Creating Handmade Lamps and Shades

Sockets and Caps for Lamp Making

2012-01-28T19:39:00.000-05:00

Some people like to do things for themselves, like making lamps. I have some of the needed parts like these turn-key and push-thru sockets.

If you use these sockets, you'll also need these end caps and socket covers too.

Lamp making seems to be gaining more interest as more people are finding ways to save money by doing things themselves. I can help with some of the lamp making parts you will need in order to make your lamp.

Check out my store at http://shadesetc.ecrater.com

Handmade Kittens on a Chair Night Light

2012-01-23T19:49:00.004-05:00

Kittens on a Chair Night Light is my recent creation. I found the base first and then matched the handmade lemon colored silk shade with pink/peach trim. The shade is hardbacked, not lined. The lamp uses a 15-watt candelabra bulb. The nightlight measures 11" high. The white cord is 58", almost 5' and has an on/off switch on the cord.

I think this base is so cute and I'm not a cat lover. The cat on the top of the chair looks like it's about to leap onto something. The cat in the chair is sleeping; and the one in front on the floor must have been playing with the yarn on the floor around the chair...or the books.

The back of the lamp here shows where the cord comes from.

The lampshade was easy to make with the silk fabrice and french gimp. I'm pretty pleased with how this cute night light turned out.

I think this would make a very nice baby shower gift or a cute night light for a little girl's room or a sweet night light for a bathroom for your cat lover friend.

It is a one-of-a-kind night light. You can purchase it at http://www.shades-etc.com/novelty.htm for $35 plus shipping.

Believe

2011-12-03T16:24:00.001-05:00

I'm a little slow on blogging lately. I wanted to show you this handmade ornament by Elizabeth Gleason. I won it at the Friday Morning Networking Group meeting a couple weeks ago. Elizabeth created the artwork. I believe! So in case I forget to post it, "Merry Christmas" to everyone and thank you, Elizabeth, for my first Christmas gift of 2011.

Friday Morning Networking Group

2011-11-11T14:06:00.001-05:00

Networking is important in any town or city but especially in small towns like Jamestown. The Friday Morning Networking Group here is a great way to get to know what is happening in Chautauqua County and to make new friends. Each Friday morning, early...an I mean early, we meet for 1-1/2 hours to perfect our 60 second introductions and to learn about one company in more detail. Though I'm not a fan of the early mornings, I am a fan of the people of the group.

If you are in the area, check us out at http://fmng.org/.

Custom Order Nautical Lampshade

2011-09-26T18:36:00.001-04:00

I just delivered this handmade rectangle lampshade to a customer for this lamp base. He had a round shade on it that came with the lamp; however, he wanted it to sit on a 9" shelf. The shade was too big for the lamp to fit on the shelf; so we replaced it with this 6" wide shade and now it fits perfectly.

I love it when I can help a customer like this!

Lamp Making Parts Available

2011-08-24T13:03:00.000-04:00

Is your lampshade too low for you to reach under and turn the switch? Or maybe the shade looks too high and you can see the lightbulb? Change the height of the shade by changing out the harp. I have most sizes of harps from 6" to 15".

Lampshade Linings Replaced

2011-07-23T15:41:00.000-04:00

A customer asked if I could just replace the lining of her lampshade. My answer was "it depends". If I can get the outer fabric off without it being destroyed, then definitely yes. She was willing to let me try and here it is. Most lampshades can have the linings replaced.

Email me to find out if yours can be done.

Dark Violet Rose Handmade Teacup Lamp

2011-07-08T10:59:00.000-04:00

I'm calling this new teacup lamp, Dark Violet Rose. The ceramic teacup has dark purple colored violets, so I added dark purple roses and violet silk flowers to the teacup and a dark purple batik handmade lampshade. Teacup lamps are perfect night lights for kitchens, bathrooms, guest bedrooms, or even a entry hallway.

This one will be available on my website at: http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot.htm for $30 plus shipping or in my shoppe at 4957 Main Street in Bemus Point, NY.

Wild Violet Teacup Lamp

2011-07-06T19:41:00.000-04:00

I just finished added the silk flowers to this violet teacup and saucer lamp. After I was done, it looked like wild flowers had grown up together and so I named it Wild Violet Teacup. The teacup and saucer have violets all over. The handmade lampshade is hardback and covered with lavender batik fabric. The electric candle lamp has on/off switch on the six foot cord. It uses a 7-watt candelabra bulb. It measures 10-1/2" tall. You can purchase it on my website at http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot.htm for $30 plue shipping or at my shoppe in Bemus Point, Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe, 4957 Main Street, Bemus Point, NY 14712.

Beautifully Done Custom Order

2011-05-25T20:01:00.000-04:00

This beautiful shade has a twin. It was ordered by a customer of a designer friend. No, I didn't make these this time. I had a company in Pittsburgh do these as I'm in the middle of opening up a gift shoppe and didn't have the time to do these. I have the options of making the shades myself or ordering them from someone else. So if you are in the need of a new lampshade or shades, contact me to see what we can do.

Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe Progress

2011-05-14T20:51:00.001-04:00

While on vacation in North Carolina, I found this beaded, crochet shawl. It was so pretty and felt so good that I just HAD to buy it. Who knows, maybe I'll carry them in my new gift shoppe too.

Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe Progress

2011-05-13T20:50:00.001-04:00

We found this shelf at a home sale. It needed paint and I added wallpaper to the front sides that was left over from wallpapering the pillars in the shoppe. In a couple weeks you won't be able to see much of the wallpaper because of the inventory that will on it; but it looks pretty now!

Finally! I've Made My Own Lampshades For My House

2011-05-13T20:47:00.000-04:00

I've been wanting to make a new lampshade for my floor lamp in the master bedroom for years now. Today it finally happened. The original shade was a cream, pleated shade. This fabric matches the stenciled border in the bedroom. I'm very pleased with it AND so is my husband. He noticed it almost immediately and said "very nice!".

So if you are looking for new custom-made lampshades and want to match your current decor, email me or call me for a quote.

Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe Beginnings

2011-03-19T13:57:00.000-04:00

I'm opening a gift shop this summer in Bemus Point that will feature my lamps and other things from me (Cindy). This is the beginnings of what it will look like. Today I went to an antique mall to look at possible furniture to be included in the shop on consignment. They will be display pieces for me and sellable pieces as well.

