Sunday, October 17, 2010

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

47 comments:

  1. It's a good idea, and look preety to me..nice work and I like it..

    ReplyDelete
  2. How Cute! Saw you on Show off your cottage Monday! Very well done!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yep, sure have...and it sits hidden in a closet after that.
    But let me tell you ONE thing I would love to own, is that CUP in your header....is that for sale by chance ?
    OH my gosh, it's a beauty. I love, love,love anything like that with the olde roses on them.
    Your lampshade is VERY UNIQUE....you know it's funny what makes us happy...isn't it ?

    ROSE

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Janet, I am your newest follower, trully I love the description of your blog, I am also a home lover type and wants to do better and better obviously in low budget... Love your this project, its absolutly beautiful and practical idea, specially love your folded ros...
    Hope you would like to pay a visit at

    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/

    And let me know your opinion about my blog..
    Love
    Farah

    ReplyDelete
  5. The lamp looks so pretty! What a great idea.

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  6. wow! what a great idea and you are so creative! I kindda like your new lighting! super cool!

    ReplyDelete
  7. omgosh...this turned out fabulous!! It is so pretty and unusual..you did so good!!

    And, thanks for the tips on making a light fixture...YOU make it look easy but I'd have that knot tied around my neck, probably. I am sooo not good at this sort of thing and THAT is my embarrassment. I keep thinking that one day I'll be able to FOLLOW instructions...but...
    well, it's a good thing I have Mr. Sweet around. :))
    Hope this is a great week for you..
    xo bj

    ReplyDelete
  8. never would have thought of that!! Great job (and I love the paintings in the background!)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've seen these lampshades before, and passed them right by. Once you strip away all of the gaudiness, it's such a lovely shape. I adore your new lamp, and thanks for the great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  10. How cute is that? I'm glad you gave us a step-by-step of the wiring. I knew it was easy, but so glad to see it. I'm also glad to hear you're "ok" with a bare bulb. It turned out so fun.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love it! It has great 'bones' and character! Love what you've done - this type of idea may be the solution to one of my lighting problems!
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  12. How very unique! Beautifully done.

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is such a NIFTY THRIFTY idea...love what you did with her...she looks BEAUTIFUL!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love your project! Thanks for linking to 2nd Time Around!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are so creative. It turned out great. I would have never thought to do that.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great re-do! I bought a really tacky dress once, but its makeover wasn't nearly as lovely as yours. :o) Visiting from NFT. Happy Thrifting! :o) Larri at Seams Inspired

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your lamp shade redo it beautiful. I guess I am strange I liked the shade the way it was.....But your redo is much prettier.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi there!! I am your newest follower from the Tuesday linky!! I love finding new blogs and yours is lovely. You can find me at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com


    Very pretty

    ReplyDelete
  19. i love the naked lamp shade too after seeing your post. it's so lovely and girly.

    ReplyDelete
  20. OK, this is super cute and creative!! I love it! I am visiting for Transformation Thursday.

    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  21. I like, I like! I bought a lamp frame this summer and haven't done anything with it yet. I love what you did with yours!

    ReplyDelete
  22. It is so beautiful! I LOVE it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love what you did with your lampshade. Love the cute rose you put on it!

    Also noticed your tapestry pillow in your chair. Reminds me that I'm supposed to be digging around my attic. I have two just like that, but one is hidden away in the attic. Hoping I didn't do something stupid like accidently putting it a bag I gave to Goodwill a while back.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am so glad I found your pictures! My sister gave me this moldy old antique lampshade and I've been determined to make a fixture out of it. A couple weeks ago I ripped the fabric off of it, and that's about all I've done. You really inspired me to move forward with this project! I absolutely love what you have done :-) Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  25. It turned out great! I had no idea making a lamp was that simple. Thanks for the tutorial! ~Sheilla

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for the tutorial. I have never been brave enough to try a lamp kit but you made it look pretty easy. And, oh yes, I have stood in line at the trift store feeling like people were staring at me and questioning my sanity more than a few times!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi,
    I can relate to your life. Goals and all.
    I also like your overlapping pictures on your shelf. Thought I was the only one that did that.
    So nice to meet you. I found you on Show and Tell Friday.
    Please visit me.
    monah

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love it! I have a chair covered in that blue floral fabric you have on the screen. Love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I Love it...what a great idea!!
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  30. Everyone who is into style depends on a great stylist to
    look good and help with hair issues and problems. Before you go for
    them, try products at Keranique for hair care.
    Both brands are popular in known hair salons and spas.


    my site - hair products

    ReplyDelete
  31. It is widespread thing to encounter some sorts of illnesses within our
    life, but the factor is it really is uncommon to meet the
    proper treatment as soon as. Further information can be obtained by contacting
    the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine at (202) 237-7681.
    Numerous adjustments are usually made to improve the buying experience for site visitors to the golf website.
    If you have a personal injury legal matter, a dog
    bite or if you’ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, call the Law Offices of R.

    She was not the type to accept poverty and illiteracy
    without protest.

    My web blog ... Anthidium

    ReplyDelete
  32. They do not require as much work as many other animals do
    and are really fun to watch. If you are a reader of local
    language newspapers it might get difficult for you
    to find your desired language newspaper any where else.

    Such a benign amalgam is the only realistic hope for reconciliation.
    For documentation purposes and additional interest, be sure to include the banner including the name of the news
    publication, as well as the date section. A
    writer in San Francisco can read a story in New York at 3:00
    AM (EST) and have it ready to go in his own paper for
    the Midnight (PST) deadline.

    Feel free to visit my web blog - click here

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and founԁ that іt's truly informative. I'm gоing
    to ωatсh out for brussels. I will be grateful if you сontinue thiѕ in future.
    Lotѕ of people will be benеfiteԁ from your wrіtіng.
    Cheers!

    my ωeb blog; dom

    ReplyDelete
  34. i don't know what was wrong with its original form. it was an antique ruined, i think your idea sucks.
    sorry

    ReplyDelete
  35. I made this hanging light for my bedroom using an old lamp shade. ... hlightfixturesceiling.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I made this hanging light for my bedroom using an old lamp shade. ... ceilinglightshanging.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. “Amazing write-up!”
    Cancun Mexico Barcelo Reviera maya the grand resort

    Cancun Mexico Barcelo Reviera maya the grand resort. We are Vaganza Nights. We provide Parties, Events, Concerts, Pool parties, etc with Arab Superstars.Services are,5 Star Hotel - The Westin Playa Bonita By MarriottFree transportation from and to the airport,All-inclusive food & alcohol,10 dining & bar options,Kid-friendly

    ReplyDelete
  38. At Wade Automotive, we create custom car and truck accessories including durable floor mats, tough bug shields, quality wind deflectors, and so much more!
    Click here to read more bug shield

    ReplyDelete
  39. Buy baked bar thc at very affordable prices at our shop, we sell as low as $30, exclusive discounts available for bulk orders. Don't miss this offer.
    Click here to read more Baked bars

    ReplyDelete