Design-It-Yourself: Doily Lampshade

Here is a great example of how to upcycle, which is where you take an obsolete or discarded object and you give it greater value (whether monetary or functional). It is all the rage - not only because it is kind to our Earth but also because it results in unique and very personal creations. Like!

Here, Timothy of Handmadeology has transformed lace doilies into a stunning, contemporary pendant shade.

What a beautiful result! Please visit the link for exact instructions but I'll provide a short recap here.

For this project you will need:
- cornstarch
- a completely round balloon, the size of shade you want (or a ball?)
- thread
- twine
- drop cloth
- white glue
- paintbrush
- petroleum jelly
- lamp kit
- 24+ doilies
- stiffening agent

Sew the doilies together over the balloon, allowing them to overlap in a haphazard way.

Leave a spot for the bulb socket. Timothy used twine as pictured above.

Sew doilies around ¾ of the balloon and sew the last ¼ separately as you will join them later.

Put your drop sheet down and hang your balloon over it. This is when it gets messy! Here, they used a pipe across the kitchen counters to hang their balloon.

Cover the balloon in petroleum jelly (to stop the doilies sticking - don't be kinky!), then prepare the following mixture: 5 oz of glue with 4 tbsp of cornstarch and ¼ cup of warm water together until it’s not lumpy. Once it's smooth start painting it onto the inside of your sewn doilies. Try not to use more than half as you'll need the rest to paint the outside of the doilies - once you've placed the two pieces on the balloon, lined them up and sewn them together.

Leave it to dry for 24 hours then pop your balloon! Use a clear coat of stiffening agent on the inside and out and let that dry. After about three hours your new pendant is ready. Attach the lamp kit and voila!

I've also seen lampshades of a similar style made from twine and hemp, or a little trickier from playing cards and soda tabs.

Credit: all photos, except last 4, and instructions via Handmadeology

Comments

[ayala land premier]

those lamps are so cute.
Do you think the glue could also hold old table cloths or linen placemats?
-bianca

[Christie at Bemz]

Hi Ayala,
I am not sure but the stiffening agent should ensure they hold their shape. Check out the manufacturers instructions as a safeguard. If the fabrics are not heavy or too thick, then why not? If you give it a go, send us some photos!
Christie