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Rain on a Tin Roof

DIY and Home Decor Blog. Fly Your Freak Flag.

You are here: Home >> DIY Projects >> Easy to Make DIY Cowhide Lamp Shade for $15

January 9, 2014 By Jenna 50 Comments

Easy to Make DIY Cowhide Lamp Shade for $15

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DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diy

If there was one thing that ever defined my Pap’s schedule the most, it was the cows.

Cattle farmer’s lives run on when cows have to be fed.

I vividly remember leaving my great uncle’s funeral in a hurry to go feed the cows with my Pap.

We both rode on the tractor, him in his suit, me in a dress, and hurriedly fed the cows before going back to gather with the rest of the family after the funeral.

I also vividly remember a calf I grew up with, named Blackjack.

I also remember when I asked my dad where Blackjack was one day and he responded with, “On our plates.”

And I didn’t bat an eye.

The cows fed us and paid our bills.

I still miss feeding the cattle and I miss my Pap.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Online Fabric Store. Y’all know how I roll though, all opinions are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

A few weeks back I saw this cowhide lamp shade and fell in love with it. The only problem was, of course, its price tag of $109.

I knew I wanted a cowhide lamp shade though. Not only would it fit perfectly with my decor, but it would be a nod to my Pap.

Even though he is somewhere shaking his head and laughing because he probably doesn’t understand why in the world someone would want a DIY cowhide lampshade.

DIY Cowhide Lampshade | How to Make a Cowhide Lamp Shade | DIY Lampshade | DIY Lampshade Ideas | DIY Lampshade Makeover | Lampshade Makeover

DIY Cowhide Lamp Shade

Here is how I made my own DIY cowhide lamp shade and you can make one too for less than $15.

Get excited!

Here’s what ya need:

– 1 1/2 yards of Tan Cow Velboa Faux Fur Fabric

– Brown Satin Ribbon

-Lampshade (I used one I already had. You can find a basic one here* for $10.)

– Hot Glue

*Depending on the size of your lampshade, you may need more or less fabric. I got three yards to begin with because I thought my lampshade was pretty big and still overestimated.

I started by taking the lampshade from my DIY bottle lamp and ripping off the old covering. If your lampshade wasn’t re-covered to begin with, you don’t have to do this. I’m just a frugal gal and re-use things as often as possible.

Then, I spread my fabric on the floor and laid the lampshade on top of it.

DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diyI rolled the lampshade over the fabric to get a good idea of how much fabric I would need, then did a rough cut of the excess fabric.

Once I had the excess cut, I took my hot glue gun and glued one end of the fabric down along my lampshade.

DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diy

Next, I rolled the fabric back onto the lampshade and applied hot glue along the inside bottom edge, then pushed the fabric into the glue.

DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diy

Keep going! You’re almost about to have your very own DIY cowhide lamp shade!

When my two ends met, I hot glued the edge that would be on top into a neat fold and then glued it down on top of the other end.

DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diyI sat the lampshade upright and snipped the fabric where the metal frame was, then hot glued those edges down and trimmed the fabric.

DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diy

I added the brown ribbon along both the top and bottom edges of the lampshade. I just put a dot of hot glue every little bit and pushed it onto the shade.

DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diyAnd that’s it.

DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diy

DIY Cowhide Lampshade via RainonaTinRoof.com #OnlineFabricStore #cowhide #knockoff #diy

DIY Cowhide Lampshade | How to Make a Cowhide Lamp Shade | DIY Lampshade | DIY Lampshade Ideas | DIY Lampshade Makeover | Lampshade Makeover

$100 lampshade or $15 DIY cowhide lamp shade?

Ding! Ding! Ding!

I’ll take the $15 one!

You can get the info on the DIY bottle lamp here – it’s easy to make! And see how I used this same fabric to make a faux cowhide rug here!

You might also want to see…

How to Make a Lampshade from Scratch and Your Own Lamp Finials – turn any fabric into a lampshade!

16+ DIY Lamp Makeovers and Ideas – SO many great ideas here!

