Lamp Shade Turned Into Hanging Light Fixture

I made this hanging light for my bedroom using an old lamp shade.

This old lampshade was "unique" to say the least.  It is also very large.

I saw this lampshade at the thrift store one day.  The first thing I thought was "Oh! I love the shape of that".  When I picked it up and saw how large and gaudy it really was, I had second thoughts.  I checked the price - $2.80.  Should I or shouldn't I?  All I need is more junk laying around to fix up, my family would think I lost my mind, and quite honestly, I was a little embarrassed to buy it.  So I didn't.

The next time I went to the thrift store, there it was.  I still liked it, so I decided to buy it.  Trying not to look embarrassed, I took it to the counter.  Apparently the price tag had fallen off.  I told the young guy that worked there that I had seen the price of $2.80.  He said, "Why don't we just make it $1.80", in a "I should pay you to take it" tone.

Still feeling proud of myself for having the courage to buy it, I arrived home with my prize. And then I had no idea what to do with it.  First things first, I ripped the cover off the frame.  The shape I fell in love with really stood out now, and that's when I decided to turn it into a hanging light.

These are the supplies I purchased from The Home Depot.

First you attach the rod through the hole in the shade.

Then run the wire through the rod.

I turned the shade upside down at this point so it looked more like the picture on the instructions.

You screw this cap onto the rod.

And tie an underwriters knot. (Just copy the picture on the package)

Attach the wires to the socket screws and push it into place.  That's it!

A hanging light fixture.  I added the extension cord so it would be long enough to plug in and then just hung the cord from ceiling hooks.

I wrapped the cord with white voile and tan tulle fabrics.

The shade "before" reminded me of the hats the ladies wore at the races in My Fair Lady, so I added embellishments inspired by vintage hats.  A tea stained ribbon, pink velvet rosette that I made, and more tulle.

I didn't know if I would like a "naked" frame, but I really do.  And I vow not to be embarrassed to buy junk any more. Look at the fun I would have missed. I wonder, have any of you ever been embarrassed to buy something ugly?

Click on the link parties list on my sidebar for all the parties I'll be joining.

Janet