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. 

Comments

[Heather]

Wow, thanks for all the great info! I didn't realize that some frames are made only for sewn shades. Thanks for the advice for picking out fabrics too. I didn't realize that about the fire hazards!

[judy lake]

Hi Heather,
My mom had a 100 watt light bulb in a small shade, (not mine) and the inside had all melted. I believe styrene will melt, but fabrics too close could certainly catch on fire.

[mariel]

to answer your post I have to tell you that the most difficult supply, the one I can not get in my country is wire frames! specially the victorian frames! imposible... since the set up to build your own frames is not a cheapy one..I have to work with what I can find and modificate the ones that inspire me. Finals are also difficult, nice ones,,,
hard to find things are my speciallity...

your blog is a great find!!! I love it!

[judy lake]

Hi Mariel,
Where do you live? Maybe someone will be able to help out. Never thought finials might be hard. I love making my own with the brass swivel bases. Keep an eye out for them.
judy

[The Lampshade Studio]

It is important to use a 40V bulb for small shades to avoid burning if using lace, crochet or even plastic/stryrene. In South Africa, the sticky styrene is not available, one has to sew the material on 1 or 2 sides to fit it over the non-sticky styrene - a longer more intense process!

[judy lake]

Thanks Sandra, yes, this is helpful advice.
thanks,
judy

[Woodooz]

Hi,

Does pressure sensitive styrene have a different name to it ? I am from the southern part of India and I have been trying to source it here... However, no one here is aware of what it is. Since I don't get a hard backing for the shade, I resort mostly to making square shaped shades... And I use the regular tracing sheets that are available in the local stationery store. But not sure if it is heat resistant...

Cheers.

[judy lake]

Hi Woodooz,
Some countries use pressure sensitive vinyl. It is pretty similar to styrene.

I started making paper shades, cut and pieced many moons ago and used heavy tracing paper, almost a vellum paper to line the shades. Always must use a low wattage bulb if the shades are small.
judy

[Double Glazing]

It is not easy to make lampshade and some other craft, so we should salute the people behind this stuff. Keep it up!

[Elena Needham]

Hi, I am from New Zealand, and have shipped what i use for lampshades, self-adhesive pvc, from a company in the UK called Needlecraft.co.uk, they have a website with this name. It is sticky on one side. A roll is 1.5 metres wide x 25 metres long, and VERY heavy!! works out quite reasonable. Obviously the more you buy the cheaper it is, especially in shipping.

The thing i am finding hard to source down here is the 'Quick' glue, practically impossible, can anybody help me with this. Thanks Elena.

[Leah Bechtoldt]

I live in Vancouver, WA USA, and have been making Victorian fabric lampshades for a dozen years or so. I agree with the above post regarding acquiring wire Victorian frames. Virtually no one is making them any longer, due to cost of production and also shipping. I found a supplier in Canada, but to ship these large items is not cost-effective unless buying in bulk. Every once in a while, I luck out during an antique or thrift store spree and find one I can repurpose. Just keep your eyes out. Same is true for antique silk brocade.

[judy lake]

Hi Leah, thanks for the comments and suggestions. It is certainly a treasure hunt, but the internet sure makes it easier than. We have it so much easier than the lampshade makers in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. They really have a hard time sourcing materials. Heck, but isn't that the fun of it!! Just like finding fantastic vintage fabrics. I'll keep an eye out on Etsy for your work. xo judy

[G. Leitch]

Hello!

Do you know of anywhere in Vancouver, BC, where I can find pressure sensitive styrene?

Thank you!

G. Leitch

[judy lake]

Hi in Vancouver,
I do not know of a source there, but sure there must be one. I had some friends making shades in Toronto and think they found a source near there.

google, google. Also try asking some lampshade makers in your area. I do know that Artistic Bias exports styrene, An order must be a business and order at last 25 yards.
judy

[Cheryl]

Hi Judy,
I live in Toronto. Do you mind finding our and sharing your friends source for pressure sensitive styrene in Toronto? Thanks very much!

[judy lake]

Hi Cheryl,
I do not know one, but a little research on your end with google and contacting local lampshade makers may help source it in your area. I have a source in NJ that does export in quanties to businesses- check prior post to yours.
I had 2 students from Toronto and I think they were able to find some up your way.
judy

[Cheryl]

Hi Judy,
I've googled and googled, have reached out to local makers and even have contacted some plastic manufacturers in the hopes of finding a local supplier but have not had any success. If you have the contact information of your two students, would it be possible for you to find out from them who their source is? Thank you in advance!!!!

[Sandra]

I make sewn lampshades which are washable and the outer cover can easily be replaced to suit your decor. I used to have the frames made by local welders but accuracy in respect of the uprights and consistency in the size was a problem.I have recently found a supplier in Cape Town and I am working on the costing which may be heavy and make the procedure too expensive. I usually have a stock of shades which are lined and waiting for my customers choice of fabric. I am self taught and find it very labour intensive but cannot find any books which would advise me of an easier way to make them.

[Stopthelies1]

Could you please tell me where or what kind of paper I can use? The thickness would help & where to get it. I am passing if the styrene it is not gold and I will not pay the prices I am seeing over $5 a foot, that is crazy your are hundreds into just styrene for a few lamp shades. As well 5 minutes in a car where I live ruins the styrene. So where can I find appropriate paper and what is the thickness needed? Thanks Stephani
[email protected]

[judy lake]

Hi Stephani,
I only use styrene for making my shades. I suggest looking on etsy at some of the folks that use paper on their shades and see what they say.
I do think the styrene is a little expensive, but a yard goes a long way. I usually have a big roll in my shop if you happen to be in the neighborhood.... it's really the shipping that adds to the cost. Very hard to ship. I buy it by a roll of 50 yards so it is a good price.....ps if you should come by always best to give a call to the shop.

[Marissa Camacho]

Have any of you tried lampstuff.com? I think they have practically everything you need.

[judy lake]

Looks like lamp parts. That's handy. The main source for "all things lampshade making" is http://www.lampshop.com
judy

[Deborah]

Hi
I am in cape town and have no idea where to get lamp shade frames for my lamp projects.

Cheers
Deborah

[judy lake]

Hi Deborah,
Sorry I have not a clue where to find supplies near you, but the internet is a wonderful resource! Another tip might be to find a local lampshade maker and see if she might sell you some supplies or share their sources. I always do when asked and will sell out of my shop if lampshade makers come in, but no shipping. To think of the days where I started making lampshades with no internet.... can you imagine...off to the library to look up companies... ha, seems so long ago,
best luck,
judy

[Wendy DiTuri]

I have covered my frame. Now I am having trouble finding gimp and fringe or beads. Is there a place that has more than one or two colors?