It's that time of year again! At last. What a LONG winter and chilly spring. I'm prepping lots of new projects for The Brimfield Flea Market. I was going to take a break this year, but decided to try a new spot at The New England Motel Show. And I think it's a winner! Great spot in the center of the show on the main road into the place. I'm at booth #103. And my good friend Judy Pascal and her daughter are setting up right behind me! I'm thrilled they will be so close by.
Just finished this vintage bird needlepoint. 6" top x 8" bottom x 6" high. I've taken a break listing on my Etsy Shop, Lampshadelady as I'm in showtime prep! So if you see anything here you love, just email me and I'll pop it in the mail. The show is celebrating it's 30th year and having a early preview on Tuesday May 12th, 3-6pm. $20 early entrance fee which is also good for Wednesday, too. Opens Wed. 13th at 6am daybreak.
Basket full of Grain Sack Drum Shades to be finished for the show! Using up my scraps @ $20.
Finished up this pair of rectangle bell shades done in the wonderful Fortuny Italian Fabric. Pretty sweet.
Vintage French Cotton Hex Bell @75.
Pretty vintage needlepoint violet with cream dotted swiss fabric.
I'm pretty fond of this pair. Just had the fabric arrive from France! So pretty and rare. I find that I tend to do my favorite work just before shows; it's a pattern I've watched over the years. I think it has to do with the fact that time is limited and I have had projects I've wanted to do for months and finally get time to do them.
Just finished this pair of rectangle bell grain sack lampshades. Loving this shape. Grain Sack fabric is pretty hard on the hands but looks so great and popular.
A pair of vintage crewel shades in progress for this week to finish.
Panels of a Fortuny Fabric Shade, amazing color! Will be to die for!
This year marks my 30th year of making lampshades. I started making shades when we moved to Southern Vermont in 1985. How could it possibly be that long. I haven't had my business that whole time, but it got it's start all those years ago. The first 5 years was a slow start experimenting with the craft as I was a young mom grabbing bits of time to be creative. It's been a fun ride and finally feel like I'm at the top of my game as long as my little hands hold out, they sure do take some abuse cutting styrene and heavy fabrics.
Hope you make it down to Brimfield! New England Motel Show is in the middle of the fields on RT 20 in Brimfield, just west of Sturbridge, MA. There's 20 plus shows opening Tues-Sunday. Don't forget the comfy shoes, water and money!
xo
judy lake