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Filed Under: DIY Projects Tagged With: cowhide, lamp, lampshade

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Comments

  1. Megan says

    January 9, 2014 at 6:51 am

    I love this! I remember I was in our downtown shopping area the summer between high school and college and fell in love with a cowhide purse. I didn’t buy it but I’ve loved cowhide prints since, all 10+ years ago that was. This print you chose is one of the best prints I’ve seen, but it also kinda looks like a globe. 🙂 I love it paired with the lamp base.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 9, 2014 at 7:43 am

      Thanks so much, Megan! I’m in love with it as well!

      Reply
  2. Crystal @My Blissful Space says

    January 9, 2014 at 7:42 am

    Cute!!!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 9, 2014 at 7:42 am

      Thanks, Crystal!

      Reply
  3. diane says

    January 9, 2014 at 7:46 am

    I LOVE this lampshade!!! It just too stinkin’ cute. I’m now in the process of planning my redecoration of a room so I can use it! Do you find yourself walking by and petting it?

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 9, 2014 at 8:37 am

      All the time, Diane!! hahahahahaha! Its just so soft!! hahahaha! Thanks – so glad you like it!

      Reply
  4. Angela says

    January 9, 2014 at 9:10 am

    I love this project…it is such a nice twist on using cowhide in home décor. Also, love your story. Things are extra special when they have a connection to your past.

    Have a great day!
    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 9, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      Thanks, Angela! Yes – I can be a sappy one often!

      Reply
  5. Dad says

    January 9, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    Honey, I loved the story about Pap. I still miss him too. It’s had to believe it’s been almost 12 years. BTW, we did NOT eat Blackjack. We may have eat one like her, but not her. After all, I raised her up bottlefeeding. Have a great day! Love my precious granddaughter for me. Love You! Dad

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 9, 2014 at 6:08 pm

      Ok, so maybe we didn’t eat her, but I vividly remember you telling me we were eating some cow I had named one night! Love you too, Dad!

      Reply
  6. Dad says

    January 9, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    The shade is quite beautiful. I wouldn’t mind having one myself with either Red Angus or Santa Gertudis breed markings.

    Reply
  7. Pat says

    January 9, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    I love it! Such a fun lamp ~ 🙂 I’ll have to read about the base. I can’t believe I just found your blog! Why didn’t you tell me to jump over here and see all this good stuff? Lol Seriously, so many things I have to read about. I abso-freakin-lutely adore the furniture you’ve painted navy + the gold! I just moved into this apt the end of June and I had an accent wall painted navy in my bedroom. I’m collecting mirrors and spray painting some of the frames gold, if they’re not already. I’m lovin’ it!

    I shall return ~

    xo
    Pat

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 10, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      hahahahaha, Pat! You are so funny! I can’t believe you just found it either – but I am SO glad you did! I’m always up to lots of craziness, so I hope you have fun following along! And navy and gold – LOVE! Its one of my favorite combos! There will be much more of that! I am dying to do a navy accent wall somewhere, but just can’t find the perfect place! I bet yours will look stellar!

      Reply
  8. Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says

    January 9, 2014 at 10:18 pm

    well now i kinda want one too!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 10, 2014 at 3:56 pm

      haha! Make one, Trina! So easy!

      Reply
  9. Kristine says

    January 10, 2014 at 8:29 am

    Very Cool! I especially love the story behind the lamp shade. It is a thoughtful, clever way to remember the special people in our lives.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 10, 2014 at 3:55 pm

      Thanks, Kristine! I would never define myself as clever though – so you just gave me a huge compliment! haha! Thanks!

      Reply
  10. Brandi @ Nest of Bliss says

    January 10, 2014 at 9:23 am

    What an easy tutorial – and I think it suits your lamp nicely… it’s a nice nod to Pap. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 10, 2014 at 3:54 pm

      Thanks, Brandi!

      Reply
  11. Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says

    January 10, 2014 at 10:39 am

    Love your sweet story of your Pap, love the lamp shade, and love the combo with the glass lamp!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 10, 2014 at 3:53 pm

      Thanks so much, Erin!

