The Lampshade Lady Blog

One Heck of a Crazy Fall at Lake's Lampshades & Workshop Dates for 2012

Okay, Okay, I know I have been way behind in blog posting. My days this fall have been full to over flowing. The Flood, The fundraising for the flood, 2 workshops and loads of custom orders have kept me crazy busy. This week has begun to feel like a regular work week and look what the shop floor looked like yesterday:

Some are orders and some are for shop inventory. I find if I'm making drum shades it's easiest to make a bunch at a time. I'd been stock piling a few projects and orders to do them all in one shot. Good thing I have LOTS of clothes pins from my workshop.
I found this vintage Japanese Fabric last Sunday in Woodstock Vermont at Who's Sylvia's. What a find! There's lots of yardage and so contemporary. It is super narrow, but perfect for drum shades. As well as the size of the motif is just right for drum shades as well.

Just Announcing Workshop Dates for 2012:

April: 2 Day Workshop: Friday 13th and Saturday 14th. Cost $265.

April: 1 Day Workshop: Wednesday 18th, Cost $150

Sept: 2 Day Workshop: Friday 28th and 29th Cost $265

Oct: 1 Day Workshop: Friday Oct 19th, Cost $150

Workshop info: The cost of the workshop includes all materials except fabric. You will need 1/2 yard of cotton or linen per shade. The one day workshops we will make a midsize shade- the shape of your choice. The 2 day workshop will start also with a midsize shade and the next day you will be able to choose the frame you wish to use and therefore perhaps needing up to a yard of fabric. Students usually bring several fabric options to choose from. We will learn which fabrics work best as well as many lighting tips and tricks.

I will post more info in the next few weeks, but just wanted to get a schedule posted. The cost of the classes is  NON-REFUNDABLE  (due to past experience). The size of my shop/studio is small limiting the size of the group. If you are interested, please call or email me.

We have a great time and if you want a creative day or think you would like to start a business these workshops will give you a super heads up in getting your feet off the ground. My line is: I can teach you to make lampshades in a day but it has taken me years to learn all there is to know about lighting!!! But thank goodness that has kept me interested for over 25 years. Always a new challenge and always trying to be a better designer.

In the past I have done a February Workshop. This year I decided to only do April, Sept and Oct. But if YOU would like to organize a group of friends or co-workers, 6 minimum 8 max. I would be happy to work with you to put a day workshop together. The cost would be $150 per student. I am pretty flexible Jan, Feb and first 2 weeks of March. I find it is most fun to use my shop rather than me come to you. The shop is loaded to the brim with fabrics and supplies and is the ultimate inspiration experience.

Here's a few fun pictures from October's Workshops:

Jan's Shade back at her antique shop in Missouri! Hope there will be many more.
Debbie's Bird Shade, Elizabeth's Blue Shade and my little White Embroidery Scallop Shade
Cyndy and her beautiful shade.
Elizabeth is putting her shade together.
Debbie and Jennifer finishing details on their shades.
Joyce finishing up her shade!
New friends were made and skills were learned. I try the best I can to keep everyone happy and on the right road to making good choices. Teaching was never something I thought would be my "thing" but I have enjoyed it more and more as I get more experience. It is nice to share my knowledge and pass it on to others. I am proud my students have come from all over the country. It is fun to hear everyone's stories and share our own.

Last news of the day: Molly has been to the vet, needless to say many hundreds of dollars later....has been spade and is almost back to her perky sweet self! Must say, she is the best climber I know.

My Nantucket Workshop after Labor Day

I'm recently back from my 2 Lampshades in 2 Days Workshop on Nantucket. It was the perfect time of year to visit Nantucket. It was just starting to slow down after the chaos from summer tourism. A thumbs up from me. When you live in a tourist area it's hard to visit another tourist area...if you know what I mean.

