The Lampshade Lady Blog

DIY Lampshades, The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting up Your Life

It's been eons since I've posted a DIY Lampshade Project! I thought I'd share one today with you. I found this sweet cotton vintage French fabric recently and thought it was a good one to demo. It's a medium light weight 100% cotton. Hope you enjoy the process. I am not doing workshops these days....too busy trying to keep up! My book, The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting up Your Life is out of print and I am out of copies but is available used on Amazon. I have bought the rights to it and may get it re-printed. Fortunately, it's not too dated except some of the resources. Here are the instructions.

Materials:

1/2 yd cotton or linen

1 galvanized wire frame- my demo is a hex bell 5" top x 8" bottom x 6" high

quick glue and squeeze bottle or similar craft glue that dries clear

a bunch of good quality clothes pins

1/4' pressure sensitive styrene

scissors

ultra thin sharpie

pressure sensitive cloth tape ~3/8" or so. The Lamp Shop calls this Bias Fold Trim Backer.

5/8" cotton/rayon grosgrain.

NOTE: start with a small size lampshade. You'll thank me! They are MUCH easier and faster. Don't expect your first one to be perfect. It will be good but they keep getting better. I generally get most of my materials at The Lamp Shop in Concord, NH. Make sure NOT to buy poly ribbon. It will not glue for the life of you!!! Also you will find more tips my my archives here on my blog. There's lots to learn...it's been 30 plus years since my kitchen table lampshade start and I'm still learning new things. Have fun!

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STEP 1- Make pattern. Use thin sharpie and mark around the outside of the wire. Then cut out.

 

STEP 2 - Use pattern and make 5 more panels. I'm making a pair so I'll make 12 total.

STEP 3- Iron fabric. Pull paper backing off the styrene panel and set onto back of fabric. Cut out right along the styrene edge.

STEP 4 Trim panel to fit exactly. I usually have to go back several times to get it to fit perfect. You want the panels to abut and not overlap as they are set onto the frame. See step 8

STEP 5 - run bead of glue around the 4 edges of the first panel. Less is more!

STEP 7 set panel on top of glue and secure with clothes pins.


STEP 8 - finish putting all styrene / fabric panels onto wire. You can see here how the panels should fit. Takes practice to get them this smooth. Trim up if needed. Easiest to do now that later.

STEP 9 - I like to use a long ribbon to hold everything in place while drying. It takes 20 minutes at the most.

STEP 10 Make vertical trims. Cut 6 stripes from the cloth tape also known as pressure sensitive cloth tape or bias  trim fold backer. Make them same height as the shade and set onto the back of the fabric. Cut out saving about 1/3" on either side of the tape.

STEP 11- Add glue and fold back onto the tape.

STEP 12- Continue adding glue to the other side and fold back onto the tape.

STEP 13- hand press to make sharp edges.

Step 14- fold in half with the back side inside the fold. This will help the trim glue onto the shade.

STEP 15- add glue to back side of the trim

STEP 16- set onto the shade rib. Hand press to secure. Remove any excess glue with fingernail.

STEP 17-Cut grosgrain for top and bottom; measure around top and add one inch. Same for bottom. Must be 40% cotton to stick!!! VERY IMPORTANT. To make fabric trims for top and bottom use the grosgrain ribbon as your yard stick. Cut the same length as ribbon and make similar to the sides/ribs trims.

STEP 18 adding glue for the grosgrain ribbon. Half of the ribbon will glue to the front of the shade and the other half will glue inside the lamp shade.

STEP 19- Cut excess ribbon on diagonal. Over lap 1/2" and glue down onto where it started.


STEP 20 detail of above

STEP 21 another detail, adding glue

STEP 22 - Adding glue to the inside of the ribbon. This takes practice to know how much glue to use. I use enough to secure it smoothly but you do not want so much that it bleeds.

STEP 23- trick for the corners, gather them 3 or 4 times with your thumb to make a nice corner. This takes practice, too. I know I make it look easy.

STEP 24 - Use your nail to tuck the grosgrain under the wire for a neat edge.

STEP 25 - Try to make the edge straight... the lucky part is I almost always add another trim on top if it's not perfectly straight. The finishing trim conceals any flaws!

STEP 26- Add grosgrain onto the top just like the bottom.

STEP 27 - adding the glue to the inside of the ribbon. Note: also make a small snippet where the ribbon will go over the clip top. Only about 1/4". One on each side. I do not show the snippet here, sorry.

STEP 28- You can see where I make the snippet here around the clip top. This photo shows getting the grosgrain snug under the wire for a professional finish.

STEP 29- To make the top and bottom self trims. Glue the same as the vertical trims.

STEP 30- add glue and fold onto the tape

STEP 31- folding onto the tape, detail

STEP 32 - Top self trim is ready to add. Do a few inches at a time. I start adding at the same spot the grosgrain started.

STEP 33- Sometimes it helps to work on your lap. The hardest part about starting a new craft is how to handle the items. I've learned to work lower than higher. Every step has it's own tricks that you will find work best for you. I have so many that I don't even realize that I do:)

STEP 34-  When adding the self trims I give them a tug on the corners to help them go on smooth. If you use clothes pins to help secure the trim make sure not to leave them on long or they will leave marks on the trim.

STEP 35- adding the fabric trim to the bottom.

STEP 36 FINISHED! PUT ON LAMP!!! Congrats.


Feel free to ask questions. There is lots of info on DIY in the archives here on my blog. Don't worry too much about your first shade; they get better. It's a fun craft!

Thanks and good luck,

Judy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

diy lampshade making = use the right materials

                    
                            

  There are a few basics that can make or break a lampshade. It totally helps to use the right stuff. Slinky grosgrain could drive you to nutty... crummy glue... poor fabric can be impossible... some of this is repetitive for some of you, but these are questions I'm email every day... so here goes.