Here's one of my favorites.

This dresser, if it still available, will be used for a scarf and scarf tube jewelry display. There is a matching dresser that I would also like to include in the shop if it is still available in May.

Exquisite Things Gift Shoppe will carry mostly handmade in the USA items that have a rose or flower theme or birds and butterflies, as well as feminine, frilly, lacy, victorian items. This is not a country shop.

Some items that I'm hoping to carry besides my lamps are my husband's exotic wood items, handmade cameo soaps, handmade soaps with roses, handmade candles with floral scents, scarves with jewelry tubes (there will be minimal jewelry in the shop), floral arrangements, photos, victorian stationery, and greeting cards, and some victorian antique furniture.

Stayed tuned for more pictures.

Rose Chair

2011-03-14T12:47:00.000-04:00

I found these old chairs at an antique/flea market shop last weekend. They are perfect for my new shop, Exquisite Things. I wanted a wingback chair with a table next to it to display a lamp; however, these two chair around the table will do nicely. I will be refinishing the wood and replacing the fabric in the seat.

The fabric is nice but old. I prefer new looking.

I love the hand carved rose detail.

Handmade Teapot Lamp White with Black Polka Dots

2011-01-27T14:27:00.000-05:00

I've recently finished this lampshade for the white ceramic teapot I found at a craft store. I was blessed to find the fabric to match it too. I love how the teapot has black polka dots on the lid, spout, and base. The six-foot cord has the on/off switch so it is easily accessible. The teapot lamp uses a 25-watt candelabra bulb so it's perfect for a kitchen night light. The lampshade is made from a type of plastic with fabric adhered to it and trimmed with white grosgrain around the top and bottom. I'm selling it on my website at http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot for $49 plus shipping.

Lakewood Ladies Club Vendor Shopping

2011-01-05T13:30:00.000-05:00

The Lakewood Ladies Club sponsored our villages Christmas shopping days this year. I was one of several vendors. It was a snowy day; perfect for Christmas shopping and the children to sit on Santa's lap.Some vendors present were Peterson's Corn Crib Candies, Bonnie's embroidery, three jewelry vendors, the historical society, The Fenton House Museum had a display, a lady with gorgeous crochet baby outfits and free cookies!

It was an okay day as far as sales go. However, it will probably be my last show as I'm in the process of opening my own gift shoppe in Bemus Point this summer. I hope to have more information on that soon.

Girly Green Christmas Ornaments for Fun

2010-11-29T19:48:00.000-05:00

Aren't these christmas ornaments that cutest! They are so girly and fun. And, for only $3.29, they are so affordable. I love the design of the dress. It makes me want to turn and swirl around. "I feel pretty!" Now what movie was that from? Sound of Music? Hmm.

You can see more of these fun ornaments at Bargain Express.

Handmade Teacup Lamps

2010-11-26T08:44:00.000-05:00

I just added seven more handmade teacup lamps to my website. I made them for the Erie Craft Guild's fall show. They are all different and one of a kind. Each is made with a ceramic teacup, electric candle lamp which uses a 15-watt candleabra light bulb, silk flowers, and a handmade lampshade to make the teacup. For $30 plus shipping, these make great Christmas gifts.

I'm hoping to find more teacups while out shopping today so I can make some more lamps.

Birds in White

Maroon Shade Red Roses Teacup

Falling Leaves

Pink Teacup

Red Roses

Violet Teacup

Morning Glory

Lampshade Lining Replaced

2010-11-21T13:59:00.001-05:00

I just finished replacing the lining on this lampshade today. The outside, though old, was in great shape. The lining; however, had shredded due to using too high of a wattage light bulb. I was able to remove the trim and lining without destroying the outer fabric and sew in a new one.

Not all shades are as easily done as this one was. Sometimes when the trim is applied, it is so attached to the fabric that the outer fabric rips and can’t be repaired. This was a nice surprise.

I hope the customer is pleased when she sees it this week.

Technorati Tags: lampshade lining replaced

Erie Guild Fall Craft Show 2010

2010-11-06T19:39:00.001-04:00

Had a great day today in Erie at Zem Zem. Lots of people came out even though the day started out to be cold and snowy. I’m so thankful that the snow did not accumulate and the sun came out to warm it up just a bit. This is an encouraging sign for the economy if people are out buying crafts even when companies are laying off. I’m $20 short of what I made last year in two days and I still have another day to go.

I didn’t have all the items I’ve had in the past. In fact, I only had one table. I also only had four treasure boxes and the rest were lamps; no suncatchers, no soap, no tassel dolls. I sold four lamps:

The first one to go was the lavender teacup pictured here on the bottom right.

Then a lady bought two lamps: This lighthouse and the Red Hat Teapot lamp.

The last sale of the day was the crazy cats and dogs lamp. I was wondering if that was ever going to go but the right person hadn’t shown up until today and now it is being enjoyed in their home.

It was encouraging to know that once again people are out buying and appreciating handmade in the USA.

I hope tomorrow is even better than today.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2010-10-22T13:48:00.001-04:00

We created this sport lamp for a child’s room just recently. I found these cute little baseballs and mini, mini bats which my husband attached to the base along with the electric candle.

The base is a medium brown that measures 6” across with the 53” electric cord with on/off switch coming out the side. The lamp is 11” high and uses a 15-watt candelabra bulb so it’s perfect for a night light.

I covered the candle part with the same fabric as the shade to give it a more cohesive look. The handmade lampshade is hard plastic covered with 100% cotton fabric with baseball, basketball, golf, football, and soccer pictures on a light yellow background with colored swirls in between.

I think it turned out really cute and would be an adorable baby shower gift or birthday present for a young child. You can find it at http://shadesetc.ecrater.com and http://www.shades-etc.com.

Floral Painted Vase

2010-10-15T23:56:00.000-04:00

Isn't this a beautiful vase? You can find it at Barb's Bargains on eCrater. http://barbsbargains.ecrater.com/ I love cutting flowers and bringing them into pretty vases. There are some other nice bargains on her site as well. There is even a Santa teapot! No, I won't turn it into a teapot lamp but it would be cute. Check out her site at http://barbsbargains.ecrater.com/.

