how do you decorate a lamp shade?

16 years ago

This is probably a dumb question, but I'd like to decorate a lamp shade for my girls' room and want to make sure I do it right. I was thinking of spray mounting some fabric on the shade and then also glueing on some pom-pom fringe or something. Is this feasible? Do I need to use special adhesive (non-flamable?). I see cool lamp shades all the time that people have made, I'm just unsure how to do it (and be safe at the same time!)

Any pics or advice would be great - thank you! :)

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Comments (5)

suzieca
16 years ago
You might also post this question on the "Crafts & Decoration" forum...HTH
jaybird
16 years ago
I buy the "tacky" lamp shades from Joann Fabrics (use the 40%off coupon :^) It comes with a pattern to cut your fabric and then just stick it on leaving a little top and bottom to turn under and glue. I use Elmer's glue and clothespins to put trim on top and bottom of the shade...propping it on a 2 ltr. soda bottle to work and dry. If you want to use an existing shade and spray glue to adhere fabric, email me at "my page" and I will tell you how to make the pattern. HTH
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miles661
16 years ago
I've used the spray adhesive and put fabric over an existing plain white lamp shade. then I trimmed it in bias tape. It was left over toile from a yard sample I bought. I also made apillow out of it.

Another project I did was to hand-bead a fringe along the bottom of some cheap lampshades I bought at GoodWill for a $1.

Which eventually turned into this for a client...
mpmg46
16 years ago
miles-You are truly talented! I love the first shade...it looks beautiful!!
laurensmom21
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks so much everyone! Gorgeous shades, miles! I was actually at Joann's today and stumbled upon a pamphlet on how to decorate lampshades, so I'm going to give it a try as soon as I can decide on some fabric. Thanks again for sharing :)