1.) use the right grosgrain. 40% cotton/60 rayon. Most craft stores carry rayon or poly. Order from The Lampshop or other on line sources.

2.) use quick glue; available at The Lampshop. Transfer it into a squeeze bottle. It'll make your life so much happier.

3.)use a galvanized wire frame.... no rust- a happy lampshade maker.

4.) do great design. start with good materials & great fabric. great fabric is so much better than wasting time with poor quality.... I just finished  a shade w/ client's fabric was printed sooooo far off the grain of the fabric- impossible and will never look perfect as many times as I tried to line it up.

5.) I get asked a lot about the price of styrene. It's isn't cheeeep but one yard goes a long way. Just look at the price of nice lampshades. You can probably get 4-6 lampshades out of one yard of styrene depending on size of shade.

6.) The Lampshop  in Concord, NH is one of the main lampshade material supply sources. They have a very good on-line catolog. 

***Hope this helps out some of the  new lampshade makers! I'm so happy to hear there are lots of new lampshade makers in the works. I've been doing this over 27 years and still learning new things every day. I swear!  There is plenty of work for good designers. 

be brave + try new ideas + experiment + stick you neck out and have fun + go beyond average... keeping pushing your design skills and color combinations + stay away from cliched design trends.... they will be gone in a flash... who's so bored of chevons.... and maybe black....and even hanging light bulbs, thank god....I think good design is something you are  still in love for 10 years not 10 weeks!

My Lamp Shop in Deep Winter

Snow has just started, again. The days are starting get longer and customers are waking up a little. How hard is it to keep making our inventories when things are slow? Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself to keep MAKING and DESIGNING because the busy days will be back. The Brimfield Flea Market will be here before I know it! I know my other craft friends that do shows have a few events in the deep winter, but mostly slim pickings. oooh how to survive the deep winter as an artist...??? recharging our design batteries is not a bad idea.
Painting my shop! I went to pick up a quart of paint in Rutland and the dear little man that mixed my paint gave me a gallon instead of a quart. I have been redoing my son's crudy bathroom and this is the wall color. LOVE it. Soooo. It's time for a new color at my shop and most likely I have almost enough. It's called Cool Aqua Semi Gloss from Benjamin Moore. It is super happy and time to say goodbye to the California Lilac!
I have a pair of these ticking shades. One of the most beautiful vintage tickings I have seen. Size 7" x 12" x 8" high, hex washer. Also just started a pair of 5" x 10" x 7" clip on, too. Fabrics like this don't last long in here!




New wall color! Everything looks so pretty against it. And the cobwebs are gone, for a while.
Pretty Paisley. One of the best ever!





One gray day this week I pulled every crazy bright color off the shelf and started in and made springlike shades! It turned into a really fun day. Color is such a vital element in our lives. Remember to USE it. I was recently in a friend's house and beige and gray were her main colors... even a little of this magenta would light a spark of light.

oooh and look at this! Do you remember these cloth kids books? I just sold one yesterday, but still have this one. Can't wait to make more. Just love the idea. So cute for a baby present or for the farm house.
here was another from the dark, winter day this week. THINK SPRING.
Well, it's time to do the other side of my shop!

Here's to hoping the snow drops come up sooner than later.

xo

judy

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

           

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.

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. 

Glue: Such a Dry Topic.....yes it will dry quick.

Glue may seem like a pretty basic topic, but if you are making lampshades it's pretty important to use the right stuff. This will be a very DRY blog post..... ha. ha. had to make a crack on such a dull post post. I have been using the same glue for over 20 years so I am admittedly biased in my glue choice. I think that most lampshade makers use QUICK GLUE. I may be wrong and would love to hear from you if you have craft glues that you like better. 

Quick Glue is a white glue that dries clear and fast. Time depends on the project, but if you are putting a shade together it is about 15-20 minutes. If you are making trims it is tacky enough right away. I have students that also used glues similar to Aleenes Tacky Glue, but tend to like the Quick Glue better. I'm happy with the Quick Variety. It is available at The Lamp Shop in Concord, N.H.

    I have lots of these plastic squeeze bottles kicking around my shop. They will last for many refills. Grab you pliers or if you have strong hands, pull out the top of the glue bottle and refill. I buy a gallon of glue at a time and fill it into a smaller glue bottle and then into the squeeze bottles. Have a paper towel around because it almost always spills out a tad. Shove the top back into the plastic bottle. Most importantly, try not to loose the TOP!      

Happy Glue Bottles..... ready to go. Tip: they often clog. Keep a paper clip handy for such constant occasions... 

I am forever having gluey hands. Some day my track pad on my MacBook Pro is going to rebel. I try to clean my hands before I flip around at my desk and hit the computer. My clothes are always slighting gluey, too. To my mothers horrors my pants always get glue on them, shirts, too. Quite frankly I'm more worried about my favorite laptop as it surely doesn't scroll as nice as it used to. 

The neck of the glue bottle is handy to spread the glue out.

Enough.... oh ya, one more glue thing I learned. I tried making finials years ago and used a glue gun to attach all these cool beads. One by one they all dropped off due to the heat of the light. Good thing I didn't sell any.....

Questions:

Do you use a glue gun?

Only on times when the decorative trim I am adding on top of the grosgrain won't stick with the quick glue.  Or if the fabric will not glue together to make a self trim. Sometimes the fabrics have so much sizing or ??? that they won't glue up. Then I will use a stronger glue like an upholstery glue or glue gun.

Feel free to add your comments. I think I have made my blog easier to make comments... I hope, I hope....

xoxo,

judy