Bargain Express Handcrafted Jewelry Trinket Box

2010-10-15T23:43:00.000-04:00

Handcrafted Jewelry Trinket Box Ivory With Blue Jewelry Findings Accents

I found this wonderful box at http://bargainexpress.ecrater.com/. From practical to collectible, rare to downright odd, you'll find it all at bargain express. There you will find books, clothing, collectible glass, jewelry and more. I think this jewelry box is exquisite and would be perfect for jewelry. Check out her site.

comycgyrl at ecrater

2010-10-15T23:14:00.000-04:00

Check out this adorable teapot set. Isn't it the cutest? I love making teapot lamps with teapots but I'd never do it to this cute set. You can find this and some other awesome finds at http://comycgyrl.ecrater.com/. She has a fun blog at http://comycgyrl-collectibles.blogspot.com/. She is also great at helping others in promoting their businesses. I've never met anyone who was so knowledgeable about business on the web. She has fabulous finds for sale on her eCrater store. Check it out soon!

Handmade Green Silk Rose Victorian Lamp and Shade

2010-10-14T17:35:00.001-04:00

Green Silk Rose Victorian Lamp and Shade
http://www.shades-etc.com/

I love the color combination of green and black on this hand-sewn lampshade. The light green silk fabric just seems to pop with the black and gold lace trim down the vertical ribs. I found this wonderful green chiffon rose trim and bead fringe at my favorite store in Cortland, Ohio...Quilter's Fancy. Cindy (great name!) helped me pick it out.

The lamp base is an antique I found on one of my shopping excursions in Chautauqua County. I love the porcelain roses that stand out on the white porcelain base. The marble square on the bottom is perfect to make it exquisite looking. I added a small gold finial to the top to hold the lampshade in place.

This is one of the rare shades that I've lined with white fabric. The lamp uses a 40-watt bulb for soft mood lighting. The lamp measures 19" high, perfect for a bedroom or sitting room.

Walls That Talk?

2010-10-11T19:20:00.000-04:00

Check out this cool site about walls that talk...http://tstormgraphics.blogspot.com/

Isn't this cool? I can see some of these sayings on my new piano studio walls. Can't wait to get it up and running. It will also be my gift shoppe for Exquisite Things. I think this wall art would be perfectly exquisite there!

Artists of Ring Around A Rosy

2010-09-06T12:50:00.001-04:00

Handmade soaps, root candles, fabric purses and laptop bags, jewelry, pottery, painted china, painted wine glasses…There are too many artists represented at Ring Around A Rosy to count! This is just a small picture of the items available in downtown Warren, PA. Oh, and my lamps too!

Making Teacup Lamps - Part 1

2010-09-04T22:06:00.000-04:00

Cleaned Teacup Saucers and Cups

I'm in the process of making 23 more teacup lamps and lampshades. The first step was cleaning them and getting the stickers off.

Gluing cup and saucer

Next comes gluing the teacup to the saucer. It takes a while as the glue has to set overnight. It is also very stinky. But the E6000 gives a nice, tight hold on the ceramic.

Philipines teacup saucer. Made in 1983.

Some of the teacups come from interesting places like China, Japan, and this one from the Philipines. It was made in 1983.

Ring Around A Rosy Warren’s Gift Shop

2010-08-27T19:22:00.001-04:00

Today I took five of my lamps to Ring Around A Rosy gift shop in Warren, PA. Dan, the owner, was so encouraging and helpful. This is a wonderful upscale type artist gallery. The items are handmade by local artists and are very beautiful. The location is great as it is downtown Warren, which is a very quaint type town. There are two other gift shops in town. I was able to visit one that was part of a floral shop. The other one was closed until August 30th. I’m hoping to make another trip to Warren to see that one next week.

The five lamps that are in his shop are:

Magnolia Teapot Teal Waters Lighthouse White Rose White Birch Silhouette Blue Wine

If you are in the area, stop in and say “hi” to Dan and tell him I sent you.

Handmade Horse Lamp

2010-08-10T18:16:00.000-04:00

I found this cute horse lamp base at a garage sale; it was just waiting for a new handmade shade. I couldn't resist when I saw this fabric with horse heads all over. My husband cleaned it up a bit and added a new socket and now it's ready to light up someone's room. You can read more about it on my website at http://www.shades-etc.com/novelty.htm or http://www.shadesetc.ecrater.com/.

Handmade Horse Lamp

Jefferson Post - Shades of Nature Lamp shades fashioned of natural materials

2010-07-19T17:18:00.000-04:00

I found this article on google when doing a search for lamps. I think their work with botanical lampshades is wonderful. Just take a look at this lamp ... http://www.flowershades.com/Woodland_Art_details.aspx

Jefferson Post - Shades of Nature Lamp shades fashioned of natural materials

For Jane and Michael Floyd, nature has become a living and a lifestyle.The couple owns Shades of Nature Studio and Gallery in Mouth of Wilson, VA, specializing in unique lamp shades fashioned – not just from images of nature — but pieces of it.Jane’s mother was an artist and involved her children in gardening and enjoyment of wildflowers and plants. So she grew up familiar with woodland flora like Jack in the Pulpit, Trillium and Birdfoot Violets.Part of her experience growing up surrounded by plants involved pressing them, the way that many current-day adults did in childhood—by placing flowers between sheets of waxed paper and ironing them or gluing them together.They became such favorites that she made them a part of her lifetime of art.But that’s getting ahead of things.The idea for her unique art form developed 37 years ago when her mother asked that they do something with an old lampshade. Jane and Michael had an old collection of pressed flowers belonging to her mother, so they incorporated the pressings into the gift and it exists to this day.Ultimately that led to a business contact who had seen the work and wanted to mass produce the works, which they did for many years.In the mid 1970s, the couple bought a home in Mouth of Wilson and got to know people in the community.Their son bought what is known as the old post office near the intersection of Hwy 16 and Hwy 58. The building has become a studio and galley of lamps, shades, wall art and sun catchers. The greatest part of the display is the pressed flower and paper cut collages that include images of birds and other pieces of nature.The beginning of the flower pressing operation is done the old-fashioned way – spreading petals and laying them on a board to be covered and weighted.The years have led to lots of experimentation with different colors, materials and techniques for using them to best and long-lasting effect. Michael handles minor lamp repair for customers and creates turned lamp bases. A recent endeavor has been use of reclaimed wood from area sheds. Several are creatively crafted American Chestnut that no longer exists, living in the wild. It can only be found in the many structures built from it a century or more ago.The couple markets to the region through craft shows like Christmas in July. They do most of their shopping in Ashe so they are connected to the Jeffersons. They also plan to be part of the Grayson Artisans 2010 Studio Tour July 24 and 25. At the end of the day, gardening is still on Jane’s mind. “I can’t wait to get home to my garden. I nurture it. It nurtures me. We nurture each other.”

