The Lampshade Lady Blog

Lake's Lampshade / Lampshade Lady Video 2022

Lampshadelady Video, Released Oct. 27th, 2022

This spring a local man by the name of Jerry Scapof posted on our local FB page saying he was making a video on Artisans / Craftspeople of our area and if you are interested reach out to him. Humm, I thought. Oh heavens that sounds pretty hard as I am good at bungling words, always saying the wrong thing, on and on. But the yankee in me thought, it'll be good for my business- why the heck not and maybe it will even be fun!

And it was a blast! And it was over before I even knew it. Yes, I had to take a bunch of plastic off the shades, tidy up my porch, make cookies and tea. Mary Jo, the actress, aka interviewer was fantastic. She was easy to talk with and could probably make anyone chatty, but needless to say we hit it off really easy. We could have talked for days. A super smart lady that once was college president to a few schools in the east. She had people skills for sure.

The videos will be run on The Manchester Cable GNAT-TV in December or on line, too.

I got to see one of the finished videos prior to my video date. That was very helpful to give me a slight clue what I was in for. The video was the famed potter, Susan Leader. Susan and I have been slugging it out for years in many of the same venues. I remember setting up next to Susan  at a craft show in Woodstock, VT a good 20 years ago. She was selling hand over fist, sometimes that's a bit depressing when you aren't selling quite so zippy. Here's Susan video. Her husband Bob is the music behind the video. It's great. A few of the other artisans are Johnny Heinrich, Stain Glass Artist as well as Bob Gasperetti. You could say we have all paid our dues and done a little bit of everything to survive in the arts in Vermont!

Thanks so much Jerry, Mary Jo and Eve! You are a great team.

xo

judy

 

Fall 2012 Lampshade Workshops at Lake's Lampshades

 

 

Fall Workshop time is right around the corner. April workshops have come and gone. Lots of lampshades and friends were made. Students came from far and wide which amazes me, but 26 years of lampshade making does accumulate loads of knowledge and experience. I am the first to admit that I have done everything wrong once and maybe again. 

I am a self taught know it all.... oh I'm creative and will figure it out, she thinks... which I did, but YES, did do everything wrong and still make mistakes. But not as many and have more successes than defeats. I actually feel in a great spot as a designer and maker, but if I'd taken my workshop I would have shaved years off of the learning curve.

I have days like today that I don't get much done, friends visit, fabrics get ordered, UPS orders get boxed up, mail get picked up, my non-profit group calls on time, EBAY killed a few hours, emails get answered--- where did the day go to. A enjoyable day all in all.

 

                    Fall Workshops

 Two Day Lampshade Intensive, September 27th and 28th, Friday 11am-6pm and Sat.9:30am-3pm. includes all materials except fabric. cost $265.

This workshop is geared toward students interested in starting a business or working in the design field. I share my experiences starting a business, hitting the craft show circuit, marketing my business, working on my "Lampshade Lady Book", putting my business on ETSY, Brimfield Flea Market, lampshade fitting with adapting with tricks of the trade and as much other info I can cram into 2 days. If this is something you are interested in I suggest this 2 day workshop.

We will make 2 lampshades in 2 days. We start with a mid size 4 or 6 sided paneled hardback shade the first day. The second day you can decide the frame you would like to make. I also will demonstrate making a drum shade as well as an empire shade. They make up fast; this will give you a feel for how they are made. 

We will have a Vermont Local Cheese and Wine Tasting on Friday after our first day of hard work. This is a fun time to taste some of our area's finest local treats. 

All materials provided except fabric. I suggest a half yard for the first day's project and a yard for the second day. If you have lots of fabrics around, bring your favorites. This leads us into a "fabric" discussion for making shades. 100% cotton or linen. Vintage or new work the best. Vintage generally easier to work with than new; no sizing and often washed so many times that it is nice and soft.

One Day Lampshade Workshop, October 19th, Friday, 11am-5pm Cost: $165. includes all materials except fabric.

This is the perfect workshop if you are interested in learning to make lampshades and looking for a creative day. We will make a midsize hardback fabric lampshade. This is also the workshop if you are looking for a refresher class. It does not have the intensity of the 2 day workshop, but all in all you still learn a heck of a lot of info.

We start at 11 am and will run till about 5 pm.

As I say, I can teach you to make lampshades in a day, but it does take years to learn the lighting trade. And that's a good thing! Always something new to figure out.

Places to STAY: don't put this off during foliage....

