but I know my customers can be as fussy as I am.  I love, love this hydrangea vintage fabric. The colors are subtle and will go with a variety of decors. I wish I had more of this hydrangea fabric..... keep your eyes out for me. It is a Vintage French Cretonne Fabric; it has a mini cord to it.
I have used the cloth tape to make self-trims. 6 6" vertical strips and cut grosgrain for the top and bottom. I use the grosgrain to measure out the length of the self trim. I have used the Vintage Hyranga for both sides and top and bottom. Grosgrain MUST have at least 40% cotton- or else....
To glue the self-trim. Glue one side at a time. Hand press to make a nice crisp edge. I like to do the edge away from me and fold towards me. You'll probably find your own ways you like to do things.
Fold over the other side. I use Quick Glue that comes from The Lamp Shop in Concord, N.H. It is transfered into these reuseable squeeze bottles.
Add the strips to finish the vertical edges. I make a valley on the backside of the strip and add a fair amount of glue. Pick up any excess glue with your fingernails. It is easiest to do this with the shade on it's side.
When all vertical self-trims are added, trim up excess fabric. Trim up any extra styrene, too. The smoother it is the smoother the grosgrain will look.
Add grosgrain to the bottom. Half will go on the outside of shade and rest will turn and glue to the inside of the shade. Start in the back of the shade if there is a back. Cut on diagonal, adding glue, one panel at a time.
glue detail
Add glue to inside of grosgrain and turn around wire and tuck inside wire. Make 1/8th snips by wire clip to allow ribbon to go on either side of wire. (blogger, me.... multitasking.... small budget, must take photo, hold glue bottle and type at night!) Ha.
To Make top and bottom self-trims. Make them the same way as the vertical trims without the valley on the back.
Add glue onto the back of the self-trim and set onto the edge of the bottom of shade. Do a few inches at a time. Use one clothespin and walk it around the shade. If you leave it on too long it will leave an indent.
Smile, this is the easiest part and so rewarding. You are almost finished. Yes, it will look great. The trim will cover up most boo boos. You could also use a decorative trim or tassel here.
Over lap the self-trim. Cut on a diagonal and overlap a smidgen. Do the same for the top trim.

A personalized gift. Search your linen closets and antique shops for linen tea towels. They are so nice and soft, washed over and over again. Vintage linen makes up beautiful, much easier than new fabrics.

And if you think this is fun, Please pick up my book, The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting up Your Life, (Potter Craft, 2009) and give it as a gift to your crafty friends. It's little growing niche. Start a cottage industry in your neck of the woods or just get inspired.

Happy Holidays,

judy lake

 

ps only one spot left in the Feb.12th workshop. I could add another date if there is enough interest.

Handmade Holidays, The Making of a Rose Hip Wreath and Garland

This was today's project. I'm lucky I can still type with all the rose pricks to my fingers! Before I had my lampshade business I was always up to some crafty project. Now, they seem to be few and far between. Being creative ALL day on my work days (how lucky) does often mean I do other things on my day off, besides antiquing and flea marketing. It's been a bunch of years since I have made these wreaths. I used to sell them, but now I'd only ever make one for my mom. I think I'd have to sell them for at least $300.... many hours but so beautiful.

Best laid plans. Last Wednesday was my day off and I was to make my rosehip wreath, but the power went out. No glue gun, no computer, no refrigerator noise, no hot tub noise. It was delightful. Earlier in the morning Ziggy and I headed out to the fields with clippers and big bag in hand in search of the wild rose hips. I had an early massage to work the kinks out of my overworked shoulders and home to make the wreath. NO such luck. Wind was howling, trees down, things flying around the yard. Off the power went. Nice I think. Okay, a little reading and a nap! perfect chill day.

I was between books. What to read after the Swedish Thrillers, my book group was taking December off. So I picked up Phillip Ackerman-Leist's new book, Up Tunket Road, the education of a modern homesteader, pub. by Chelsea Green, 2010. How appropriate to read right after the power clicked off. Phillip is a beautiful writer and an super nice guy, but gosh, I could never live up there w/o all the things we take for granted. It was a a blast for one day, but....... Tunket Road is a beautiful piece of Pawlet, VT. where I live. I haven't finished his book, but learned so many cool tidbits of knowlege of the land. I read as long as my eyes could take the candles.