You can see more at their website: http://www.flowershades.com/

Handmade Maroon Teacup Accent Lamp

2010-07-19T13:08:00.000-04:00

Handmade Maroon Teacup Accent Lamp.

Sweet is the first word I think of when I look at this teacup lamp that I just made. The roses all over the ceramic teacup and saucer are accented by the pink silk flowers and white stem silk flowers that I've added to the teacup. I handmade the hardbacked, maroon fabric shade to match the deeper colored roses in the teacup base. It is clipped onto a 15-watt candelabra bulb on the electric candle that I also placed in the teacup. It has an on/off switch on the 6' ivory cord. Since it is only 10-3/4" tall, it will fit nicely under a cupboard in a kitchen.

It's available on my website at http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot.htm

Handmade White Rose Teacup Accent Lamp

2010-07-07T14:48:00.003-04:00

Technorati Tags: handmade teacup lamp,handmade lampshades,accent lamp,kitchen lamp,bathroom lamp

A Handmade White Rose Teacup Accent Lamp is this week’s feature. The ceramic teacup is one that I received from my Grandmother. It came with live flowers to her for some special occasion or a visit to the hospital. I’ve added white silk roses to the teacup and lace with a little babies breath around where the cup and saucer are joined.
The handmade, hardback shade is made with pink and maroon roses all over cotton fabric. It is trimmed with the same fabric. The accent lamp uses an electric candle with a 7-watt light bulb with a 69” (almost 6’) cord with on/off switch.
It measures10-1/2” high and would fit perfectly under a kitchen cabinet or on a guest bathroom shelf.

Handmade Brown Paisley Teapot Lamp

2010-07-01T14:57:00.001-04:00

This week I’m focusing on the brown paisley teapot lamp I just made. It has a ceramic teapot, which I purchased at craft store. The teapot has a brown leaf-like design on a white background.

My husband drilled a hole through the lid and lower part to insert the lamp parts. The six-foot cord is ivory with an on/off switch on it. The lamp uses a 15- or 25-watt candelabra bulb.

The clip-on, handmade shade is hardbacked and covered with brown cotton. It is trimmed with white french braid gimp and brown beaded fringe.

This reminds me of the decorating style in the 90s where everything was earth tones. So if you know someone who loves earth tones and teapots, this would be a perfect gift. It measures 12-1/2” high so it would fit under a kitchen counter. It would also look great on a hall table.

Handmade Grandma's Pink Pearl Teacup Lamp

2010-05-31T18:12:00.001-04:00

Handmade Grandma's Pink Pearl Teacup Lamp

This teacup lamp reminds me of my Grandma. She loved pink. The ceramic teacup is glued to the saucer and has pink pearls to cover the connection between them. The teacup is filled with white flowers rimmed with pink, some spiky white and pink flowers (Grandma had a little spunk too!) and greenery. The electric candle lamp has on/off switch on the six foot cord. It uses a 7-watt candelabra bulb. The handmade lampshade has purple and pink peony (may be roses) on a white background. It measures 10-1/2" tall and would fit nicely underneath a kitchen cabinet for a night light.

You can buy it at my webstore: http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot.htm

Handmade Black Paisley Teacup Light

2010-05-28T19:45:00.001-04:00

This week I’m showing you the black teacup lamp with handmade shade. The fabric for the shade is a black silk and looks very classy against the white gimp trim.

I added white silk flowers to the teacup, along with an electric candle lamp. A little black cord around the base of the teacup is just the touch to finish off this classy teacup lamp.

At 10-1/4” high, this would be perfect under a kitchen cabinet acting as a night light.

This is a one-of-a-kind gift for that special friend who loves tea accessories.

Handmade Brown Teacup Lamp

2010-05-13T17:12:00.001-04:00

This week’s focus is on my brown teacup lamp. I describe the ceramic teacup as paisley. What do you think? It has leafy like brown lines on the white background. I filled the teacup with browns and light orange silk flowers, added an electric candle lamp with on/off switch on the six foot cord. It uses a 7-watt candelabra bulb. Then I made the hardback fabric shade using a brown cotton and trimmed it with a light brown gimp. It measures 10” high and is for sale on my website at: http://www.shades-etc.com/teapot.htm.

Quilters’ Haven

2010-05-08T15:01:00.002-04:00

I just delivered this custom-made lampshade to Quilters’ Haven in Jamestown, NY. Jan, the shop owner, has this wonderful fabric with pins on it. It was perfect was a sewing shop. She has matching fabric available for quilting also.

This would make an awesome gift for a sewing or quilting friend or for yourself. It took one and a half yards of fabric to make this shade. It is a hardbacked shade made on styrene, a white, durable plastic.

Here is a picture with the light on. We set it on her counter for now but it is on a side counter where she needed more light. It fit perfectly in the spot and really shows off her products. It warms up the spot nicely.

Speaking of her products, she not only has quilting fabrics and sewing notions but she also has items that local crafters have made. Items such as hand painted porcelain needle cases and wooden stools and hand painted wood ornaments.

So if you are in Chautauqua County as a resident or visiting Lake Chautauqua, stop by Quilters’ Haven at 115 McDaniel Avenue in Jamestown. If you need directions, you can call the shop at 716-665-6524. She is open Monday and Tuesdays from noon to 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Jan has decorated the shop to give a feeling of comfort and beauty. If you live in the area or are here for a few days, check out the many classes she has available.

If you get hungry while shopping, there is a new sub shop opening up right next door.