My timing was just right except I had planned an over night at Brimfield for a day of shopping and then heading down to the ferry on The Cape. But Vermont flooding changed my plans. Shopping at the flea market was the last thing I wanted to do after the shock and exhaustion of Irene's flooding. Yes, my shop is okay, but no doubt a stressful week trying to get the muck out of my basement and heading up the silent auction fundraiser. At this point we are over 14,000. Keep em' coming; there is lots of need. Fortunately Cape Air flys right out of Rutland to Boston and Boston to Nantucket. Driving would have been very tricky so soon after the storm- most of the roads are passable now, but at that time it was an adventure to put it mildly!

love this. It was on the door stoop at the Historical Association's 99 Main. The teachers from the 1800 House Craft Classes are put up at this historic home on Upper Main St. A lovely residence that is just after The 3 Brick Houses.

99 Main St.

The 3 Brick Houses. 

My favorite were the cobblestones. Well, the homes are all so perfect and well, the cobblestones are every which way but perfect! But perfectly beautiful!!!!  I grew up near Portland Maine where there were still cobblestones in The Old Port Area until recently. My bedroom on Nantucket was on the road side of the house and they sure do make a racket when cars and trucks fly over them. I can only imagine the car repair shops must replace shocks quite often. No matter I think they are beautiful! Here's another:

I want one of these in my village! Our road in the village is so crummy maybe I could suggest it. I would slow down the speeders!

My hosts, Betsy and Mary. We had a ladies night out after my last night! A perfect warm night for a Friday night stroll. Betsy and Mary showed me all the spots I might have missed on my own. Thanks guys! I was lots of fun. And those Razor Clams were wicked good!

I stopped into The John Rugge Shop to say hi to Frank. John was an old friend that wintered in Glens Falls. Each spring he would visit my lampshade shop and pick out a few shades for his lamps. John is missed as are his stories. I think John's sign must be painted by Roy Egg, not positive, but looks like it might be. Sweet isn't it. Frank has done a nice job with the shop.

After my workshop ended Friday I headed down to catch a little view of the water. I grabbed a lobster roll at The Straight Wharf Fish Store. Gotta say, It was just okay... figured it would have been fresher... but still a nice lunch. I found a sunny spot to watch the tourists....

 
 Street view coming up from the dock. More cobblestones.

And which taxi did I take to airport!!! That was a no brainer! Judy's Taxi. The taxi driver was super nice and said he took many Judy's to the airport. I was happy to get back to Vermont; it was a good break from my routine. 

The workshop went well; it was my 2nd time down to the island to teach. It is super tricky to pack just the right materials and have everything arrive in time..... thanks to ups tracking... I think everyone was pleased with the skills they learned and the lampshades they created. We crammed lots into 2 sessions! Many of the students are super crafty and talented.  Kathy came all the way from Austin, Texas!  It seems like the women love to support the Craft Workshops and take a few sessions a summer. I would if I lived there! We started the workshop making a mid-size hex frame  & choosing the fabric of our choice. Day 2 some students made a Vintage Postcard Shade and some chose to make another fabric shade. 

******Fall foliage is just about to happen in Southern Vermont. The trees up in the hills are colorful. Today was almost 80! Special treat this time of year- tomorrow too. My fall workshops are gearing up in the shop. The 2 Day October Workshop is full. I have a couple of spots for the One Day Oct. 21 if you are interested. Give the shop a call or shoot an email. I have a few maybes so don't be disappointed as space is limited.

 

Come Out to Nantucket Island for My Workshop

2 Shades in 2 Days on Nantucket Island

Keep your summer going and head out to Nantucket Island for my 2 day workshop. It's not too late to reserve a spot with the Nantucket Historical Association's 1800 House Craft Workshops. Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8 and 9, 2011.

We will be doing 2 shades. First day a hard back fabric shade with fabric. And day 2 we will do a vintage Nantucket Postcard Shade. (or Boston) I did a fun workshop last summer with the 1800 House. We had a big group of 10 students, but their workroom was perfect for a large group. Last year we did it all in one day; this year we are splitting the long day up with 2 morning sessions.

Contact the 1800 House to save a spot for my workshop. Ask for Betsy or Mary.  http://www.nha.org/1800house   or call 508-228-7785.

On my way to Nantucket I'm going to do a stop over to shop a little at The Brimfield Flea Market. My treat for working so hard this summer!  And maybe a little beach time, too. 

