DIY: Creating Your Own Unique Lampshade

Decorating a room involves not only colors and fabrics, but accessories and lighting as well. Sometimes, finding the perfect accessories is challenging. The key is to use aspects of the room's occupants' interests in creative ways. Whether capitalizing on photo memories, a sense of diva styling or subtle accents, creating a personal and unique lampshade is an easy way to add the perfect accessory. The three unique lampshade ideas below are simple and inexpensive to make, but add a lot of personality and charm to the room.

Faux Fur Shade

A teen girl's bedroom would look divine with a Diva Faux Fur Lampshade atop the bedside lamp. Easy and inexpensive to make, the plain lampshade is accented with a length of feathery boa. Begin by measuring the circumference of both the top and the bottom of the lampshade edges. Cut the boa into the appropriate size lengths and attach it to the lampshade. Since the heat from the light bulb can cause hot glue to soften, it is best to use either high-quality craft glue, small staples or a needle and thread to sew the boa strips on. The best way to attach it will depend on the type of lampshade. For an even more interesting look, attach pink boa strips to the edges of a leopard print lamp shade.

Slide Shade

Long before there were digital cameras, pictures were developed into slides. Is there a box of old family slides hidden away in the closet? If so, break it out for a unique and personal lampshade craft. Using a small hole punch, punch four tiny holes in the center of each edge. Remove the fabric or paper covering on the lampshade and measure the circumference of the frame. Use small, metal jump rings to attach the slides, working in rows, so that they measure the same as the lampshade frame's circumference. Attach the first completed row to the shade frame. Begin working the next row to slides and attaching them to the bottom of the slides that are already hanging on the lamp. Continue adding rows until the shade is the desired length. When the light is turned on, the slides will be illuminated and bring back happy memories.

Bejeweled Beauty

An easy and inexpensive way to make use of the seed beads that always tend to gather in the craft closet collection is to sew tiny seed beads onto a lampshade for added texture and appeal. On a plain shade, the seed beads can be sewn on randomly, in a pattern or to create a name or saying. For a patterned shade, the seed beads can be sewn on to enhance the existing pattern, like the center of flowers or the body of a butterfly. The colorful accents will create a unique and beautiful lampshade.

Creating a unique lampshade takes a little bit of time and creativity, but is usually not an expensive project. Use existing materials creatively to cut down on costs and make the shade a truly personal reflection of those who use the room. Inspired accent pieces are the cornerstone of any beautifully decorated room.

Veronica Smith with AmericanArtisanArt.com has developed an interest in expanding the use of palm tree wall art as well as large wall decor.