Creating your own drum lamp shade is not difficult. If you
follow a few simple instructions; you will be able to create or recreate any
lamp you purchase. As a matter of fact; you will be inspired to do more
shopping for vintage and antique lamps for your living space.
These instructions are specifically for a drum shade, most
commonly known as a circular shade, which consists of two wire rings.
What You Will Need:
To create your own drum shade you will need:
·
Fabric of your choice
·
Wire rings
·
Styrene
·
Fabric glue
·
Bulldog clips
·
Scissors
·
Bias tape
·
Paint brushes
Step 1 Take Proper
Measurements
Measure your lamp rings first, because they will be the most
difficult to replace. Your chosen fabric should be at least one inch wider and
longer than your shade. Measure the circumference of the shade with a basic
tape measure. Decide how far apart you would like your wire rings to be placed;
this will determine the width of your shade. The standard shade width is
normally a little over a foot.
Step 2 Now It’s Time to
Cut Your Styrene and Fabric
After your fabric is measured in Step 1 it’s time to cut out your
fabric. Then, cut your styrene 1 inch narrower, and a ½ inch shorter than your
fabric.
Step 3 Wrap the Lamp
Wire and Spokes with Bias Tape
Bias tape comes in many colors, so that you can use the tape to
match your decor. Wrap your rings and their spokes with the bias tape of your
choice.
Step 4 Remove the
Protective Layer from Your Styrene
Carefully peel back the protective layer of your styrene.
Slowly place the styrene onto your fabric as you go along, ensuring that there
are no bubbles or buckles.
Step 5 Use Bulldog Clips
and Fabric Glue to Secure the Shade
Bulldog clips are the black clips normally used to clip stacks
of papers together. Use these clips to secure the lamp shade and help it hold
its shape. Use fabric glue around the excess fabric at the top of the shade.
Here is where your paint brush comes in handy. Use the paintbrush to apply the
fabric glue onto the material; then fold over neatly. This is the top of your lamp
shade.
Step 6 Tuck Fabric
Around Wire Ring, and Repeat Process
You don’t need to be concerned with perfection; you can always
straighten your fabric out at the end of your project. Begin tucking the fabric
around the wire ring. Repeat these last two steps for the bottom half of your
drum shade.
There are many methods for making drum shades, but you must try
them out to see which one is easier for you. Depending on the style of shade
you desire; you will probably go back and forth from one method to another, or
even combine methods, as you become more experienced.
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