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How to Decorate Lamp Shades

A plain lampshade is like a blankcanvas, just waiting for the artist'screative touch. The best type fordecorating is a simple shape made ofplain smooth fabric or thick paper. Ifyou are experimenting, it is best to usethe least expensive type because youwill feel less restricted knowing that failure won't cost a fortune. A fabulousresult can always be repeated on abetter quality shade.

Mix colourful hand-painted stripeswith pieces of velvetribbon to an old lampshade to givea rich variety oftexture and colour.

This lamp-shade has beenenhanced by anElizabethan borderdesign, applied using acombination ofsponge and stenciltechniques.Thepattern would alsolook sumptuous usinga deep blue or redwith gold.

Stencils, stamps or freehandbrushstrokes can be used to paintcolourful motifs and patterns. Thesimplest are often the most effectiveand it is worth trying a light behind theshade to see how the pattern will showup at night. Try a pattern of dots,zigzags and stripes in earthy colours ona cream background to give an Africanlook, or use black silhouettes on aterracotta-coloured shade for a classicalGreek effect. Sky-blue stripes on awhite shade look really fresh andburnt-orange patterns on a yellowshade seem like instant sunshine.Before you embark on the whole shade,first paint a small area to check theeffect on the fabric or paper.

Photocopy a black and white image,then make copies to cut out for a decoupaged shade. Use wallpaper pasteto stick the photocopied cut-outs inplace on a paper shade, then applyclear varnish to give a smooth finishand prevent any curling at the edges.Another good alternative is to use yourlampshade as an unusual photographalbum. Stick old photographs allaround the outside. They will fade withage, creating a nostalgic feel.

INSTANT EMBELLISHMENTS

Armed with a glue gun and a plainshade you can really go to town.Almost anything can he stuck on tothe surface or dangled from the edge.The range of trimmings available todayis very extensive and you can buyfringes, ribbons, beads and baubles to suit every style.

Large shades look particularly striking dressed up with upholsteryfringing and matching tassels gluedaround the bottom edge.

Add beautiful ribbons in shot taffetaand silk tied into swags and bows. Oruse milliner's velvet finished off withfake flowers or fruit.

Dress smaller shades with finerdecorations such as borders ofbeadwork or fine fringing.

A border of hold buttons looks goodin primary colours against a plainbackground and wooden or leatherbuttons have a solid country feel.

Alter the hard-edged shape of ashade by covering it with anothermaterial, such as coloured net (tulle)or draped butter muslin, both of whichallow plenty of light through. It is bestto use lightweight fabrics otherwise thesoftening effect will be lost when thebulb is lit.

TRIMMED SHADE EDGE

1. Measure the length of trimming neededto go around the shade plus a small seamallowance at each end. Stitch the seamsflat to prevent the raw edges from fraying.

2. Heat a glue gunand apply someglue to the surfaceof the shade.Attach thetrimmingimmediately. Youwill get an instantbond as the hotglue cools oncontact. If you areworking with veryfine trimmings itmay be neater tostitch the trimmingon to the shade

Laced Lampshade

1. Carefully cur a strip of card to use as aspacer to accurately mark the position ofthe holes around dye top and bottomedges of the lampshade.

2. Set the punch to the required hole sizeand make a hole at each dotted mark.

3. Attach one end of the string to theinside of the shade using the glue gun or adab of all-purpose glue.

4. Lace thick string in and out of thepunched holes. Cut the string when you reach the end and secure it at the backwith glue. Repeat with the other line.

These delicate-looking shades, madefrom Japanese hand-made paper andphotocopies of real leaves and flowers, matchthe soft glow of candlelight.They have beentreated with fire-proofing spray for safety.

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