How-To Make a Grainsack Drum Shade

A how-to Drum Shade tutorial with mostly photos and a few words. I made this shade on Monday and photographed it as I made it. I will share the photos but not all the details for Drum Shades as they are done several times here on my blog and in the book. This was a very tricky project. Many variables to be taken into consideration. It didn't end perfect but the best job I could do. Vintage textiles often have flaws or wear and tear but sure do have that sought after authenticity. They "got it"! So here goes, hope you enjoy it and give it a try or order one on my Etsy page; there's a few posted there.
This grainsack fabric is a little lighter weight than many. It is also yardage which was helpful not to worry about the seam. The shade was 14 top x 14 bottom by 11" high.
peeling the back of the styrene; lining up the bottom lines. tad tricky.
just laminated the  styrene to back side of grainsack fabric. ooh, always hard to get the lines straight, even with this stiff stuff.
pulling the paper off as I go along the edge. I don't usually go right to edge like this, but this fabric has some nice stripes at the edge.
trying to get lines as straight as possible....yikes

I left 1/2" or so at the back seam. I will glue it to the inside to make a tidy back seam. Most of the grainsacks are way to thick to do this.
glue for back seam. quick glue available at thelampshop.com                 I recommend using this glue. Students have tried other glues but report they like this best.
hand pressing the heck out of the back seam.
adding the top wire with clothes pins. Note: they work best when pushed all the way down.

I like to do the top first. The washer prongs give me something to hold onto as I walk the rectangle onto the wires.
setting in bottom wire.
setting glue for bottom wire
glueing up the back seam.
lining up the stripes...
hand press inside of seam

making self trims for top and bottom
pressure sensitive cloth tape used. available at lampshop.com
I tried to glue the self trim up, but to no luck. humm... what to do? when in doubt hit the iron with it.


f
adding grosgrain, important to use 40%cotton and 60 rayon. you'll know if you didn't!!!!

llooking good. glueing well.
trims are matching up pretty good.
done. a hard job that I didn't charge enough for.... but a good challenge and a blog post. This vertical line isn't as straight as I wish, but all things considered; it's as straight as it was going to be.

Now I'm keeping my fingers crossed the UPS guys deliver it in one piece. Drum shades are very hard to pack.

If you need more details on drum shade making, flip through my blog; you will find many more instructions.

Shop summer hours: Mon-Sat. 10-5, although a call is suggested if coming. Hot days like this can make for a sweat shop and just might head for the hills.

thanks

judy

           

Comments

[Jan Wells]

Love this shade. I've got to order supplies so can make some. I'm out of glue & grosgrain. Can't believe it's so hot there....think it is everywhere. Jan

[judy lake]

Hey Jan,
how's the shop going? Yes, first day of summer is hot. Glad to have a day off. But sweat shop tomorrow. Ha. Me and puppy splashed in a bucket.
xo
judy