Did I mention she has LOTS of thread and buttons for sale too?

Cat in the Window

2010-05-07T20:08:00.001-04:00

I just finished this lampshade last week. It is for a welcome lamp and is perfect for a night light as it uses a 7-watt light bulb. The shade is a hard backed circle with blue and white checked gingham and blue grosgrain trim. The picture is a cross-stitch pattern of a black cat sitting on a window sill watching the moon come out. It took me a year to do the cross stitch as I only did it while sitting in an Embroiderer’s Guild meeting once a month. It gave me something to do with my hands while I was listening to the meeting go on and on and on. Hee hee!

Handmade Blue Heart Victorian Accent Lamp

2010-04-26T13:01:00.003-04:00

Handmade Blue Heart Victorian Accent Lamp
This week I'm focusing on a lamp I made using a heart shaped glass vase. It was originally intended for flowers; however, as I'm always looking for unusual bases for my lampshades, I thought this would be perfect filled with powder blue glass beads. I found the glass beads on a trip to Albany, NY to visit my best friend from high school.

My husband added the electric candle lamp with a six foot gray cord with an on/off switch that comes out the top of the vase in back. It uses a 7-watt candleabra light bulb.

The shade is handsewn with a layer of blue lace handsewn over the lining. I added white trim and blue crytal looking beads and there it is...ready for a bathroom or bedroom as a night light.

Wouldn't this make a unique wedding or home warming gift? Or something to help freshen up one of your own rooms. You can purchase it at my website: http://www.shades-etc.com/victorian.htm.

Beautiful Rose Bead Watch

2010-04-24T13:33:00.001-04:00

My craft friend, Deb, made this watch for me from clay beads that she makes. She spent a lot of time getting it just right for my wrist.

I really love wearing it.

Gratitude

2010-04-22T12:06:00.001-04:00

I received a card in the mail from a satisfied customer today and it blessed me so much that I had to share it here. I have received thanks before by phone calls or emails but never by a card with an extra tip included! It made me cry. I have been feeling such a heaviness in my spirit lately and this lifted me way up.

“What’s the big deal? It’s just a card.” You might say that. But it IS a big deal today because 99% of the people I know never say thank you for anything. If people aren’t able to express thanks to humans, how can they express it to a loving heavenly Father? Is it really that hard to appreciate what other people do for us? Or do we just expect it as due to us? Two little words that are so hard for people to say…“thank you”.

This card immediately caused me to want to do something else for this customer. I wonder if that’s how God feels? When we are grateful and express it to Him, does it make Him feel like doing more for us? I think so.

I’m saying here on my blogs “thank you” for being my friends, for reading my thoughts and not criticizing me, to customers – again thank you for allowing me to help you redecorate your home or for purchasing a gift from me. I do pray for each of you that God’s light will shine through the items you’ve purchase and you’ll know His love today.

Thank you!

Polka Dot Baby Night Light

2010-04-20T16:35:00.002-04:00

This is my revised baby shoe lamp. I didn’t like the previous shade I made in blue and white gingham; so I changed it to polka dots. This would be so cute in a baby boy’s room. It would add just enough light to keep away the dark as it only uses a 7-watt light bulb. It has a six-foot cord with the on/off switch on it. It only measures 10-1/2” high so it would fit anywhere, even on a bookshelf.

You can purchase it at my website: http://www.shades-etc.com/babyGifts.htm.

Another Stiffel Lampshade

2010-04-15T16:05:00.001-04:00

I just mailed another remake of a Stiffel lamps shade. These are wonderful old lamps but the shades are not replaceable at the moment. That’s good for me as I remake the lampshades using the original frames. This picture is a little blurry but the shade turned out beautiful.

Handmade Blue Wine Bottle Lamp

2010-04-14T12:44:00.001-04:00

Technorati Tags: handmade lampshades,wine bottle,wine bottle lamp

This week I’m posting a lamp we just finished.

This Blue Wine Bottle lamp was a fun project. We found the bottle at a Wine Festival that I was selling at.

My husband drilled a hole through the glass at the back for the six foot white cord to go through. Then he stuffed tiny white lights on a string into the neck and wired it so that they would turn on when the light bulb was on. They do not turn on alone without the light bulb. We haven’t figured out that yet!

He added a turn-key socket for a 40 watt bulb and a harp and then said “your turn!”.

I made the lampshade from a hexagon bell scalloped frame. I applied gold silk crepe to the hardback plastic and trimmed it with ivory colored french gimp braid and ivory 4” fringe.

After adding a small gold finial to the top to hold the shade in place, it was complete and ready to light up someone’s home.

The lamp is 21” tall. The shade is 4” across the top, 10-1/2” across the bottom, and 8-1/2” high.

It weighs 2.25 pounds and would be easy to ship anywhere in the USA.

Handmade Mini Polo Victorian Lamp and Shade

2010-03-10T12:29:00.002-05:00

My focus lamp this week is Mini Polo. The hexagon shade is hand sewn with cream moiré fabric with sugar beading over rose decals in window panels. It has cream colored trims over each rib, top wire, and around the window wires. The fringe is cream colored also. It is not lined.

Sugar beading is a technique done with tiny glass beads and decoupage. It sparkles when the light is on.

The base is a bronze color metal with leaf decorations and raised round circles. It is light weight.

The lamp measures 17" High including the shade. The brown electrical cord is 7 foot. This lamp will take up to a 40-watt bulb in the single turn socket.

You can purchase this lamp at my website: http://www.shades-etc.com/victorian.htm.

Technorati Tags: handmade,hand sewn,lampshade,victorian lamp,handmade lampshades,crafts,how to make,do it yourself,moire fabric,fabric,moire

Lancelot Handsewn Victorian Lampshade with Bronze Lamp Base

2010-03-05T21:23:00.001-05:00

Handcrafted Lancelot Table Top Victorian Table Lamp.

Lancelot is a victorian style, handsewn lampshade on a bronze base with a lily pad design. The shade is handsewn with cream colored fabric and cream lace overlay with double cream colored fringe. It measures 26-1/2" high. It has a 6 foot cord and uses a 40-watt light bulb turned on with a turn switch at the socket.