Just Annoucing: One Day Workshop Oct. 21

New Workshop just annouced. Oct 21, 2011, Friday 11am-5pm

My 2 day OCT. intensive workshop is officially full and due to "heavy arm twisting", (just kidding) I have just added this new workshop.Cost $150. all materials included except fabric. We will be doing a shade about the size of the one in the picture. Mid size is a good place to start. If you've taken the class before you can go onto a bigger shade. Email me @ [email protected] or give a call to the shop, 802-325-6308 if you want to come.

I've been getting so many delightful emails from some of you that have bought my Lampshade Lady book. It is such an honor to hear your comments. If you wish to add an Amazon review; I appreciate any nice reviews. And thanks to those of you that have!!!

thanks,

judy lake

Made in the Shade, lighting up your life with fabulous lampshades, Times Union's Life @ Home, July 2011

Many thanks to Editor Janet Reynolds of the Albany Times Union, Life @ Home Magazine for the wonderful piece on my shop and Lampshade Lady Book.

Click on the link below to see the full article:

Made in the Shade, lighting up your life with fabulous lampshades

 
Love this Ricotta Lamp, old tin I found in my travels. I've been fighting with this lamp trying to find the perfect shade... it happens. My friend Krissy was visiting the shop last week and said, " give this shade a try." Yes, a nice match.

Just found this sweet toille lamp and thought it fun with the polka dot shade.
Recently made this Hex Bell Floral.  Tradition rules here, opps, but shown on a funky jadite stick lamp. Also sweet kitty redwork embroidery. Pair of blue applique shades in the back. 
Fun affordable quilt fabrics. Play with color and trims.
SAIL barkcloth. Hex Bell with favorite shop trim. 8.5" high

Cabin Craft Chenille Shade, 16" bottom, 12" high
It's horse time around here with the big Equestrian Event in Dorset. Vintage Hex Bell trimmed with French Ticking self-trim. Pair of unfinished Hex bell Red Ticking behind.
14" Drum shade made from vintage 50's tablecloth. This shade is making me happy even though I'm working on these beautiful summer days. 
Vintage dish towel, Square Bell Shade, 12" across the bottom & 10" high. A favorite pattern.Turquoise and Orange. Love the colors.

 ***WORKSHOP UPDATE: ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT IN OCTOBER PAWLET WORKSHOP IF YOU WERE CONSIDERING I.(COST $250 NONREFUNDABLE DEPOSIT)

p.s.s  I won't be at Brimfield in July. Hanging in Vermont all summer. come visit.

 

Spring Workshops: time to clean up the shop

Cookies have just come out of the oven for my workshops. Oooh, they look so good. Tomorrow is the first workshop and the other is on Saturday. I have found April is always the busiest time for my workshops; it is usually safe from snow and ice. And yes the grass is starting to green up and daffadils are out. We have students coming from all over the country! What fun it will be.  The recipe came from one of my favorite cookie cookbooks, Maida Heatter's Book of Great Cookies. It is the first recipe in the book, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies. I did, of course, embellish it a little with a couple tablespoons of Grand Marnier instead of the cream.....:) Hey, we'll have deserved it by mid afternoon tomorrow. 

We have 7 students coming on Thursday and Saturday. That's as many as I can squeeze into my charming little cottage. And it's tight at that. I'm off in a few minutes to organize, make name tags, clean up, prep materials, and finish all the misc. projects on my desk. 

I almost had a major crisis yesterday. I started tackling my front messy, shipping & custom order room. (always the one where stuff ends up where I don't know where to put it room, yikes) A big mess. I started pulling this big pile of fabric strips and odd ball trims into one of my baskets. Well, off toppled a glass lamp from my display window and wacked my hand just above my wrist and below my thumb. A scream was heard.... ouch. I must say I sort of baby my hands; they are all I got and if they go that's the end of my career... I tried finishing up a few odds and ends at the end of the day, oh, scissors were hurting a little. I headed home for a few rounds ice and arnica. It could have been much worse, but a scare for sure! 

Speaking of hands. A lampshade maker or any of us artisans have to be careful of repetive motions. Our shoulders take a beating as well as lower back.... I always pass on my advice, get a copper bracelet or 2. I just got a couple of new ones on ebay. They have loads, one I got is brand new about 20 dollars and the other is vintage. I find they are best when they are all copper. Both my husband I and swear by them.   I can't recommend the copper highly enough. I have so abused my hands by all the hard cutting and glueing. I do try to mix up my work projects during the day and have a wonderfully proper ergonomic chair.