      Reply
  12. Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says

    January 10, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    It’s so cool, Jenna! I think it looks fabulous and I love the fact that it reminds you of your Pap and special moments with him. So sweet

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 10, 2014 at 3:53 pm

      Thanks, Jesse! I am a sucker for sentimental things…

      Reply
  13. Desiree @The36thAvenue says

    January 10, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    Super cute! I am featuring you tomorrow!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 15, 2014 at 12:04 am

      Awesome, awesome, awesome Desiree!! Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Must love junk says

    January 10, 2014 at 8:16 pm

    LOVE this!! Great job! 🙂
    Susan

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 15, 2014 at 12:04 am

      Thanks so much, Susan!

      Reply
  15. Jessi @ Practically Functional says

    January 10, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    LOVE this! What a fun fabric, and it looks fabulous on that table!!! Pinning, and thanks for sharing at Creativity Unleashed!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 15, 2014 at 12:04 am

      Thanks so much, Jessi!

      Reply
  16. JaneEllen says

    January 10, 2014 at 11:22 pm

    I want your lamp, shade and all. Awesome make over gal. Now I’ll be looking for a big jar and that fabric. Hmm, maybe I can find the fabric and have a lamp shade out in shed already I want to use. I have a lamp it would look great on, kind of a twist, kinda fancy lamp with a cow hide shade, incredible. I love to mix up styles that shouldn’t go with each other, just for kicks. Where did you get your fabric? I have coupon for 50% off fabric at Jo-Ann’s. I’ll have to see what they have.
    Ok better get back to my giant purging in my craft room. It’s a really big mess but it’s gonna be that way for while. All this work just to get a blasted stand in room to put paint on, GROAN. The hallway is full of this and that from both rooms, (craft and sewing). Happy weekend

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 15, 2014 at 12:03 am

      I love to mix up different styles too, JaneEllen! My fabric came from Online Fabric Store. The exact link is in the post – it was a great price! Have fun purging!

      Reply
  17. Jamie says

    January 13, 2014 at 12:09 am

    Gorgeous lamp shade, girl!! Stunning!
    Hugs,
    Jamie

    Reply
  18. [email protected] Blue Clear Sky says

    January 14, 2014 at 6:19 pm

    Very pretty! The ribbon is a nice finishing detail. I love cowhide too and have a throw in the same fabric.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 15, 2014 at 12:18 am

      Oh, Elizabeth – I am so jealous of your cowhide throw!!

      Reply
  19. Marie says

    January 19, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    The lampshade is really eye catching and goes so well with the lamp! I love it!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 20, 2014 at 9:44 pm

      Thanks so much, Marcie!

      Reply
  20. Krista @ the happy housie says

    January 22, 2014 at 12:26 am

    Gorgeous Jenna- and I love the story. I’m featuring it tomorrow at Work it Wednesday. Hop by to grab your button if you get the chance! Thanks for sharing it with us- hope to see you back!
    ~Krista from the happy housie

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      January 23, 2014 at 7:28 am

      Thanks so much for the feature, Krista!

      Reply
  21. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    February 6, 2014 at 1:26 am

    LOVE!!! What a statement piece! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      February 6, 2014 at 2:09 pm

      Thanks so much, Maryann!

      Reply
  22. Christianne says

    February 27, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    I love it! Pinning this for future reference!
    Love, Christianne

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      March 8, 2017 at 11:36 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  23. creativejewishmom/sara says

    March 1, 2017 at 10:28 am

    love it, thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      March 8, 2017 at 11:33 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  24. Linda says

    March 2, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    Very cute lamp makeover. The cowhide is cool. Thanks for sharing this wonderful project at DI&DI.

    Reply
    • Jenna says

      March 8, 2017 at 11:32 am

      Thanks, Linda!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The DIY Designer: Bottle lamp | NewsOnSignal says:
    January 18, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    […] multiple times. Anytime I’m thrifting and see a lampshade with a good shape, I buy it. This lampshade is my newest creation. You can find out how to re-cover a lampshade here and see more about this […]

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  2. Plain Lampshade Goes Home on the Range says:
    January 18, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    […] Rain on a Tin Roof, Jenna’s inspiration for this lamp makeover came from someone special:  her Pap.  A cattle […]

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  4. Inspire Me Please Weekend Blog Hop #45 says:
    January 23, 2014 at 10:01 pm

    […] DIY Cowhide Lampshade by Rain on a Tin Roof. […]

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