I hope you will love having this in your home as much as I loved making it. You can purchase it on my website at http://www.shades-etc.com/victorian.htm.

Pink Moon Handmade Table Lamp for Child's Bedroom

2010-02-22T12:35:00.003-05:00

This pink moon lamp is adorable and ready to dress up your little girl's bedroom.

The yellow moons in their nightcaps resting on puffy clouds are surrounded by colored stars and hearts on a light pink background fabric. It is trimmed with 1/4" yellow gimp. The shade is handmade from durable styrene. The inside is white.
The lamp measures 21" high, which would be perfect for an accent light or night light on a dresser or desk. The light-weight base is light pink, see-through acrylic and has a six foot gray cord. The metal is silver and the single turn socket accepts a 40 or 60-watt light bulb.

This lamp would give a little girl's room just the right finishing touch.

Blue Moon Handmade Lamp

2010-02-17T10:58:00.003-05:00

This week's focus is on Blue Moon.Doesn't this remind you of a story your mother read when you were a child? Blue fabric background sets off the blue moon and stars on this hardback shade. The blue base is a light weight acylic. The lamp is 21" high and turns on with a turn switch on the socket which uses a 40 or 60-watt light bulb. It has a six foot gray cord. It is for sale on my website for $45 plus shipping.

Handmade Bear Silhouette Table Lamp

2010-02-11T16:11:00.002-05:00

This bear silhouette shade lamp would look awesome in a log home, a summer or winter camp, or any home with a nature theme.

The base is made of a yellow birch tree that my father cut down on his property in Western Vertmont. After drying the wood, it was turned on a lathe. The dark circle in the middle is part of the bark. It has three coats of polyurthane. The brown cord measures 6 foot, and there is a push switch socket.

The hardback creamy-white fabric shade features a hand cut silhouette applied to the inside of the shade and only shows when the light is in on. The shade measures T-6", B-15", H-9".

The lamp measures 22-1/2" tall and is for sale on my website at http://www.shades-etc.com/silhouette.htm.

Handmade Lampshade Order Finished

2010-02-05T19:17:00.002-05:00

Just finished this lampshade today. It took six hours of cleaning, fitting, sewing, and glueing but it's finally done. This shade fits over a glass globe. I hope to have a picture of it on the lamp to post here soon. It measures 17" across the top, 19" across the bottom, and is 11" high.I used an ivory crepe fabric for the outside and a crepe-backed satin in ivory for the inside. The trim is a gold braid gimp. This lampshade was machine sewn and then handsewn to the top and bottom rings.

I think it turned out nicer than the photo shows. :)

Baseball Lamp

2010-02-01T15:23:00.003-05:00

Handmade Baseball Table Top Lamp with Handmade Sports Lampshade.
$125.00 at http://www.shades-etc.com/sports.htm

A sports themed lamp that would be perfect for any child's bedroom desk or dresser. This lamp measures 26" high with a handmade sports lampshade. The ivory cord is 72" long (6') and a 40w or 60w light bulb would be appropriate for the handmade shade. The single turn socket, 7" harp, and finial are gold color.

The hardback, fabric lampshade measures 6" top x 13" bottom x 10" high, has pictures of basketballs, soccer balls, baseball gloves, baseballs, baseball bats, tennis balls, tennis rackets, badmitton birdies, golf bags, golf balls, golf tees, golf clubs, and sports tank tops on a beige background with tiny white dots.

Johnny Bench, Mickey Mantle, and Jason Giambi have their signatures engraved on the three Louisville Slugger mini bats; and the baseball diamond was made in proportion to the signed bats.

You can own this one-of-a-kind, handmade lamp by going to http:www.shades-etc.com/sports.htm and purchasing through my secure shopping cart.

Lining a Handmade Victorian Shade

2010-01-22T17:15:00.004-05:00

I'm working on a big victorian lampshade that has a separate crown. The outside fabric is on and I'm now trying to get the lining done. Handmaking these linings is not easy! It's a lot of fitting and refitting and pulling and resewing and refitting; it can get very frustrating doing these by hand. Someone somewhere did the original shades with some type of machine that easily stretched the fabric over the frame and it fit perfectly. Where are they! Ah well, I'll just keep plugging away at it and soon it will be a beautifully handmade, handsewn, and lined victorian lampshade for the customer. The crown in the picture is looking good. So that's what I've been working on for the last few weeks!

Antique Lamp Stash

2010-01-16T19:38:00.001-05:00

. Antique Lamp Stash
Originally uploaded by shadescrafts

On one of our trips back home in the Adirondacks, my husband went garage saleing (I think he was bored) and he found this wonderful bounty of antique lamps from a lady who made lampshades (a woman after my own heart) and he bought the most victorian looking ones he could find.

They are in my attic at the moment because I need time to make the shades! So maybe I shouldn't be advertising for lampshade repairs for a while! lol! I'll post individual pictures of the lamps soon.

Dutchess Handmade Victorian lampshade

2010-01-12T18:12:00.003-05:00

Someone has said that elegance doesn't exist any more; it passed with the Victorian age. I disagree. I'm still creating exquisite lampshades for old lamp bases. This one is called Dutchess and has white fabric shirred at every other rib, gimp trims, sugar beading over the roses in the windows and double fringe. I love hand sewing these shades. They do take hours and hours to make but are so worth it when they are finished. This one is for sale on my website: http://www.shades-etc.com. It comes with the lamp base. I can make just the shade for sale also.

Roses

2009-12-19T16:15:00.002-05:00

Lampshades by Gwen Thomas of Tempe Arizona

2009-11-27T20:19:00.003-05:00

I'm not the only one who thinks making lampshades is fun. Look at all these wonderfully artful shades Gwen has done. I found this article in the Arizona Republic...
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/arts/articles/1130lamps30.html and copied it here too.

Lampshades spawn bright idea for hobby
Geri KoeppelThe Arizona RepublicNov. 30, 2005 12:00 AM
Talk about a bright idea.

Gwen Thomas of Tempe turned a shabby shade into a hip hobby, transforming plain-Jane lampshades into works of art. She displays her wares at Occam's Edge gallery at First Fridays art walks in Phoenix.

It started with an old shade with the outer paper peeling off. Thomas stripped it down to the plastic and tried to paint it, but the paint wouldn't stick.

