star lampshade Click image to enlarge Designer: Kendra McCracken Having 2 sons of my own, I know it can be a challenge to create handmade gifts resulting in long-lived excitement in them. But show me a child with a bedroom and I'll show you a child who longs to have it say something about who they are and what they love, boys included! With a few sheets of Li'l Davis Pit Stop paper, the Ultra Shapexpress and the Circle stencil, and some Li'l Davis Acetate Stars, you can transform a plain white lampshade into one that will rev up the excitement in any race car-loving boy. Difficulty rating
Instructions (Print version) 1. Measure the height and width of one side of a 4-sided lampshade. If the shade is wider at the bottom than at the top, be sure to take your measurement from the widest edge. Cut 4 squares of patterned paper to these dimensions, making sure to not cut them even the slightest bit too short. My square was 9" x 9". I also did this with chipboard to back the patterned paper pieces, creating a "black out" shade. I didn't want the pattern on the reverse side of the paper to show through when the lamp is turned on, but this is optional. 2. On the back side of each square (and chipboard if being used), use a pencil and ruler to divide the squares into fourths. I marked each side of my square at the 4.5" point (half the length of each side) and connected the points, top to bottom and side to side. If all sides of the shade are the same length, go to step 4.
3. If the shade is shorter along the top edge than the bottom edge, divide the length of the top in half. My top edge was 4" long so halving it left me with 2". At the top each of the patterned paper squares (and chipboard if being used), start at the line made in step 2 and measure the determined distance (2" in my case) in each direction and mark this. Draw a line connecting each of these points to the bottom corner of the square. Cut along these 2 lines. You'll be left with 4 trapezoids that should cover the sides of your lampshade
4. Using the grid lines (textured side down) on the Circles template, center the 3 1/2" circle over the lines drawn on each of the pieces and use the Ultra Shapexpress to cut a circle from each one.
5. Adhere 1/4" seam binding tape along the edge of each circle. If using liquid adhesive, apply it lightly to avoid soaking through the tape. 6. Working on the back side of each piece, use a strong adhesive tape at the seams to connect them, leaving the last seam open. I used double-sided tape and left the plastic coating on the "outside" surface. 7. Pierce a hole through the top of each circle and 4 acetate stars. Attach a star to each circle using jump rings. 8. Apply adhesive tape to one side of the open seam (overlapping the edge), wrap the new shade around the purchased shade, and close up the seam. There may be a small gap in the seam but this will be covered.
9. Adhere 1/4" seam binding tape over each seam. Adhere 1/2" seam binding tape along the top and bottom edges of the shade, applying the adhesive as close to the edges as possible. Supply List: Fiskars Brands: 48017097 Ultra ShapeXpress™ Fiskars Brands: 48507097 Circles template Fiskars Brands: 12-87287097 3.5 x 18.5 inch Ruler Li'l Davis Designs 01-003854 Pit Stop Paper Other: 4-sided lamp shade (mine came from Target), double-fold seam binding tape in 1/4" and 1/2" widths, chipboard (optional), jump rings |
