Finally finished my custom lampshades
I’ve had these in the works for over two years now. I had a baby and life happened so they got pushed into a corner. I finally finished them last night. I know they won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but they fit my space and vibes perfectly! Shade making is not for the weak willed, let me tell ya. My fingers are a bit worse for wear, but ultimately worth it in the end. What could have cost me upward of $300 or more per shade costed closer to $80-$100.
Process/materials: these were originally shades from Walmart (you can still find them online) and did not have the “crown” piece on top. I wanted this beautiful vintage silhouette, so I found a site that sells just wire frame shades ✨Outfit Details:and bought the crowns as a separate piece to attach. The lace is two different kinds. One came from shirts I bought off SHEIN (it was the lace from the shirts sleeves), and the other is a lace from a dress I thrifted (specifically for the lace FOR this project haha). The trim was a bit difficult and complicated to be honest. I ORIGINALLY bought this gorgeous gold/slightly holographic trim from Joann fabrics. I didn’t have enough for both lamps entirely and as we ALL know Joann closed its doors. So I searched and searched online for the same one and couldn’t find it anywhere. I found the same TYPE of trim on SHEIN. The photo showed it was EXACTLY THE SAME!! Yay!!! Except…it wasn’t. Either the photos lied or they sent me the wrong one. I CHOSE a slightly holographic gold which is the same as what I previously had, but was sent more of a flat bronze. I decided to just mix the two. I don’t mind it one bit. All of the verticals are my original trim while all of the horizontals are the new one (meaning the top middle and bottom). I also chose the bead trim through SHEIN because I just fell in love with it. Then popped some gold beading as a slight accent on a few of the lace panels and BOOM.
I didn’t make these the “proper way” because of how the lace I chose is made. I didn’t feel that I could really hand stitch it in place so…I used hot glue. I have had one of the shades in a half finished state for almost two years and the glue has done just fine. Granted they aren’t on all the time so it doesn’t get a ton of heat off the bulb. You could always recreate this using the “proper” method but I would DEFINITELY recommend getting a lace that is a tighter pattern than these if you plan to do that. You’ll need more surface area to stitch to. Also be aware that if you buy the shade from Walmart and find these crowns as a separate like I did… the crowns are TOO BIG. It worked out fine on mine because of how I did this. I did the lace on the crown and the base shade separately, THEN put them together. That gave just enough filler that the crown fit the base. I could’ve bought that companies base and crowns so they’d fit but I didn’t for two reasons: 1. I already had these bases from Walmart. 2. Their bases were $100 apiece. The crowns were only around $30 apiece. $60 or $260 total? What would you do?
TLDR: I didn’t make these “properly,” and mostly just used stuff I already had or thrifted. They are just a hodge podge of pieces. Lots of hot glue and burned fingers later we get these lampshades.
My lampshade journey really showed me how much joy and savings come from DIY! If you're inspired to create your own custom lampshades, I've got some extra tips based on my experience, especially if you're looking to use recycled materials like I did. First off, finding unique materials is half the fun! Beyond old clothing like lace from thrifted dresses or even sleeves from SHEIN shirts, think about other forgotten textiles. Old sheer curtains can become beautiful, layered shades. Doilies or placemats can offer a wonderful texture. For those interested in a more natural or rustic vibe, maybe even repurpose old bamboo placemats or broken bamboo blinds for a striking bamboo lampshade effect. Just imagine the cozy, diffused light! Don't forget fabric scraps from past sewing projects – they're perfect for patchwork or creating unique patterns. When it comes to attaching your beautiful finds, while hot glue was my trusty companion for my intricate white lace patterns, it's worth considering other options depending on your material and how often your lamp will be on. For more durable fabrics or if you want a cleaner finish, fabric glue can work wonders. If you're a fan of hand-stitching, like for a truly vintage-inspired design, a tighter-weave lace or cotton fabric would be much easier to work with than the delicate lace I chose. It gives that professional touch and ensures longevity, especially for elements like securing a decorative crown or adding that elegant gold beaded trim. One of the biggest lessons I learned was about adapting materials. If you're working with an existing frame, always measure twice! My issue with the crown being too big for the base taught me that a little filler (like layering the lace as I did) can make all the difference. For truly custom lampshades, you might even consider getting a basic wire frame kit online, which gives you complete freedom. Then, you can plan your fabric and embellishments perfectly, ensuring your recycled DIY lampshade fits your space and vision exactly. Think about the ambiance you want to create. Layers of lace, like mine, give a soft, diffused glow. Using bolder, patterned fabrics from recycled sarongs or scarves can add a pop of color and personality. A DIY lampshade using recycled materials isn't just about saving money; it's about infusing your home with your unique style and a story. The clear glass lamp base I used really allowed my craftsmanship to shine through, letting the light play with the texture of the lace and trim. Don't be afraid to mix and match. My gold and bronze trim, born out of necessity, ended up creating a depth I love. Sometimes, the unexpected combinations from your "hodge podge" of pieces lead to the most stunning results. It’s a rewarding process, and the feeling of turning forgotten items into a beautiful, functional piece of home decor is truly unmatched. Happy crafting, and enjoy your beautifully lit space that showcases your unique touch!
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