Yesterday, I finished this fancy but inexpensive lamp project, and I though you might enjoy seeing the materials used, the process, and the finished piece.

The Materials

Despite the photos trying to tell tiny lies, the materials for this shade are predominantly peach in color. In person, the shade looks very peach. The above image depicts all the materials used on the lamp, in the order they were applied:

• Off-white polyester lining
• Peach silk charmeuse
• Peach burn-out silk
• Beige silk lace from a 1930's dress from Ebay
• Silver metal trim 1/2 inch wide
• Pre-strung glass beads from the fabric store
• Machined applique sent over form Hong Kong

The Process

Wrapping the Frame

For this project a Victorian lampshade wire frame known as "Cameo" was used. It was about $39 from a wire bender in California, and I ordered it online. I spray-pained the wire frame with some RustOleum to ensure that the wire does not rust and bleed through to stain the fabrics. Here, you can see the seam binding tape use to wrap the wire frame, to ensure I have something to "grab" when I sew the fabrics on. Interestingly, back in "the day" people cut and used strips of leftover fabric for frame wrapping. I'm really glad we don't have to do that anymore.

Sewing on the Lining

Not everyone lines their lampshades. I like to do it to both protect the outer layer of silk, and to ensure that, no matter what color silk I use on a shade, I get a nice amount of neutral light from the lamp. Here, you can see the process used to secure the material (pins) and a partial application of the lining.

Ta da! The lining is done. Its like a nice canvas for layering all of the other goodies.

Sewing on the Silk

Using the same process as was used to apply the lining, so it goes with the silk, right on top of the lining. The only real difference is that silk can be fussy and prone to "run" if it is accidentally picked with a needle. So caution is a good thing. It is important to keep tension on the fabric as it is being sewn, but pulling too hard will stretch the fabric and leave bizarre ripples. Look how it shimmers in the sunlight!

Adding Fancy Stuff

Now things are getting interesting! The silk devore (burn-out velvet) has been added to the side panels, and the lace is a nice addition to the bottom panel. The peach color is looking really beautiful in this shot. Once the lace is applied, the trim, beads and applique are very simple additions. So simple, in fact, that I forgot to take pictures of those steps. Sorry! Since this is an inexpensive DIY project, I elected to use Eileen's Tacky Glue to apply the trim. I did, however, sew the bead tape to the frame.

My assistant is not being helpful, and is actually sitting inside the shade while she plays with the beads! Bad kitty.

The Finished Piece

A close-up of the front.

A peek at the glass beads.

The back. Now this is kind of fun. By using two different appliques on the front and back, I can simply turn the shade around when I tire of the design on the front, and essentially have a completely different look. This frame really has no "front" or "back"--it is geometrically even.

All lit up and glowing. The base I used is a very practical silver 3-way touch lamp acquired at Fred Meyer for about $30. It's surprisingly large, and stands at 25 inches tall and 15 inches wide.

Thanks for checking out my post! I hope you enjoyed it, and are inspired to make your own DIY projects.

Have a wonderful evening.