Hello to the World of Lampshade Makers: sourcing materials can be a hard job

Hello World of Fellow Lampshade Makers or perhaps you might be thinking about learning. The internet has made the world a smaller place to meet fellow lampshade designers and makers. We are a growing niche as consumers are getting a taste of great lampshades in the shelter magazines and new web magazines.

I love to hear from other lampshade makers. I've reached out to a few and others have contacted me. We all have our own styles and favorite sources. All of my contacts have been excited to share our sources and tell of some great "find".

 Most of the lampshade materials are hard to find. I will give you that! I have to admit it was a question my publisher's asked before they accepted my book contract. How clever of them. It is not impossible to find materials, but it is harder than some crafts. And at times it takes some creative thinking.

In The States our main source is The Lampshop in Concord, NH. They have been a resource for me for over 20 years. Colby and gang run The Lampshop. It's been around for longer than I know; his mom ran it before Colby took over the helm. They are mostly an online source although they are open a couple of days a week. Give them a call first; I think it's Tuesdays that they are open. The Lamp Shop has ALL of the materials needed, glue, frames, styrene, trims, etc. We are lucky to have them.

 Mainely Shades of Portland, Maine was also a main lampshade source; they are no longer selling lampshade materials. 

I hear from many of you in far away spots like New Zealand, Austria, Philippines, South Africa, France, UK, etc. You tell me that you have a hard time finding materials. I tried to search out to a few small lampshade companies in Australia for a query on supplies. They said they were happy to sell some styrene if asked. I know that Artistic Bias will export 50 yards of styrene to a legitimate business. I am at the point of my business that I order 25 or 50 yards at a time. It's heavy stuff and shipping is a consideration.

So what else to do if you can't find materials????

this is the real time for creativity. One of my new friends can not get Pressure Sensitive Styrene where she lives, so she makes sewn shades and renovates old wires. (if you do this, make sure to sand and paint old wire due to rusting) Note to new lampshade makers: not all lampshade frames will work for making hardback shades; some are for sewn shades only.

If you are a lampshade maker and happen to have stumbled on my blog, please feel free to share some source tips you have found around the world. I am sure it will be appreciated.

It is my feeling that the more we share the more we receive!

 Or at least that's my experience.  I remember the days of trekking to the library to search through those big blue Thompson books with all the companies addresses and telephone numbers. This sure dates me!  Life before the internet.

 pressure sensitive styrene is the backing for hard back shades in certain parts of the world. Some countries also use pressure sensitive vinyl. I think it is quite similar. When neither are avalable you could always use a spray adhesive to laminate fabric to something that is translucent; not sure what but just take precautions with the spray toxins.

lampshade wires or frames  styles vary significantly country to country. The UK uses a no thread uno for many table lamps; we use a clip on or washer top w/ finial. Drum shades seem to be popular all over the world. Wow. that's cool, isn't it. And, Yes, Drum shades are pretty easy to make, too. I've written many a blog post here on The Lampshade Lady Blog. Styles come slow to New England where classic tradition lingers, but drum shades are catching on with some of my students and customers. Just look on Etsy and see how many are avalable!  LOTS of fun drum shades in a variety of styles. I have just found a super fixture for hanging a drum shade that I will be posting shortly. (fellow lampshade designer shared her source:)

Fabrics  are everywhere. That said, I spend a huge of time trying to find the perfect fabric. I always peek at ebay and most likely if I counted all the time searching for that "great stuff" my lampshades would be 3 times more expensive. When looking for fabric for lampshades I ask myself, "Will I be sick of it in a year????" Does the fabric you choose have lasting power or is it too trendy? fun today-passe tomorrow? I'm looking through my house right now (It's Sunday, my day off and yes I'm working-sort of) and love most of my fabric choices. It's a mix up crazy house of colors and styles but I think it works and is comfortable and very livable. The old paisley shawls go great with my Swedish Tio Gruppen contemporary fabric. My motto of interior design is a bit sketchy: buy what you like and it will all go together! Ha. I know I would have flunked out of Interior Design School! I just hate it when rooms match TOO perectly. I still laugh about an old neighbor that bought page 24 of one of our well known home goods catalogs; it sure went together well! To wrap up fabrics- I love vintage stuff and it has lots of staying power, just look how long shabby chic has been hanging on. As well as how it blends with contemporary decor, too.