You can see also one of the next books I am reading... The Bells, it is suppose to be great. But it will have to wait until I finish Unexpectedly Milo by Matthew Dicks. Saturday night I dragged a few friends to The Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, VT. to listen to an event they were hosting. It was in conjunction with a weekend long event for readers and followers of the blog, Books on the Night Stand written by Ann Klingman and Michael Kindness, both Random House Reps, but they write about all of their favorite books not just Random House. I have only just come across this blog and to be honest we had no idea what to expect on Saturday night. But we were treated to an amazing night and most likely the best one I have ever seen at the bookstore! Ann and Michael introduced 9 authors and they were all allowed to speak for about 20 minutes or so. Vermont's own Chris Bohjalian was one of the authors to speak as was my new book's author of Unexpectedly Milo.  It was a great way to hear a group of novelists speak about their work and then have a chance to meet them over a glass of wine and handsome hors d'oeuvres. Many thanks to The Northshire Bookstore for taking a chance on a great night and obviously Ann and Michael's fans love them. I am looking forward to listening to their podcasts. I must say I did sneak the opportunity to introduce myself and say that I was a author of a book they they rep.... and please try to sell more books- I know it's a hard sell. This night was all about the love of PAPER, as in the real book not electronic! Which is just fine by me.

off to tidy up my shop! (and sneak a cookie)

xoxo,

judy

One Spot Just Opened up For Next Saturday's Workshop

Just a quick note: A spot just opened up for my Saturday April 16 workshop if anyone wants it. Give a call to the shop 802-325-6308. Cost $175.

Spring has sprung and the last of the snow is melting at my shop!!! Today ought to do it. Yipee. I can already see my poor blog is being neglected as my work load grows and things get busy. Sounds like the realestate folks are getting busy= crushed lampshades by movers= busy at the lampshade shop:) Do you like how my mind thinks. oh well, but it's true.

back to work,

judy

Hello to the World of Lampshade Makers: sourcing materials can be a hard job

Hello World of Fellow Lampshade Makers or perhaps you might be thinking about learning. The internet has made the world a smaller place to meet fellow lampshade designers and makers. We are a growing niche as consumers are getting a taste of great lampshades in the shelter magazines and new web magazines.

I love to hear from other lampshade makers. I've reached out to a few and others have contacted me. We all have our own styles and favorite sources. All of my contacts have been excited to share our sources and tell of some great "find".

 Most of the lampshade materials are hard to find. I will give you that! I have to admit it was a question my publisher's asked before they accepted my book contract. How clever of them. It is not impossible to find materials, but it is harder than some crafts. And at times it takes some creative thinking.

In The States our main source is The Lampshop in Concord, NH. They have been a resource for me for over 20 years. Colby and gang run The Lampshop. It's been around for longer than I know; his mom ran it before Colby took over the helm. They are mostly an online source although they are open a couple of days a week. Give them a call first; I think it's Tuesdays that they are open. The Lamp Shop has ALL of the materials needed, glue, frames, styrene, trims, etc. We are lucky to have them.

 Mainely Shades of Portland, Maine was also a main lampshade source; they are no longer selling lampshade materials. 

I hear from many of you in far away spots like New Zealand, Austria, Philippines, South Africa, France, UK, etc. You tell me that you have a hard time finding materials. I tried to search out to a few small lampshade companies in Australia for a query on supplies. They said they were happy to sell some styrene if asked. I know that Artistic Bias will export 50 yards of styrene to a legitimate business. I am at the point of my business that I order 25 or 50 yards at a time. It's heavy stuff and shipping is a consideration.

So what else to do if you can't find materials????

this is the real time for creativity. One of my new friends can not get Pressure Sensitive Styrene where she lives, so she makes sewn shades and renovates old wires. (if you do this, make sure to sand and paint old wire due to rusting) Note to new lampshade makers: not all lampshade frames will work for making hardback shades; some are for sewn shades only.

If you are a lampshade maker and happen to have stumbled on my blog, please feel free to share some source tips you have found around the world. I am sure it will be appreciated.

