I’m usually really good at saying no to impulse buys.
Well, except for when something is on clearance. If its on clearance and I love it, but have absolutely no need for it, its definitely coming home with me.
I have a fabric hoarding problem as well.
Its all just so pretty and colorful and pattern-ful. (That’s totally a word.)
And so when I saw this cowgirl fabric this past spring, I had to have it.
I also had no use for it whatsoever.
Until I found this gold lamp on clearance at Target.
And I didn’t have a use for it either.
But I bought it anyway.
And then I needed a shade.
And then Kiri from i like that lamp sent me a lampshade kit.
And then I thought of the cowgirl fabric.
And then a cowgirl lampshade was born.
And then all was right in the world.
Disclosure: i like that lamp provided me with supplies for this project. However, all opinions and cowgirl fun is 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
How to Make a Lampshade
With this kit, its really easy to turn any fabric into a lampshade! Here’s what you’ll need:
- DIY Lampshade Kit (Mine was the 12 x12 one, there are other sizes available as well)
- Fabric of your choice (I think I used about 1/2 a yard or so. This is a similar fabric to the one I used. It doesn’t look like they are selling mine anymore.)
- Scissors
- An old paintbrush
Steps
Step 1:
Open up your kit and remove the styrene sheet.
It’s wrapped in the tissue paper. 🙂
Lay your fabric facedown on a flat surface. Make sure its free from wrinkles. Remove six inches or so of the backing from the styrene and place the styrene on the fabric (its sticky). Slowly remove the rest of the backing while you are sticking the styrene to the fabric.
Cut out the fabric, leaving an inch or so around all edges except for one short edge.
Step 2:
On the short end where you did leave some fabric overhang, go ahead and glue (the glue is included in the kit) that fabric edge down and over the styrene.
Step 3:
Stand the styrene up and shape it into a lampshade. Use the included clips to hold it in place. Attach more of the clips along the top edges of the lampshade and place one of the rings on top of the clips. If your fabric has a pattern that has a definite “right side up” motif, make sure you place the ring with the finial attachment (center ring in middle) on top. See photo #1 below. Make sense?
Run glue around the edges of your fabric and spread it around good with the paintbrush (#2). Pull the fabric over and under the ring and push it in tight with the wooden stick included in the kit (#3).
When you have one end done, flip the shade over and do the same thing on the other end.
Finally, run glue between the two end edges on the side of the lampshade and push firmly together.
Let it dry well before placing it on the lampshade.
And as if it could get any better than a cowgirl lampshade, how about a horse finial to top it off?
Honestly, I think I may have been more excited about the finial kit than the lampshade because I love finials, but they are so overpriced. The finial kit is only $5. Yep, $5.
All you do is choose a small object to put on the finial, put a bit of super glue (included in the kit) on the gold hardware piece in the kit and stick your object on there. I just spray painted a plastic horse red.
There are many more finials in my future.
Big fan of lamps? Me too. See these then…
How to Make Lamp Tassels in Five Minutes– gorgeous, simple to make tassels to easily dress up those lamps!
DIY Agate Slice Lamp Finial – easy to make agate finials that are loads cheaper than what you’d find in a store!
16+ Lamp Ideas and Makeovers – the ultimate list in lamp makeovers and genius lamp ideas!
Giddy up!
You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.
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Paige says
Hey, Jenna! I love your new lampshade, but I love, love the finial! You are so creative. Did you paint a leftover toy for it? Also, did you cover the lamp base with burlap? I wasn’t sure if I was seeing a seam or part of the textured style. If you did cover it, I hope there will be a tutorial coming. Keep on creating — you are awesome!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yep, Paige – I just spray painted an old plastic toy and glued it on! I can’t believe I left that out of the post – obviously I was tired when I wrote this – I just went back and added it in!
The lamp base came from Target exactly like it is. Its gold and does look like it has a burlap type pattern. Hope that helps!
Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says
That fabric is awesome. Love how the lamp turned out!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Jennifer! I love that fabric too!
Dad says
Jenna, Almost looks like an “Annie Oakley” theme having watched those TV shows when I was a boy. Great job. I know Shannon, my resident cowgirl @ work would like this. If you ever are in the notion to sell it let me know. It’ll be something I can leave Shannon before I retire. Love you. Dad.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Dad! I’ll keep you posted, but I think this may end up in Landry’s room!
Kiri Masters (@ilikethatlamp) says
Just love how your lampshade turned out – super cute fabric. I am fully supportive of your hoarding addiction ( i think that makes me an enabler…??!!)
I am so excited to see everyone’s ugly lampshades!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
It does make you an enabler, Kiri! haha!
Lindsay Eidahl says
How cute is this?! What a fun piece!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Lindsay!
chris aka monkey says
waving that freak flag jenna this is really freaking cute i love it is it going in circus’ room? xx
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, Chris! Yep, you guessed it, it is going in the circus’ room….as soon as I have a plan for that room anyway! haha!
Hope Williams says
Oh isn’t fabric scrumptious? I guess I have to jump in that category too! Oh well, it could be something totally useless like brooms or cleaning supplies! lol. I don’t Instagram, so I’m emailing my uglies!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
So scrumptious, Hope! I’m a total fabric addict! I got your lampshades and I will post them on instagram today or tomorrow! Thanks for entering!
Trinity says
I’m trying to decide which I love best: your creativity with all these fabulous projects, or your sense of humor. It’s such a pleasure stopping by to read your posts, and I loved this project using the cowboy fabric. I too am a fabric/craft supply hoarder, including buying those clearance items I have absolutely no use for. It wouldn’t be too bad if I were creative and actually used them….unfortunately, that rarely happens, lol. Thanks so much for sharing!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Girl, don’t feel bad – I don’t always use half of what I buy!! Thanks for your sweet comment!
Melissa Ruddy says
I am a sucker for clearance as well. Even if I don’t have a use for it. I totally would have bought that fabric to even though I can not sew. It is just super cool looking. Great project to us it on.
Jenna says
Thanks, Melissa! Yep, I couldn’t resist that fabric!
Jennifer A Stewart says
This is such a fun idea! I hate it when I can’t find exactly what I am looking for to finish off a room and this is perfect! Thanks for sharing at Saucy Saturdays~
Jenna says
Thanks, Jennifer! It was a fun project to make!