Recalling a time in Girl Scouts when she applied decoupage to an old wooden bowl, the light bulb went off - so to speak.

"After I layered it and flicked the light on, I was like, 'Whoa, what's going on?' " she said, "and it's made me crazy ever since."

Thomas uses clip art, old photos, vintage magazines and postcards, sequins, lace, beads, feathers and googly eyes to decorate shades and night light covers. Clients can even give her their own art or photos for custom orders, and she proves it by showcasing a shade with an old studio portrait of her own family.

"My niece asked if that was really her mom," Thomas said, laughing. "She asked, 'What was wrong with her hair?' I said, 'It was 1977.' "

Thomas, who also works as a hair stylist at Salon Bossa Nova in Tempe, is a snip off the old block, you might say. The gallery where she exhibits is her dad's barbershop. He's an artist, too, and he won't let just anyone have a show in his space.

"You could see it had a lot of design in it," Ron Thomas said of the lampshades. "The colors worked - warm against cool, light against dark, the shapes."

He said Gwen took art classes in the past and helped him decorate windows for the holidays when she was in high school, but "never found her thing" until the shades.
Nancy Grimm of Tempe is one of Gwen Thomas' hair clients and also bought a lamp from her.
"They're just very whimsical and clever," she said. "She's obviously not copying anyone else's ideas.

"If you've ever been to those craft shows that crop up every year, you can just walk and walk and walk until your feet are ready to fall off and you see the same thing over and over again. I've never seen anything like Gwen's."

If you are in Arizona, check out her shades!

Christmas Shopping Open House

2009-11-24T16:13:00.002-05:00

I'm sponsoring a Christmas Shopping Open House on December 5th from 10a-3p. If you are in the area, stop by and see me. I've invited 13 other vendors to help make your Christmas shopping enjoyable and unique. From chocolate to juicy box purses, we'll have plenty to feast your eyes on. And while you are shopping, enjoy cookies and punch and conversation with friends.

I'll have new teacup lamps available.

Teapots

2009-11-07T18:46:00.002-05:00

I love teapots and teacups. I especially like to make lamps out of them. They are so pretty and feminine. Look at this website I found with lots of pretty teapots.... http://anniesteatime.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=att&Category_Code=CH-TP. So many cute ideas come into my head with these. They'd look so nice with one of my handmade lampshades.

WCA Hospital Craft Show

2009-11-06T08:09:00.003-05:00

Here we are at WCA Hospital's Women's Auxiliary Craft Show again this year. We started at 7a.m. this year; thankfully we were able to set up yesterday! I have a few new handmade lamps. As usual, they are all custom-made. Most of the lamps are for accent lighting, although I do have a few for task lighting. They are perfect for night lights or desk lights. Since they are handmade, no two will be exactly the same.

We are hoping for lots of customers today!

Erie Guild Craft Show

2009-09-14T14:24:00.003-04:00

The Erie Guild Craft Show is coming up quickly. It will be October 3rd and 4th from 10-5 on Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday at Zem Zem. I'll have two tables full of my products this year.

ERIE GUILD OF CRAFTSMEN
$2 ADMISSION
(CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE)
PARTIAL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE NORTH WEST PA AUTISM SOCIETY
FALL CRAFT SHOW
ZEM ZEM SHRINE CLUB
2525 WEST 38TH STREET, ERIE
CHINESE AUCTION-HOURLY DOOR PRIZES
WIDE RANGE OF HAND CRAFTED ITEMS WILL BE ON HAND FOR EARLY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.erieguildofcraftsmen.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND
AN ADMISSION DISCOUNT COUPON

Lamp Parts

2009-09-14T14:13:00.003-04:00

I spent some time this summer cleaning up lamp parts I have for sale on my website at http://www.shadesetc.ecrater.com/. It took awhile to get some of them clean as the previous owner didn't store them well. I have a nice assortment for the do-it-yourselfers. I even have some hard-to-find items like 15" harps with fixed wings.

2009-08-20T13:05:00.001-04:00

Setting up iPhone so I can blog from it too.

Great American Wine Festival, Dunkirk, NY

2009-08-19T15:26:00.004-04:00

Well, the first sales event of the year is over. This past weekend was a hot one in Chautauqua County. I wasn't bothered much by the flies at the fairgrounds so I'm thankful for that. The setup was long and so was the take down but not as long as the two days sitting in the heat! Anyway, here's what my booth looked like this year.

I was able to sell my Victorian-era papers here. I had fan greeting cards, note cards, bookmarks, and knob notes (door hanging signs)

The silhouette shade in the background was noticed by some as well as the suncatchers and gylcerin soaps.

A lot of people commented on the hand sewn Victorian shades in the right back corner.

Teapot lamps always bring a smile to faces.

Now, time for vacation!

Great American Wine Festival, Dunkirk, NY

2009-08-15T18:46:00.003-04:00

Had our first day of the Wine Festival today. Lots and lots of peoples...unfortunately not lots and lots of sales but tomorrow is another day!
I really like having a 10'x10' space as I can put all my products out and there is still room to walk around.

Great American Wine Festival, Dunkirk, NY

2009-08-13T22:54:00.003-04:00

Getting ready to sell at Great American Wine Festival in Dunkirk, NY at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds. This will be the second year for this festival and we're hoping it will be as well attended as last year. The weather is supposed to be fine this weekend. The festival is open Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16 from 10a.m. until 5p.m. each day.

I'll have about 40 custom-made lamps with handmade shades, some handmade treasure boxes, handmade suncatchers with sugar beading, gylcerin soaps, one tassel doll left, and some Victorian era papers such as fan greeting cards, knob notes, bookmarks, and note cards.

Come and see me!

Lamp Parts

2009-07-02T14:07:00.004-04:00

I've just added a lot of lamp making parts to my eCrater store. I know there are a lot of people that like to make things themselves so I purchased lamp parts from a store going out of business so that I could offer them on my website. I'm not sure what some of them are actually called! Some of them have been around for a while but they are in good condition.