It is my feeling that the more we share the more we receive!

 Or at least that's my experience.  I remember the days of trekking to the library to search through those big blue Thompson books with all the companies addresses and telephone numbers. This sure dates me!  Life before the internet.

 pressure sensitive styrene is the backing for hard back shades in certain parts of the world. Some countries also use pressure sensitive vinyl. I think it is quite similar. When neither are avalable you could always use a spray adhesive to laminate fabric to something that is translucent; not sure what but just take precautions with the spray toxins.

lampshade wires or frames  styles vary significantly country to country. The UK uses a no thread uno for many table lamps; we use a clip on or washer top w/ finial. Drum shades seem to be popular all over the world. Wow. that's cool, isn't it. And, Yes, Drum shades are pretty easy to make, too. I've written many a blog post here on The Lampshade Lady Blog. Styles come slow to New England where classic tradition lingers, but drum shades are catching on with some of my students and customers. Just look on Etsy and see how many are avalable!  LOTS of fun drum shades in a variety of styles. I have just found a super fixture for hanging a drum shade that I will be posting shortly. (fellow lampshade designer shared her source:)

Fabrics  are everywhere. That said, I spend a huge of time trying to find the perfect fabric. I always peek at ebay and most likely if I counted all the time searching for that "great stuff" my lampshades would be 3 times more expensive. When looking for fabric for lampshades I ask myself, "Will I be sick of it in a year????" Does the fabric you choose have lasting power or is it too trendy? fun today-passe tomorrow? I'm looking through my house right now (It's Sunday, my day off and yes I'm working-sort of) and love most of my fabric choices. It's a mix up crazy house of colors and styles but I think it works and is comfortable and very livable. The old paisley shawls go great with my Swedish Tio Gruppen contemporary fabric. My motto of interior design is a bit sketchy: buy what you like and it will all go together! Ha. I know I would have flunked out of Interior Design School! I just hate it when rooms match TOO perectly. I still laugh about an old neighbor that bought page 24 of one of our well known home goods catalogs; it sure went together well! To wrap up fabrics- I love vintage stuff and it has lots of staying power, just look how long shabby chic has been hanging on. As well as how it blends with contemporary decor, too.

Note of caution: I do worry when I see lace and crochet drapped on top of lamps. I think this is a huge fire issue and would avoid it. It does look romantic but....I see it so many times in the Shelter Mags and wonder if they are putting out the wrong message.

Fire hazards are always something to consider if using alternative materials when making lampshades, whether it's paper, fabric, plastic or ???  Please use caution. The larger the shade the higher the wattage you can use. The compact florescent light bulbs are handy considering they do not get as hot. 

I hope to hear from the other Lampshade Ladies out there, Lampshade Guys, too. (that sounds funny, but I know they are out there!)

Workshop Update: April 16th Workshop in Vermont is full. I still have a few spots left for the 14th of April, Thursday.

My shop will be closed March 19-28. Gone Spring Skiing! Praying for some much needed sunshine; it's been gray here for too long. 

April Lampshade Workshops: April 14th OR April 16th

April will be here before we know it.... I'm trying to fool myself as the snowbanks at my shop are many feet deep. But yes, it WILL be here before we know it. The days are getting longer.

I have decided to offer 2 separate classes in April. It is always the busiest time of year for workshops and never have enough room for all. Some people like mid-week and others Saturdays. If you were thinking about Saturday, don't delay; it is starting to fill. There is still lots of room on Thursday. Cost $175, all materials included except fabric. Usually students enjoy bringing their own fabrics, but if you don't have any........ there's lots here.

Classes start at 11am and run till about 4:30-5pm.
This is from my Valentine's Day workshop. Look at all the great shades they are making. I am amazed how different all our shades are from the workshops. There is something very special about working together as a group of women and sometimes guys, too. Lots of laughs and always best when no one takes it too seriously!!!! Just let the creativity flow.
This is the start of a workshop, before most students have arrived. I can fit only 6-8 students in my little shop. This is the calm before the storm. Oh, the mess that we made. Thanks for the photo, Tom.

