Ingredients:
Dannell’s Lampshade Kit that includes:
Self-adhesive PVC Panel
Painted Metal Frame with UK/EU Fitting
Painted Metal Frame
Roll of Double Sided Tape
Finishing Tool
Fabric - Kimono by Stuart Hillard for The Craft Cotton Co
Tools:
Scissors
Seam Roller (optional)
Make your own beautiful lampshade with your own choice of fabric design with one of the brilliant Dannell’s Lampshade kits.
Method:
Step 1. Fabric
Choose your fabric for the lampshade covering. Depending on the size and shape lampshade kit you choose, will affect what size fabric you will require – this will be stated on the kit and the website when purchasing. If your fabric is ‘directional’ think about the way this will need to be cut when choosing your design. Cut your fabric down to a ‘workable’ size if you find this easier - slightly larger than your panel size. Iron your fabric to ensure all creases are removed.
Step 2. Panel
Place the panel (release paper side down) on the ‘reverse’ side of the fabric, and when you are happy with the placement – peel back some of the release paper and stick down to your covering. Tip – use a weight of some sort to keep everything in position. Smooth out from the middle and press the adhesive into the fabric firmly until all the release paper is removed. If your fabric has creased, peel back and try again.
Step 3. Trimming
Once you are happy with the placement and there are no creases, trim around the edges of the panel to remove surplus fabric.
Step 4. Edges
Snap back the creased edges (kiss cut) around the panel to break the edge of the PVC. Carefully, to avoid fraying, remove the broken edge strips of PVC to leave fabric edges along both side
Step 5. Tape
Apply double sided tape to one side of the PVC edge (shorter edge) this will be used to stick the seam together once we have assembled the main lampshade, remove the release tape. Apply double sided tape around both painted metal frames. Press the tape firmly and evenly on to the frames before removing all of the red release tape. We are now ready for the assembly!
Step 6. Assembly
At this point you need to consider whether you are using the shade as either a pendant light, or on a lampbase – and this will affect which side the frame with the EU/UK fitting will go and how the bulb will go in. Once you’ve decided this, line each frame as close to the start and edge of the panel. The ‘dipped’ part of the EU/UK frame needs to be ‘inside’ the lamp (not outwards!) The lining up of the frames to the edge seems quite tricky to start with, but it gets easier! Keep the frame within the PVC panel at all times – if you go outside, peel back and try again. When you get to the seam and overlap of the fabric, press down in the middle from the centre out to secure. This is best done against a flat working surface to ensure not to dent the panels in any way. For best results, use a seam roller tool – but your hand also works well!
Step 7. Fabric edges
Snip the fabric at the ‘struts’ on the EU/UK frame so the fabric can go ‘round’ these parts. Pinch the fabric, pull taught and push onto the sticky wire frames. Using the finishing tool, push the fabric behind the frames. You may hear a ‘cracking’ noise at this point – this is simply the glue pulling away from the PVC panel and being replaced by the fabric edge. If your finishing tool ‘curls’ up, cut with scissors to refresh. Force the tool between the gap and swipe around the rims of the frames until you are happy with the finish.
Et voila – a beautiful lampshade. Enjoy!
The Crafty Lass runs craft workshops from their studio in Lower Boddington, Northamptonshire – including lampshade making should you prefer to make one in a taught class!
The Crafty Lass®
Dannells’ Lampshade Kits comply with fire regulations. For further information, please click here.
Made by Paula Milner for The Craft Cotton Company 2018