How many times have you stopped at a garage sale or estate sale or maybe even thrift shop and seen tons of old, dusty lamp shades like these?
There are usually masses of these little puppies sitting around at these spots- old and beat up and no more than $3.00 or so each. Often times, we just see the lack of trend and pass them by. But, what if I told you that these very little trash finds can be made into something cute and chic with a little rope, a glue gun, and a hair barrette?
Yep! That's what I said. Get your materials and let's do this!
Yep! That's what I said. Get your materials and let's do this!
The sisal rope can be found at any craft store and even some hardware stores in rolls. It depends on the level of shabiness that you are striving for. Some sisal is not trimmed or designated specifically for crafting, so it is naturally rough and ragged. While some sisal is cleaned up specifically for crafting and art. It is up to you! I recommend a high power glue gun for the best results, as sisal can be heavy and you want something durable to make sure that it adheres well to the shade. Lastly, find a fun barrette, flower, or trinket to add your personalized flair at the end.
This project is so simple, seriously! I first tried this project when I purchased a few trash lamp shades over a year ago and I had spools of sisal rope that I had bought for a craft but had not used. I got curious and decided to experiment a little. And it literally was a trial run and a home run of a project all in the same.
Simply begin by, starting at the bottom of the base, gluing the rope down around the edge of the interior lining of the base of the shade. Circle around completely, and then continue gluing the rope down but now moving out along the rim of the bottom of the base. DO NOT cut the rope if you do not have to!! Just continue circling it around. Here is a photo of what this looks like.
Once the rim is completely encircled, continue gluing the rope down along the exterior rim of the of the base. Continue to glue the rope down, circling around and around the shade, working your way up to the top. Again, DO NOT cut the rope if you do not have to!! Just continue circling it around until you reach the top.
Once you make it to the top of the shade, find a good stopping place, a place where the original exterior fabric comes to an end. Cut the rope and neatly glue the end piece down. Finally, add your embellishment, barrette, or flower to the corner of your choice of your shade.
Give it as unique gift this holiday season or elect to spice up your own space with it! Another trash find turned treasure!
Until next time,
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