To register, email me [email protected] or call the shop at 802-325-6308. Reservations are a must as you can see it is LOTS of work prepping for the class and if you don't show, someone else might have liked your spot. My last class I turned students away and then one didn't show up......Karma....oh well, breathe Judy.... giving workshops are a blast, but the organizational piece....deep breath.

This is the last Vermont workshop till October. I don't have airconditioning and summer gets too busy.

Who Are Your Mentors? I've Been Lucky to Have Found Some Great Ones!

Happy New Year to You. I gotta write this: 1.1.11

It was a funny week with our holidays on Saturday. No one likes to loose a retail Saturday. Today was such a weird one. I had all intentions of going into work. I'd made lunch, went for a walk and dropped my stuff buy the shop first before my walk. After the walk I went into my shop and quickly decided no one would be around today and beelined for the door. Making Turkey Pot Pies won out today!

This time of year I know I am tired; I am ready for a break and recharge. I usually dread the arrival of January. It's always a slow time of year, not many orders or customers coming in the door. What do I do in January??? good question. It's time to rethink the year. A good time to blog, organized my email list for a newsletter and actually do a newsletter. It's time to work on projects I didn't have time to do all year and to go through my fabrics and pull a few favorites out to use.

It's a time to build my inventory back, which can be easier said than done. It is HARD to build back your inventory without customers coming in the door. Really hard. But years of experience tells me, hang in there and they will come back. The economy is building back slowly. I'm sure if your have a little business like mine you know exactly what I am talking about. I have planned a February Workshop which is officially full, but room in April.

It's time to send out a few more books to see if I can get a little more good press for The Lampshade Lady Book... I love my book but it is such a little niche, which is good and bad. I am tired of always being in the OTHER catagory. Sewing, Knitting, Quilting, Jewlery, etc and Other.... Who likes to be Other. Even The Vermont Crafts Council, Other..... what about Lighting??? If you have a blog, I'd love to have you write about my book.

 Interest in Lampshades is building slowly. I have loved hearing from many of you. It has been fun to see your progress and hear of you starting little businesses just like mine or even many grander plans. Hey there's lots of room out there for lighting improvement. Maybe we'll even get lampshade and lighting out of the OTHER catogory!!!!

I think often about what it is that gave me the confidence to start my own business. I always knew I wanted my own business even though I did not know what it would be. When I moved down to Pawlet I had 2 women friends that had their own businesses. They were both a little older than me but here they were wonderful role models right before my eyes. Hard workers, smart, great designers and women! One was Susan Sargent, a tapestry weaver. The other was Poppy Gall, owner of Ladies and Ewe Ski Hat Company. Both Poppy and Susan were doing it! Working with color, great designs and making a go of it. Poppy later went on to be a co-founder of Isis Ski Wear and Susan went on to start Susan Sargent Designs. I was in awe of both of them and so thankful they came into my life a JUST the right time.

I have other good girl friends that have been instrumental in my world. My good friend, Dawn Smith is the founder of Friends in Adoption in Middletown Springs, VT. Dawn found she had a gift and pursued it to the max. She has helped hundreds of families adopt a child of their own, sometimes several kids. My other good friend and inspiration is Jackie Lappen. When I first met Jackie she headed up The Mettowee Valley Land Trust. Jackie and Dawn are BRAVE ladies. They aren't afraid or timid gals!  A real go for it spirit and determination. I'm not sure I'm as brave as they are, but they have certainly been great models for me.

What comes around goes around. I am now in the positon of mentoring others. I love to see people taking a chance and starting a new business. It takes time and guts but the rewards can be worth the effort. Never has there been a better time than to start a new business. I love teaching my workshops and helping others learn my craft. I give them everything I've got, almost. Everyone leaves with a great base to start a business or perhaps just a creative day. 

Who are your role models? Do you inspire others to push past their safety zone? Do you encourage others by the work you do? I bet you do and you don't realize it. I don't have any grand plans; I'm pretty happy with where I'm at. I cruise down my hill into town; 1 1/2 miles to my shop. A tank of gas can last me quite a while!!! A trip here and there can make coming home to Pawlet look even better. It's a beautiful place to live. 

okay enough rattling on. sorry no pictures. my computer is in the shop.... and words will have to do for now.

Can't wait to hit the shops and flea markets in 2011!