quick fix no. 15 - eva's lampshade

I've had several meetings over the last couple of weeks in an effort to sort out our lighting.

Once the plan was finalised I thought everything looked pretty good. 

All appeared to be within the budget, which would please Brunnel.

And then I looked at the number of fittings that were coded to 'AJH'.

AJH was all over the house.

Every room had something coded to... me. 

That would be payback for coming up with ideas that involve Agee jars then.

So, slightly panicked, I thought I'd make a start with something for Eva's room.

Note, this is the 'before' shot.

It is always a worry when your child is wildly excited about the 'before', especially when it looked as manky and tired as this little gem from the op-shop, complete with bug and spiders web.

After some bribery, and with the promise that if she didn't like my attempts to improve it, that she wouldn't have to have it in her room, I was allowed to set to.

Off came the layers. The girls have their own (worrying) d.i.y plans for the crochet cover so that was whisked quickly away. Then I sanded the frame, and sprayed it with some white paint.

While the frame was drying, I readied my ribbons and fabric remnants. I had a mix of linen, silk & nice grosgrain ribbon, all within my chosen colour palette. Once the shade is up in Eva's bedroom, it will be seen from the underside as well, so all my materials were chosen to work from both sides. Cut the fabric into strips about the same width as the ribbons. I'm more than happy with some fraying edges on my fabrics, but if this will bother you, then stick to ribbons!

Starting at the top, I simply worked my way around the frame, wrapping each ribbon tightly, and knotting it to the next one when I wanted a colour change. I like things a bit random, so deliberately chose when and where to change the fabric. As always, my favourite black & white is in the mix to add some definition, and to prevent the whole thing becoming too much.

And the final result - so within budget, it hardly counts!

I have some frilly trim which I may, or may not, yet add to the bottom. 

I'll decide once I see Eva's room as it comes together.

In the meantime, I am pleased to report that Eva is very happy, and approves of her new lampshade.

It is apparently, good enough. Whew! That's a hard test to pass.

Happy Monday!

Amanda xx

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