The other day I recovered that melted lampshade with burlap which gave the shade {and the lamp} a whole new life. This project was similar, but with a few tweaks due to the fabric chosen. NowI'm recovering lamp shades for the Crate & Barrel Mercury Glass knock off I did. If you remember back, I got one Restoration Hardware shade from Saver's Thrift Store for $3, and then bought another with the same shape and size from WalMart for 10 bucks. So now I'm in 13 bucks for two shades. I've been looking for grey fabric for month and a half and finally found some I liked for $1.50 a yard. Well worth the wait!

▷ I used about 1/2 a yard of fabric per lamp shade- but when you buy your fabric you should allow for 3/4-1 yard of fabric each.
▷The only difference between covering this lamp shade with a light cotton fabric and covering the last one with burlap - you MUST iron your fabric. You should iron all of the fabric, but especially the seam where the fabric will overlap. This is super important if you want your lampshade to look store bought. At the seam, fold a flap of fabric between 1/4"-1/2"wide inwards, making sure it's straight, and iron that seam well.
▷The only difference between covering this lamp shade with a light cotton fabric and covering the last one with burlap - you MUST iron your fabric. You should iron all of the fabric, but especially the seam where the fabric will overlap. This is super important if you want your lampshade to look store bought. At the seam, fold a flap of fabric between 1/4"-1/2"wide inwards, making sure it's straight, and iron that seam well.
▷Lay the fabric on a smooth surface and spray the side fabric that will be against the shade with a light coat of spray adhesive.
▷Begin rolling the shade onto the fabric and adhesive, pressing the fabric firmly against the shade and smoothing any wrinkles as you go.
▷Begin rolling the shade onto the fabric and adhesive, pressing the fabric firmly against the shade and smoothing any wrinkles as you go.
▷You can use glue or the peel and stick "Stitch Witchery" to hold the fabric in place, rather than a glue gun (like with the burlap shade I recovered.) I think this was a good choice with a thin fabric and the seam is well, seamless!
After ages of looking at mismatched shades I finally have this project finished! Hallelujah! I KNOW all of you understand how crazy this can make you- to have this "sore spot" right in the middle of your room!
Here's the final comparison of all three lights- my two thrift store knock offs and the Crate and Barrel original. Of course mine aren't an exact copy, but in total I saved 280 bucks and I think that mine have the same feel as the inspiration. I am pretty proud of how the faux mercury glass turned out.
Thanks for reading!
I'm also linked up here
Oh, nice work and I love the final look. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the lamps! Great job, the grey would be perfect in my living room....thanks for the inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the lamps!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
Great Job! I love the lamp and your site! I found you at a link party and just became your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job, Becca! Thanks for sharing your creativity! It's so nice to e-meet you! :)
ReplyDeleteRoeshel
Gorgeous.
ReplyDeletelove the shade, but the base is amazing! great lamp thanks for partying with me!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for linking this up to {nifty thrifty sunday} last week as well!!
xoxo,
Vanessa
I am loving these lamps to pieces! Wickedly awesome. I would love for you to show this off at my Wickedly Crafty Saturdays! http://wiccanmakesometoo.blogspot.com/2011/07/wickedly-crafty-saturdays.html
ReplyDeleteGreat job Becca! Thank you for linking up at Sew Woodsy last week. Hope you'll join us again tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, Becca. I love mercury glass...real or faux! Thank you for linking with Air Your Laundry Friday! xo Jami
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Gives me an idea for a couple old lamps I have stashed in the basement :) Because no way is it necessary to pay what C&B charge for those!
ReplyDeleteI love knock-offs, most times they are so much better. Thank you for sharing, Margie
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! Stopping by to invite you to link up to Thrifty Thursdays. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteJohnnie
Hi Becca,
ReplyDeleteThe lamps look stunning, what a great makeover. You have inspired me to try it on some of mine own. Visiting you today via Inspiration Friday!!
Have a great weekend!!
All the Best,
Christine
Great re-do! I had to feature you today! Come check it out!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
ReplyDeleteHa, I like yours better than the C&B ones. Great job.
ReplyDeleteNice work, Becca! What a great knockoff! I clicked over to see the mercury glass lamp base and noted all of your careful insturctions! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking to Potpourri Friday. You are an asset to making the party a success. I appreciate you and I hope you will make this a weekly stop.
Great job.... nothing like a great knock off
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Ellen
Fantastic! I have an old lamp that needs to be re-vamped, so this is good inspiration!
ReplyDeleteFound your link from the Homemaker on a Dime party :)