Monday, April 18, 2011

Spring Banner Lampshade

I was a part of
 last week, this is the project that I shared.
You have to go and check out all of the fun projects
that was posted on Kara's blog!!
I just have to tell you a little story behind my history
of lamp-making before we get started.
Back in college {years & years ago}, I had no money.  So, for
presents for my friends and family I found a way to be creative and make something
for them.  I figured out a way to make lamps out of huge, empty pickle jars that
the snack bar at *-mart would just give to me.  One day, as I was making a lamp,
my husband {boyfriend at the time} came over to my place and thought it was
a fun little project and was impressed with my resourceful use of materials.

 As I was making this one...it has been a very long
time since I have made one, he came in and told me that he knew that he loved
me that day that I was making lamps almost 15 years ago.  I thought it was so
sweet to know that he loves me being creative!  Ok...back to the tutorial...

 I found this jar at my local flea market, spray painted the lid blue and had my hubby drill two holes in the top.
This jar is about 1 foot tall, you can find a lot of fun shapes and sizes of jars.
 Before I embellished it...which I also like it plain and simple.
I bought the lampshade at Target, but you can also
make your own burlap covered lampshade!
 You can buy a lamp making kit pretty much anywhere in the hardware section.
You thread the cord through the little hole and then back up the middle hole.
The kit comes with really good instructions also.
 You split the two wires apart a little bit more {about 3" more}.
 In the instructions, it shows you how to make an Underwriter's Knot.  You have a ribbed and a flat wire and you have to wrap the right one to the right screw on this part, otherwise it doesn't work. 
I tested mine to make sure it worked before I got any further!
 Once I had that done, to make the fixture stable, I hot glued it on the inside.
 Here are a couple of close up shots of the banner part.
I used Canvas Corp, Tattered Angels, Houseof3/Pink Paislee, Glitter, ModPodge,
 American Crafts ribbons & Crystal Stickers.
In this picture, I used a mini canvas shape and twine{both canvas corp} and sprayed it
with Tattered Angels Glitter Mist.  My new favorite thing!!

 This is a side view of the lamp, I am loving it on my entryway table along with all of my Spring-y decor!
 I just had to show that I tied ribbons on the lid and also added some bling around the top edge!
You can fill the jar with a lot of fun and interesting items, I chose a simple little
nest.  Maybe because I can't get enough of them!
I hope that you enjoyed my little tutorial and that it inspired you in some way!

14 comments:

  1. Cute!
    So easy to change what's inside for the season or on your whim.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really love this! Great job. And cute story about your hubby. Awww. Are you going to switch the banner out each season?

    ReplyDelete
  3. So adorable!! I just made a mason jar lamp too but I LOVE your canvas shade and cute banner!! Love, love, love!

    ReplyDelete
  4. look at the penant banner! so cute. and the mason jar. all super great. love them. glad I found your blog.

    kathryn.
    www.thedragonsfairytail.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I LOVE this! SO cute. Anything with Mason jars and burlap is up my alley! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love this! I am getting ready to re-do our bedroom and these would be perfect! Love the lampshade too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. So cute and creative! Can I ask where you got the little nest and robin egg?

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't know which is cuter -the lamp OR your sweet hubby's comment! It feels so good when your mate can appreciate your creativity! I may have to try this cute lil project!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I would love to feature this great lamp on Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle. Feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. Thanks!

    http://reuseandupcycle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm a little behind just finding this. but I love your blog & creative ideas!! newest follower :) ~ M

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very cool! I've now gotta keep my eyes open for a cool jar at a yard sale!

    Lesley
    byporchlight.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete