June 12, 2011

Covering An Antique Lamp Shade With Lace


I have never covered a shade with lace before.  This was so easy and I loved the results.


Here is what I had to work with, a pole lamp I picked up for $5


And a shade that someone gave me

Yikkes, I have no idea what this fabric is?


When I took the fabric off I found the shape of this shade was fabulous.  I decided to cover it in lace so that you could still see the bones of it.

I cut pieces of lace by tracing sections of the old fabric.  I did it in 4 parts so I wouldn't have any puckers.


I used Fabri-Tac and applied glue to the shade and laid the lace on. 


Here's the best thing about using lace, which I didn't know.  When you overlap lace you have virtually invisible seams...who knew?  So, you don't have to use ribbon or anything else to cover the seams!


I wanted it nice and tight so I clipped (You could use clothes pins) the lace  onto the shade while it dried. I did this on the 2 opposite sides and then just clipped the last 2 pieces on the top and bottom.

After I got the lace on, it was almost perfect, but not quite! 


 Oh yes, this is when I used the good stuff....The antique crinoline fabric I was saving for the perfect project.  I pined it around the bottom edge and then hand stitched it on.


I love, love it!  

OK,  I know this is not everyones cup of tea!


That's what makes the blogging world so fun! So many different styles and tastes.


 I was going to put this in my booth to sell 


But, it found it's way into my heart and right next to my couch.


Happy Creating!


Carol


Joining this wonderful part 
Between Naps on the Porch
Sew Much Ado

61 comments:

Studio Carolina said...

That is an amazing makeover.........gorgeous. I can certainly see why you are keeping it.

Dawn said...

Wow, what an improvement. The after is so much better than the before. You did a great job:)

Kathy said...

wow...wow...what a FABulous makeover. I love this, it is my cup of tea too. Good job I say. And that other shade, to funny!

the old white house said...

well... how sweet is that! What a wonderful transformation Carol! xoxoox

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

It is very pretty. I would keep it. I like being able to see through the lace.

Cindy Cade said...

Carol,
It is spectacular! I can see why it stayed home. I believe I enjoy your blog more than any other. Your generous and creative spirit always shine through your projects and your writing.
Happy Sunday (and rest of the week too).

Blessed Serendipity said...

Love the way your shade turned out. Very pretty.

Danielle

Unknown said...

Smashing, Carol! It is so warm & elegant. I'd never part with it either. Gave me an idea ...

Have a beautiful week.
TTFN ~
Marydon

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's perfect for your lamp! And I am crazy for lace right now! I have been on the lookout for lace for some of my projects! I think my tastes have completely changed over the years! lol ♥

Gina said...

Oh Carol, it's lovely now! I woudn't be able to part with it either.

Jen T said...

Carol THAT is BEAUTIFUL! I totally love it! Painting the lamp white along with the lace shade..it's unique and SO lovely. Well done! JenT

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hey Carol,
I see that creative brain of yours is forever churning. I just said to Mr. Sissie this morning that there wasn't enough time left in my life to create all the things that are in my head! He just looked at me like I had gone nuts! LOL!

I love the lace on the shade. It's perfect and I love how it looks in your home.

hugs
Sissie

Ruffles n Raspberries said...

It turned out really reall cute, Carol! Great job!

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful job,, just beautiful,,its amazing the transformation,

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Yes, that's a KEEPER!!! So easy and so pretty!
Thanks for another awesome idea!
Warmly,
deb

Sharon said...

The lamp is beautiful, so glad you're going to keep it!

La said...

Grogeous project, Carol!

Susan said...

Carol, you did a gorgeous job on the lamp shade! I don't blame you for keeping it, I would have had to keep it as well!

Vagabonds Mercantile said...

I did the same thing with tea stained cheese cloth once. It was really nice and I sold it in just a few days. I like yours better :0

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

That has to be an original. The addition of the antique crinoline, rolled and draped is a great finish. I am guessing you spray painted the brass white. Thanks for sharing.
- Joy

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful, I'd keep it too!

Ricki Treleaven said...

Carol, I love it. But if you paint anything white *plus* add lace to it, I am all about it!

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Carol ~
That is just gorgeous !!! I love the delicate look of the lace ~
It totally doesn't surprise me that you are keeping it ~
xoxo
Lori

Karen said...

That is so beautiful. I love the crinoline that is a great touch.

Rona Gregory said...

I love it! I turned down a couple like this cos I'm not big on brass but it looks completely different painted white and I LOVE the lace shade!

Debbiedoos said...

That looks so good. My Mom would LOVE this. You are so clever Carol!~

kelly said...

What a great result, Carol

Kelly

Angela said...

I love the lamp, the transformation is amazing and you did it the hard way, putting all those little pieces together, hats off to you!
Hugs,
Angela.

SueBee said...

It's my cup of tea!! I love it! I bought an old shade at Farm Chicks but it had to stay out there. I'm looking here for more.
You need to submit to Sommerset Life!
Your so talented!
Let's do lunch soon,
xoxo~SueBee

Decor To Adore said...

I was getting REALLY excited because I thought you might be selling this lamp. Next week I will reveal my new summertime look in my living room and the lamp I currently have is all wrong.
So, if you find another.... :)

If you have a chance, please stop by my blog and enter my giveaway.

Happy Monday!

Nan said...

The lampshade is fabulous! I can't believe the transformation - from kind of creepy victorian to shabby chic! Great job!

stefanie said...

oh, my, goodness!!!!! this is gorgeous!!!!!
you have the best ideas ever!!!

mizdarlin said...

Great idea! I've been collecting handmade doilies forever, and I'm going to try and adapt them for the same use...
Wonderful tute, great pictures!

deb said...

I love it!!!!
*hugs*deb

I've added it to my pinterest!!

Ruby Jean said...

Oh My Gracious...That is absolutely beautiful..What a very unique idea..I don't think I could have parted with it either.. : )

Anonymous said...

OMG.....this turned out just gorgeous!! And the white lamp base is perfect...I do not blame you for not wanting to give it up!! If this beauty were mine, it would NEVER leave my house! You did a fantastic job on refurbishing it.......
I read your blog all the time but don't leave comments too much, but Had to tell you this one is a "KEEPER" for sure!! Francy

Laurie Brown said...

That's beautiful! What a great idea to use lace on the shade.

Lululiz said...

It is definitely my cup of tea, what a gorgeous transformation.

Tara said...

It's beautiful Carol.I just made a cover for my lamp out of vintage napkins,I'd love you to pop over and take a look..xx

Rhonda said...

It's beautiful. I must make one - hope it turns out half as pretty as yours. Thanks for the inspiration and the tutorial!

Rhonda

Stampindamour said...

Carol- LOVE this project! You make things look so easy! I had a naked lamp in need of a shade and I was too busy to get around to it, so I bought an inexpensive vintage lamp shade instead...

I hope to try these projects when I start selling at my NEW booth at the other (Shabby) Antique Mall - I think these Shabby items will do so well there, like they do in your booth.

I LOVE your witty postings! They always crack me up! :)

HUGS!

-pamela

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Who would have thought? So cute! You did an amazing job and must have a ton of patience.

Nancy said...

Oh Man! I want that Lamp! Actually I will need to find one soon I just can't wait to make one too!! That has to be one of the most delicate shades~ Beautiful!!

Huggs, Nancy

Into Vintage said...

I just stumbled across your blog from who knows where and have been reading through many, many past posts. You are an idea machine! I need to make something! Right. Now.

Mary said...

Oh my gosh Carol, You did such an amazing job with the shade and lamp! I am so in love with it!! I can see why after finishing it, you decided to keep it for yourself....just so amazing! If ever you get tired of it you can send that baby over my way....LOL Now I'm going to be on the look out in hopes of finding something simular, I would love to make one!
I sure wish I lived closer...I would love to vist your booth, for sure I would be one of your best customers..Your work is sooo wonderful! Big hugs...Mary
ps...still havn't had a chance to work on my dress form, but when I do, I will surely send you some pic's...:)

Curtains in My Tree said...

I am your 45th comment and I love it what a great lamp shade

Janice

Nan said...

Carol - This is such a beautiful lampshade - so feminine! I love it!

Curtains in my Tree said...

Carol
I lived in Southern Illinois when I got married in June . Mother also married in same city years ago in June

Now I live in Missouri. Thanks for visiting my blog

Janice

Debbie said...

Oh my goodness, It's MY cup of tea! I think it looks completely romantic.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful transformation! Would you mind if I linked to your post on Beacon Adhesives' Facebook page? We would love to show everyone how lace and Fabri Tac made a 5 dollar find into something exquisite. Thanks for the Fabri- Tac shout out !
Karen

mary pernula said...

Love it, live with it for a while so you can enjoy all your hard work. Hugs Mary

Screaming Sardine said...

Oh my word, this is so incredibly beautiful! I can't wait to find a similar lamp shade shape and try this. It's total eye candy for me. :)

Cheers,
Tracy Screaming Sardine

Thrifty Sister said...

Beautiful transformation! Amazing what a little bit of lace, glue and imagination can do.

Olivia said...

Oh Carol! This is simply fabulous! I adore the lace and the paint job is sweet perfection, love, love!
Hugs,
Olivia

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi Carol, This is my cup of tea! I love it too! I'm working on a vintage wire lamp shade I'm making and have been debating between covering it with linen or lace . . . maybe I'll do a combination. Your lamp shade is perfect!!! Thanks for the heads up on the glue.
~ Julie

Chef in Training said...

wow! this turned out beautiful and very elegant! I found your blog through a link party and LOVE it! I am your newest follower and would love it if you would check out my blog and follow me too! Thanks!
-Nikki
http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

Barbara Jean said...

sweeeet!!

blessings
barbara jean

Anonymous said...

Bonsoir

Ohhh cet abat-jour est magnifique !!!

vous faites de merveilleuses transformations.

J'habite à Lyon en France, dommage que vous soyez si loin, je vous aurais demandé des cours :-)

Bonne semaine

Yamina

velvetsoleil@hotmail.com

Heaven's Walk said...

I happened to stumble across your gorgeous lampshade while Googling "vintage fabric lampshades". I was searching for a vintage shade for a new shabby chic boudoir lamp I just purchased. YOUR shade is absolutely beautiful! I just may end up trying that instead, Carol! Thanks for the great tut! :)

xoxo laurie

Unknown said...

hey does anybody know the name of the fabric before Carol removed it

Angie said...

This is so beautiful I cannot even find the words to say how much I love it and admire it!!! Soooooooo glad you decided to keep it! It is a very special piece of work! Now I am hunting for the shade to try to sort of replicate it too. So pretty! Thank you for sharing!!