To make the wreath: I gathered as many rose hips as I could find, grabbed a couple of strands of wild grape vines and grabbed my glue gun from the shop. This ISN'T an easy project but it is lots of fun especially if you like tedious, long projects like me. Crazy, huh? You could always buy a base, either grape vine or a wire base. I've done that before. I wound the vines around into a small wreath. Then I started weaving the rose hips into the vines. I did have a glue gun on hand for stubborn vines that needed a little extra hold.

Keep working around the wreath building up the berries. I'd say the more the better. I stripped back the thorns with my hands. Yikes you'll get jabbed a few times..... sorry to say. A little acupuncture. Keep turning and finding spots to add more. I'd say it probably took 4 hours.... A cup of tea and a little food channel..... I never watch daytime tv, but was sort of fun today. Wouldn't be doing that at Up Tunket....

 
now the hard part will be to ship it....
And what to do with the extra berries. I enjoy making garlands at Christmas. I usually make either boxwood or princess pine garlands to decorate the mantel or around the table. So I figured it might work with the rest of the berries. I had some green floral wire, my clippers and started in by wrapping a few together and adding more berries and ouch, I scream as my husband is snoozing watching golf... more acupuncture, must be good for the circulation.


A new holiday tradition is born.
A start to my holiday decorating. And the only cost was one glue stick! The rest came for my yard!

A Few Shop Favorites for Your Holiday Shopping

Okay, here's a few quick pics. If you see anything you like, just give me a call at the shop, 802-325-6308 and I can pop it in the mail.

Above shade, hex scallop clip, rare vintage fabric. Love the reds! $85 for the shade, $75 lamp. Vintage bird embroidery, with contemporary fabrics, Susan Sargent lime dot fabric on other 3 sides. Shade $68. Lamp $48.

Strawberry Crewel Square Bell shade. 6"x14"bottom x 12" high. $150. Linen top match on side panels. Nice thick vintage crewel.
Drum shade, 12"top x 12" bottom x 8 high. $95
Another Drum. This one is 10" top x 10 " bottom x 6" high, $48. Vintage barkcloth and trimmed with vintage cotton.
If you need a boost of color, this is the ONE! small drum. 10"top x 10" bottomx 8" high, Japanese rayon trimmed in Vintage cotton.
A pair of Antique Grain Bag shades. 4" top x 7" bottom x 7" high. $75 each.
stack of candleabra shades. 2" top x 4" bottom x 4" high. $45 each. Made from Vintage Mangel Cloth.
Vintage Postcard Shade, This one is Stratton, Bromley and Snow Valley. I have a variety of postcard shades available. $55 each. 5" top x 10" bottom x 7" high. Custom postcard shades available $65
Large Rectangle, Vintage Red Double Weave. Side are red/cream ticking. $150
Nice match. Hex Bell Blue ticking shade, $68. Rare ticking. Classic look. Shown vintage rewired lamp with blue glass. Lamp $58.
Hex Scallop clip, 4" top x 8" bottom x 6" high, Vintage quilt top shade, $75
a darling pair of rare French Vintage Barkcloth. 5" x 8"bottom x 6"high @ $68 each. clip top
Just made a pair of these this week. Birds are slightly different, but same trims and size. Cut Corner Rectangle Bell. Washer top, 9" high and 12" at widest on bottom. $135 each. Vintage Crewel work. This is the other shade. Perfect for the bird lover. Lovely vintage work. $135.
Just right for the bedroom bureau. Hex Scallop Clip 5" top x 10" bottom x 7" high. Vintage white on white embroidery trimmed with blue and white floral cotton. Old, old embroidery, special piece. $75. I have a pair of these. see detail below.
detail of embroidery. sweet.
Please excuse the shade wrap..... Vintage Silk embroidery, large rectangle. $150.
Vintage Hunt Scene. Cut corner rectangle, $135 each
NYC streets. Paper on Styrene, Cut Corner rectangle. FUN. 9" high.$85.
Fun Drum Shade, 12" top x 12" bottom x 8" plus trim. $95 Susan Sargent Linen Dot Lime shown on vintage lamp $89.  also shown pair of red vintage fabric chandelier shades. $45 each. 2x4x4 candleabra

Call the shop 802.325.6308 if you would like any of these shipped to you or email me [email protected]