Fall is a busy time in this neck of the woods. I do suggest that if you are interested in the workshop to try to think ahead as the hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts will fill up during foliage season. I recommend The Manchester Chamber of Commerce website; it is very through and informative with the zillions of lodging possiblities. Manchester is a straight shot to Pawlet, 25 minutes out RT 30 north. Dorset is a little closer-12 minutes. There is a nice B&B in Dorset called The Cornicopia, that my friend Mary Beth runs that I might suggest. It is right next to Janno's Flower Brook Pottery on RT 30 and around the corner from The Dorset Inn, The Dovetail Inn and The Dorset Union Store. There is also The Marble Inn West to consider; a nice quiet spot.

 

AIRPORTS:

Albany International Airport is the closest to the area. 

There is also Burlington International Airport, about 2.5 hour drive south.

Rutland, VT has a small but convenient airport if you don't mind the little planes. I have used it often and it is easy to link with Jet Blue. The company that flies is Cape Air. The best part is it is such a tiny airport the parking is free! Easy way to get here from Boston. Worth checking out.

****These 2 workshops generally fill up as space is limited. I ask for a 50% non refundable deposit and then the remainder to be paid a few weeks before arrival. Extra materials maybe purchased at the end of the workshop.

*To sign up for the workshop either call me at my shop, 802-325-6308 or email me at [email protected]. 

Happy almost summer. As we think in Vermont, Memorial Day is over and Summer is here.

XO

JUDY

 

 

 

 

2012 Workshop Schedule at Lake's Lampshades

            2012 Workshop Schedule at Lake's Lampshades

I will be offering 4 workshops in my studio/shop in Pawlet,VT. this year. These are the only workshops I will be teaching as I will be taking a year off from teaching in Nantucket. If you are interested I suggest you plan ahead. Fall foliage is a busy time and Inns and B&B's do fill up. April on the other hand is the bargain time to come. I love mid April as things are starting to pop out of the garden and spring planting arrives mid month.

April 13&14 (Fri. &Sat) Two Day Lampshade Intensive

time: 11am-6 Friday, 9am-3 Saturday

cost: $265, includes all materials except fabric, a Cheese & Wine tasting of some area goodies after we finish up on Friday.

location: Lake's Lampshades, 60 School ST. Pawlet, VT

       We will be making 2 lampshades in 2 days. We start with a mid size square or hex hardback fabric lampshade and the next day you can choose any frame in the shop.

I will share lots of lighting knowledge, tips on sizing, tips on starting a business and tons of tips to help make great lampshades. I will also do a demo on making drum shades; they are easy to make but it does help to see the process. The day generally starts with a discussion on fabrics and choosing which of our fabrics will work the best. If bringing new fabric, make sure to give it a wash and dry.

       This 2 day workshop is really helpful if you are a designer or interested in starting a small business or come for a day of playing with fabric and color.

 

April 18th, Wednesday

  One Day Lampshade Workshop at Lake's Lampshades

time: 11am-5pm

cost: $150, includes all materials except fabric

location: Lake's Lampshades, 60 School St, Pawlet, VT

         We will be making a mid-size square or hex hard back fabric lampshade. I will share lots of lighting knowledge, fabric choices, trims, sizing during this workshop. This workshop is a great starter for making lampshades. Everyone leaves with a finished shade!

 

Sept 28 & 29 (Fri and Sat) 2 Day Fall Foliage Lampshade Intensive 

time: 11am-6pm

cost: $265, includes all materials except fabric, also includes a wine and cheese tasting of our local goodies.

location: Lake's Lampshades, 60 School ST. Pawlet, VT

       We will be making 2 lampshades in 2 days. We start with a mid size square or hex hardback fabric lampshade and the next day you can choose any frame in the shop.

      I will share lots of lighting knowledge, tips on sizing, tips on starting a business and tons of tips to help make great lampshades. I will also do a demo on making drum shades; they are easy to make but it does help to see the process. The day generally starts with a discussion on fabrics and choosing which of our fabrics will work the best. If bringing new fabric, make sure to give it a wash and dry.

       This 2 day workshop is really helpful if you are a designer or interested in starting a small business or come for a day of playing with fabric and color.

     October 19th (Friday) One Day Workshop

time: 11am-5pm

cost: $150, includes all materials except fabric

location: Lake's Lampshades, 60 School St, Pawlet, VT

       We will be making a mid-size square or hex hard back fabric lampshade. I will share lots of lighting knowledge, fabric choices, trims, sizing during this workshop. This workshop is a great starter for making lampshades. Everyone leaves with a finished shade!

More Info:

I do ask for a non-refundable deposit of 50% at registration. My shop is small and can only take a limited number of students. I hate to do this, but live and learn.... :) To register, call the shop 802.325.6308 or email me: [email protected]. Feel free to call with any questions. Students bring lunch or head 2 doors over to Machs General Store to pick up something yummy.