Note of caution: I do worry when I see lace and crochet drapped on top of lamps. I think this is a huge fire issue and would avoid it. It does look romantic but....I see it so many times in the Shelter Mags and wonder if they are putting out the wrong message.

Fire hazards are always something to consider if using alternative materials when making lampshades, whether it's paper, fabric, plastic or ???  Please use caution. The larger the shade the higher the wattage you can use. The compact florescent light bulbs are handy considering they do not get as hot. 

I hope to hear from the other Lampshade Ladies out there, Lampshade Guys, too. (that sounds funny, but I know they are out there!)

Workshop Update: April 16th Workshop in Vermont is full. I still have a few spots left for the 14th of April, Thursday.

My shop will be closed March 19-28. Gone Spring Skiing! Praying for some much needed sunshine; it's been gray here for too long. 

Comments

[Jacqui Smail]

Hello, I have been reading through these comments on your web page and you sure know a lot about lampshades. I have a question about lampshades and if anyone can answer it, it's you!

I bought two very large burlap lampshades from Cost Plus World Markets. It's the ones they advertise as being suitable for their floor lamps but I'm using them on old Italian cracked cream porcelane and pale teracota, very large table lamps with a 10 inch harp.

The shades are a perfect size, color, shape but the trouble is, I can see the lightbulb shining through the burlap fabric 😞. Apart from this one issue, they are perfect and I cannot find anything more suitable anywhere.

Is it possible to put some sort of backing on these lampshades so that I no longer can see the lightbulbs when the lamps are on. I tried using a very low wattage bulb but it only helps a little. I have some very fine white cotton lining fabric that I'd be willing to hand stitch in place but wondered, if with your vast experience of lampshades, you could think of a better solution to this situation.

I hope you can help me.

[judy lake]

Hi Wendy, sorry for delay, you've probably found trim by now. Just got this message. There are lots of great trim sources on line. I have found really fun trims on ETSY. Wonderful vintage trims. good luck. The internet is a huge resource!!

[judy lake]

Hi Jacqui,
I find it hard to believe that the light bulb shines through with burlap. I'd think it would be pretty dark---

I'd say it's next to impossible to add lining after the fact. I can't think of any great suggestion. Sorry, except maybe next time try a higher quality lampshade or linen fabric or grainsack fabric. xo judy

[Angela Keith]

Wow I want to make lampshades but feel if I did a class it would help! I am creative but this would be good for me but hard to find local in the uk. Angie.

[Helen Rosenberg]

Hi

Please can somebody assist. I am looking for the lampshade rings in all sizes in South Africa.

Regards

[judy lake]

Hi Helen- my suggestion is to reach out to another lampshade maker in your country for resources or search the web. Sources often depend on quantity. I am "friends" with The Lamp Shade Studio in S.A. - you might reach out to her. Here's her blog, http://lampshadestudio.blogspot.com/
Best,
judy lake

[J Mugabi]

Hi this Jami from Uganda in East Africa. Me and my friends are starting out but having problems with the lining material and the perfect glue to use.That inner material is very hard to get this side and the glue we have sticks like wax. We are hoping to get glue that won't look like that. Can any of you help me with ways I can get these on eBay and where to find those that can ship to Africa. Thanks a lot and this is a great blog.

[EUGENE OLIVA]

Hi,
I have to glue a lamp shade together and it's very very rigid and keeps springing out of position to be flat again. Do you think the glue, Quick or upholstery glue will really work or do I have to use something more strong?
Thanks
Eugene

[judy lake]

Hi Eugene,
My guess is that you might have a frame that is for a soft back shade-- ie a frame that is meant for a silk sewn shade. If you have a frame like that no glue will work well....it might sort of work but will look horrid...craft glue will work perfect if the frame is for a hard back shade. Look to see if the top is round and bottom flair--- that will not work for hard back shades.
judy

[judy lake]

@ Jami from Uganda,
The lining we are using in the states is styrene. Often in Europe and beyond is vinyl but very similar. As for glue- maybe a craft glue that isn't quite as messy and dries clear.
judy