Well-Crafted  
Lighten Up

– By Theresa Capuana and Ellen Highsmith Silver –

Spring is coming and with it thoughts of how to brighten your home. A quick but effective change can begin with lampshades. Although we show our designs on small shades for candlestick lamps, any size paper shade will work. (You just have to adjust the amount of materials.) Using very available supplies, follow our simple directions to turn “Plain Jane” lampshades into gems and let the light shine on.

Undercover Dots

Apply 3/4” round multi-purpose self-stick label (available at office supply and stationery stores) to the inside of the shade. They will appear only when the light is on.

Punch Design

Select a craft or quilting stencil with a fairly simple repeat design. With pencil, lightly trace the design onto the shade, making necessary adjustments to allow for increasing width from top to bottom.

Using a sharp pointed object, an awl, nail or the pointed end of a compass, follow the marked design, making evenly spaced holes in the shade. Erase any visible pencil lines. This subtle technique is particularly effective on small dark-colored shades.

Ribbon Stripes

Select your ribbon first. (We used one that is 5/8” wide.) To determine the amount of ribbon needed, measure the shade from top to bottom; add 1/2” to the measurement for turn under.

Next, measure the circumference of the top edge. Divide the circumference by the ribbon width for the number of ribbon strips needed. Multiply the number of ribbon strips by the measurement of the shade from top to bottom including the additional 1/2'” for turn under.

Add 1/4" yard for error to the above measurement and this will give you the amount of ribbon needed. Next, cut ribbon into lengths 1/2” longer than the shade height.

Press under 1/4” at both ends of each ribbon piece. Using Fabri-Tac, glue folded ends of ribbon strips to the outside top and bottom of the shade. Use photo for reference. Until dry, hold ends in place with paper clips or clothes pins.

Where to go for supplies

Arrow Lamp and Lighting – 2091 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, 834-1992: paper shades in many sizes and shapes, brass candle lamp.

A. I. Friedman – 431 Boston Post Road, Port Chester 937-7351: Fabri-Tak by Beacon

Michaels Arts and Crafts Store- 2 Waterfront Placa, Port Chester 937-3060: paper shades and ribbon.