Replace a lampshade

You can't always afford to buy new lamps when you redecorate your home, but you can recover a dated lampshade.

This article offers instructions on replacing a lampshade rather than recovering. This project is more suited to shades that have an unusual shape.

You will need:
- Brown paper, large piece or roll
- Fabric and trim
- Hot-glue gun
- Medium black marker pen
- Sewing machine and thread
- Sharp scissors


Here's how:
1. Remove the lampshade and carefully remove the existing shade. Most shades are attached with glue, which can be peeled back to loosen the shade.

2. Use the removed shade as a template to cut a pattern from brown paper. Allow additional fabric top and bottom for folding and fixing back onto the frame. Allow additional for seam joining.

3. Use your brown paper template to cut out the shape on your fabric.

4. Sew the seam and test fit. Make any adjustments necessary for a perfect fit.

5. Position the fabric, fold over and fasten to the top of the frame with your hot-glue gun.

6. To attach the bottom you may need an extra pair of hands. Pull the fabric taut, fold under and use your hot-glue gun to fix into place. Use your glue gun to attach top and bottom trims.

DIY Tip:
If you don't have a hot-glue gun, the top and bottom sections can be pinned and handsewn into place.

  source: janice anderssen - DIY Diva