Monday, August 12, 2013

Burlap Lampshade Makeover


Not long ago, I set out to redo an old lampshade I had that had turned lumpy, dusty, and just not good.  I wish I had a picture of the old one so you'd know just how bad it was.

Most of the problem was there was no structure in the old lamp shade, just one circular piece at the top, and another at the bottom, with only fabric between the two metal pieces.  This was making the shade hang uneven and looked lumpy.

I cut the fabric off the original shade, and began to work on my new shade.

Here's what I used:
The metal parts of the original shade
Straightened wire hangers for extra structure.
Burlap
Trim

You'll also need a hot glue gun, scissors and wire cutters.


First, I attached the top part of the original shade to the lamp, and measured to where I wanted the shade to end...about 12 inches.


I then used my handy dandy cutting mat to cut my (already ironed) burlap to the correct length (remember to allow extra to glue around the metal parts).



Before attaching the burlap to the shade, I glued a strip of hot glue on the back around all the edges to prevent fraying while I worked.



I used the hanger strips as "lamp shade boning," per se.  I mainly needed to stiffin the shade between the top and bottom so it wouldn't end up lumpy like it was originally.  Then I started glueing the circular pieces to the fabric.




I added more structure, because it was still appearing lumpy.



Once I was finished with the basic structure of my new shade, I topped it off by adding some embellishments.

On the top, I glued a brown ribbon to cover the fray and hopefully keep the fabric from coming undone.

 On the bottom, I attached a floral white trim.
(This was actually supposed to be part of the garter that I never made...)

This burlap flower was attached to the wedding gift that Tyler's parents gave us.  She basically wrapped our gift in things she thought I could craft with - which was a great idea!

Here it is completed!

I put it in our living room behind the couch so that it flips on with the light switch!  

 I think the large flower really makes this lamp shade...plus I just love how it is no longer lumpy like it used to be!




And there you have it - our lamp shade redo!


P.S. Let's Drink Coffee, Darling is now on Facebook!  Don't forget to go and like the page!

27 comments:

  1. Well done! It looks lovely! :) Oh, and your sewing machine in the background is too cute! :)

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    1. Thanks Erica! The sewing machine was a Christmas present from my mom a few years ago, and came with the option of zebra print! :)

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  2. nice job...you are awesome at making all kinds of random things

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  3. Mmmm. that is sooo cute. I am seriously in love with burlap!
    And I LOVE the idea to wrap with crafty things.
    I think I will offically adopt that from here on out.

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    1. Thanks Britt! I've been using gunny sacks for my burlap needs...cheaper and I have about 20 of them leftover from the wedding. :)

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  4. That looks great! I'd love if you'd link up to The DIY'ers! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-diyers-and-weekend.html

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  5. That is so pretty! I've been eyeing a lampshade in my living room that needs a little attention... I will pin this for future reference! Julia

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    1. Hope it works out for you! One thing I wish I had was some of that paper-like stuff that makes the light diffuse more... Hope to see how it turns out!

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  6. So pretty! I'm obssessed with anything burlap, great job! Stopping by from HOH :)

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth! Hope the burlap trend doesn't go out too soon - I have it everywhere! :)

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  7. Adding this to my ever growing list of craft projects. I love the white floral trim. Anything elegant and white always looks so great next to burlap. Love the look! Stop by my Friday's Five Features and link up this post (and others)! http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/2013/08/fridays-five-features-no-4.html

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    1. Thanks Becca! I'm a fan of the burlap and frilly white combo too. :) I checked out your party, thanks!

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    2. Thanks for inviting me! Don't worry, I'll be back! :)

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  8. Oh! Love the way you reworked this lamp shade. It is quite beautiful! Thank you for including photos of the project as you went along. The hanger wires on the side were a great idea. And it was nice to see the photo because I would have tried to wrap the wire around the bottom circular pieces, and that wasn't necessary - they are perfectly straight and serve the purpose well. Great job! Catherine (new follower of your adventures!)

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    1. Thanks! I did wrap the wire around the bottom on one of them and gave up on it for the rest of them! It would probably make it sturdier, but so far just gluing it in has done the job. Glad to have you following along!

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  9. You did a great job, it looks really lovely.

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  10. So gorgeous!! Love the flower. Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime!

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  11. Absolutely charming!!!
    I appreciate the tips on making the lampshade more stable. . .
    and using hot glue to keep the fabric from raveling!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  12. This looks SO beautiful!! So well done!
    I will be featuring you tomorrow morning at the Shot Stopper party!

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  13. I LOVE LOVE burlap, what a great idea! Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Retreat, hope to see you back on Thursday.

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    1. Thank you - burlap is pretty great! Thanks for stopping by, I'm sure I'll be back Thursday! :)

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  14. I love your lamp!!! I have a question - I have a drum shade that I covered with burlap but when I turn it on the print on the shade (original) shows through! Any suggestions?

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