Ruffled Lamp Shade Tutorial


I have FINALLY finished it!!! I had seen lots of different ruffled lamp shades but none exactly like I wanted so I had to tweak a little and combine a little. :)

I wanted a something a bit more "delicate" than burlap but I still knew that I needed something stiff so that the ruffle stood out from the lamp shade (although now that its done that really probably wasn't necessary).

So off to the fabric store.. hee heee... my favorite thing to do! Although focusing on one project while I'm there is just about IMPOSSIBLE!!!

I know you're saying to yourself "move on, move on".. okay, gotcha.

I chose Crinoline because of the stiffness and it was super white and I wanted it to pop against my bright base.

FYI - did you know that Crinoline was used in petticoats?


Anyhoo, this lamp shade is pretty big and ended up taking 4 yards of fabric - YIKES! I didn't expect to use that much but what are you going to do?!?!

So I used my rotary cutter and cut strips 2 inches wide, then sewed a gathering thread down the middle.

I found that it was just easier to iron it in half before I ruffled it.



Then I ruffled, ruffled, ruffled and then ruffled some more! In case you were wondering that would be 72 ruffle strips!

Then got the glue gun and a comfy spot on the couch and started gluing! :)


I glued each strip about 1/2 inch apart but you could definately do each strip further apart and it wouldn't be so thick with ruffles and sure wouldn't take as long!

As for the lamp base. Remember I got this beauty from a yard sale for $5 (A little steep but all proceeds went to tornado victims so it was worth it)


I put a coat a Kilz on the base and then painted it Autumn Crush from Valspar. I'm having an orange obsession lately so I had to have this color for my lamp! :)



My hubby said it reminds him of the old ruffled pettipants. :)


Linking up here:



Hee hee.. I guess it does doesn't it? :)

12 comments:

  • Justine of SewCountryChick | June 2, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    Ooh I love love love this tutorial! Next month I am doing home sewing and I can't waiyt to try this! thanks!

  • Julia @ 551Eastdesign | June 3, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    I just found a vase that I'm turning into a lamp so this is perfect!Great idea! 551eastdesign.blogspot.com

  • Jen | June 3, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    I just saw this on Tatertots and Jello. orgeous! The Crinoline was a great idea - I bet it will hold it's shape beautifully. I just might have to try this with my old, boring lamp. :)

  • Chef in Training | June 3, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Oh my goodness! this is SO beautiful! I love this! I happened to stumble across your blog through a link party and I LOVE it! I am your newest follower and would love it if you would check out mine and follow me too! Thanks!
    -Nikki
    http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

  • Artsy VaVa | June 4, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    Love your lampshade! Thanks for the nice comments about my dresser turned bar. I'm now following you too! Ooh, sounds stalkerish...but you know what I mean!

  • BluBabesCreate | June 5, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    This one is on mt project list! I'll let you know when I do it!

  • Anonymous | June 6, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    So pretty! I linked this to my ruffles post too today - just had to share!

  • cherished bliss | June 6, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I keep seeing these... I have got to make one : ) I hope you will share at my party!

    http://www.cherishedbliss.com/2011/06/craft-and-tell-no-8-and-features.html

  • Whit | June 8, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Oh how I adore ruffle lamp shades thank you for the tutorial. I found your shade through the Organize and Decorate everything linky party. Come and say hi back I love bloggy friends. And please Vote for me on my blog thanks it only takes 2 seconds I promise

    A mommy's life...with a touch of YELLOW
    tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

  • Sommer | June 10, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Love it! I'm in love with ruffled shades. That turned out so very cute! Please come link to my party this weekend =) http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/vip-party-18.html

  • Leanne | June 10, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    I love the look of all those ruffles. I love the lamp too. Thanks for linking to the party.

  • Colleen | June 13, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    The lamp shade is great. And your tutorial is so clear I think even I (a non-sewer) could do this. Of course I need to figure out how to use the machine first ;-) My mother-in-law was a seamstress. I really should have paid better attention. Job well done!!!

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