Places to Stay:

The Manchester Chamber of Commerce has a very though website I recommend checking out: http://www.visitmanchestervt.com

There is a huge variety of hotels, inns, motels and b&b's available. My shop is 25 minutes from Manchester, a straight shot out RT 30 and 15 minutes from Dorset.

Just to mention a few notable ones that students of enjoyed:

The Inn at Manchester   802-362-1793

The Dovetail Bed and Breakfast     802-867-5747

The Manchester View Motel    802-362-2739

 

ALBANY AIRPORT is the closest airport to Pawlet. But also look into Burlington,VT. We also have a small airport into Rutland, VT. It is the tiniest airport ever! But that said, it is so convenient, but make sure you have an extra day, just in case they don't fly.... I use it and find it usually great (Cape Air)- it connects with Jet Blue.

Note on finding fabrics for the workshop. Check through my blog for good ideas. Always wash new fabric. Use cotton or linens, nothing silky. Always hold fabric up to light to see how it looks, sometimes you will be surprised- either good or bad. Hit the flea market, ebay or etsy or your favorite antique shop. Students often bring several things to choose from.

We have lots of fun and laughs in the workshops. The goal of the workshops is for me to teach you as much as I can squeeze into a day or 2, but at the end of the day it's also about a group of ladies getting together and having a fun time and meeting new friends.

hope you can join us,

judy lake

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.

 

Two Day Fall Foliage Lampshade Workshop: Oct 7 & 8

   2 Day Fall Foliage Lampshade Workshop 2011

                   Oct 7 &8 (Friday and Sat.)
We had fun this past fall despite hair pulling last minute switch up and out and in's with student count.... I know things change in all of our lives, but always hard to plan for classes. And sometimes planes just don't fly.... drats, such dissapointments, but this year we will make up for it.

We will start Thursday at 11am and will work till 5ish. We will then have a short reward of some local goats cheese from West Pawlet's own Consider Bardwell Goat's Cheese Farm

and also some delicious sparkling wine from my friends at Hick's Orchard, just across the border in NY state.

We will start with a mid-size shade to get the basics down and then proceed on to a more advanced shade. Last year I had a game plan for the 2nd project, but  on thinking over the day I realized that part of the group was super interested in learning drum shades and the other group wanted to do another hex shade. Soooo, I went with it and we were off and running. A bit chaotic, but everyone was happy with their projects. As I say, go with the creativity of the moment.

This year I will be charging a little less $$, but students will  bring lunch or pick it up at Machs, our general store. For city folks, the general store is a favorite, quaint place.
Saturday we will start at 10 am and work through the day till 4pm. Students may purchase materials after the workshop.

If you are interested in taking the workshop please email me, [email protected] or call the shop 802-325-6308. Reservations are a must and spots are limited due to size of studio. I will be asking for a 50% deposit at enrollment. (credit cards are okay)

Update on other workshops:

Feb. 12th workshop is full, waitlist

April 16th has a few spots left.

I am working on scheduling a Nantucket Workshop for the end of the summer.

 

2 Day Lampshade Lady Workshop October 1 and 2, 2010

I am just announcing a 2 day workshop October 1 and 2  2010. This is my only workshop I will be doing this fall. My thoughts were that I know there are some of you that live quite a distance from Vermont and this will give you the double bang for your buck. Peak foliage and 2 days to come play with fabrics and create awesome lampshades. This is the weekend that usually the leaves are at their most beautiful.

The cost for the 2 day workshop will be $275. This will include all materials needed, you can bring your own fabrics if you choose. It will include lunch as well as a sip of wine and some Vermont goat cheese after a hard day's work!!!

My thoughts are that the first day we will learn many of the basic hardback lampshade making skills, learn best materials and make a mid size hex, hex bell or square shade. And Day 2 we will go on to more advanced, larger shade frames; this is something we do not usually have time for in a one day workshop. I will also go over making drum shades and empire shades.

Please try to plan ahead as this will fill up. I will need a deposit in advance of workshop as space is limited.

Dates and Time: Oct 1st. Friday 11am-5pm & Oct 2nd Saturday 9am-3pm.

Please email me or call me at the shop if you are interested in this workshop. The only other workshop I am doing is a one day workshop on Nantucket July 20th: contact Nantucket Historical Association's 1800 House for more info.

note: this is also the weekend of The Hildene Craft Show, which you could visit on Sunday. The show is quite a fun fall event, not the run of the mill craft show. I took my new book to the show last years and had forgotten what a nice show it is; I started my craft business going to this show so many years ago.  There are also several antique shows throughout Vermont this weekend.