Grandma's Blue Rose Teapot Lamp

2009-07-01T19:18:00.004-04:00

I finally finished a new teacup lamp. The teacup was from my Grandmother. She received fresh flowers in it which were now gone. So now it gets new life as an accent lamp for someone's kitchen. The hardbacked lampshade is handmade with moire fabric and pretty blue gimp trim. I decided to add the gimp trim around the bottom of the saucer also to tie in the shade. The silk flowers seem to spill out of the teacup just like the fresh flowers might have. The electric candle uses a 25 watt candelabra bulb which makes this teacup lamp perfect for a night light in a kitchen or bathroom. It has a six-foot cord with the on/off switch on it for easy access. You can purchase it on my website: http://www.shades-etc.com/ on the teapot page or at http://www.shadesetc.ecrater.com/. I love making these little lamps; they always turn out so pretty and give me such a feeling of satisfaction of a job well done. This is definitely one that will be at my first craft show this year....unless you buy it!

OttLite

2009-06-03T12:28:00.001-04:00

OttLite

Shared via AddThis

I've just found this site. I'm familiar with this lights and know that they really work, especially for needlework. The ladies in the Embroider's Guild here in Western NY recommend them. The lights help you to see the colors as they truly are.

Handmade Hanging Lampshade

2009-05-29T20:39:00.004-04:00

This lampshade is for a hanging lamp. It was the first one I had done with this style of ring. Basically, it is made the same as other shades with spiders but it just seemed so unusual to me. it was a fun project. I used a white shantung on styrene to form this custom-made lampshade. It is a short drum shape and wide. It only measures about 8" tall.

Funeral Home Drum Lampshades

2009-03-16T14:52:00.002-04:00

They are all done! All eight drum lampshades have been handmade using shantung fabric and trim. These are not lined as they are hardbacked shades. The customer wanted more light in the room than the old shades were providing and these drum lampshades did the trick. I didn't take a close up of the fabric and should have.

The original order was going to be 16 drum lampshades; however, we didn't feel that drums would look good on the lamps below. So instead we ordered lined, shantung lampshades. These were made in the USA.

What's Up?

2009-03-02T21:25:00.002-05:00

My blog posts seem to be missing or it's taking a long time for them to come up. I wonder what's up with that? I'm still having trouble with the text in the header too. I wonder if Wordpress is better?

I've been busy remaking lampshades for customers in PA and FL. All three were drum style lampshades. They came to me because they couldn't find replacement shades in the stores. That's my niche...to replace lampshades by remaking them using the original frames. Remaking shades gives the lamp a new look and saves the landfills.

Finished Shade for Unusual Lamp

2009-02-26T13:33:00.003-05:00

This a picture of the old lamp and shade in Florida.This is the shade redone. A perfect example of re-purposing instead of putting something in the landfill.

Repairing Old Lampshades

2009-02-26T13:13:00.004-05:00

It's finished. Well actually two of them are done and waiting to be picked up. These were drum shades of a large size. I enjoy being able to recreate shades for old lamps; especially when the customer has been looking for a while with no success. It's a great way to help out the environment by not adding metal to the landfills and help customers find ways to re-purpose old items.

Another Handmade Lampshade Order in Process

2009-02-17T20:17:00.002-05:00

I started handmade lampshade order today for another lamp that was 40 years old and still had the original shade. I am remaking the shade, which was a drum shade. Here is a little of the process.

First make the pattern on styrene. Then cut out the pattern and fit it to the rings.

After refitting and gluing, the shade is ready for trim. The finial she chose looks like a diamond.

After the trim is selected, it will be ready for the antique lamp looking like a new one.

If you have an old lamp with a shade that is falling apart, don't throw it away. Call me for an estimate. Most shades cost around $75 for drums this size. This is another way to help our environment by repurposing old items that still look great but need some fixing up. AND it is a lot cheaper than replacing the lamp with something similar.

Recovering Old Shades

2009-02-14T17:08:00.005-05:00

February 17, 2009

This is the most unusual antique lamp I've seen so far. The shade is a drum with no top wires. It just sits on the green bars below.

This is a before picture of the shades ring. I've just finished cleaning up the rings so they are ready to be painted to prevent rust. This is an after rust removed picture.

February 20, 2009

I have now added the fabric to the rings. Next is the trim.

Funny

2009-01-31T19:14:00.003-05:00

From The 365-Day Clean Joke Book, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

What happens when a lightbulb dresses up in a suit of armor?

He becomes a knight light.

This is a really fun book with clean jokes that will make you laugh out loud everyday. I thought this one was particularly appropriate since I make lampshades.

Rooster Kitchen Lamp Done

2009-01-05T14:17:00.003-05:00

Here he is looking so proud with his new shade. It turned out better than I thought. The rooster on the shade matches the wallpaper since I took a picture of it, but it still amazes me when I look at it.

Rooster Kitchen Lamp Order

2008-12-30T14:11:00.004-05:00

This rooster was sitting in a kitchen in Erie without a shade until now. I just finished the shade and can't wait to see what it looks like on the rooster. I'll post a picture after I deliver it this week.

Here's a top view of the shade. The lamp takes a candle bulb; so this is a clip-on shade.

I think it turned out very nice and am excited to see the customer's reaction to it.

Decorating with Layered Light

2008-12-15T18:56:00.002-05:00

I saw this article Why not put a light on the subject in which the author talked about using accent lamps and task lighting to fill in the dark gaps that the over head and larger lights leave in the room. I hadn't thought of light layering but I think it is an excellent way to describe what my lamps do for your room. They put pockets of light layers on top of the larger light that is already in the room. So check out my accent lamps for your light layering needs at http://www.shades-etc.com. I have handmade lamps for baby's room, kids rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, or night stands and hallways. Look around the room you are sitting; are there places that need some additional light?

What time of day are you at your creative best?

2008-12-13T16:18:00.002-05:00

I like to start mid-morning to early afternoon. By then I've had time to wake up and do whatever needs to be done so I'm only thinking about creating. When I've spent a good four hours in the craft room, I know I've had a good day.

Schoolhouse Craft Show 2008

2008-12-10T14:46:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was my last craft show for a while. Schoolhouse Craft Show sponsored by Asbury Woods in Erie, PA was an okay show. The students provided the music both days in the afternoon. The jazz band was great; they played some music from Manheim Steamroller, one of my favorites. At times during this show, the crowds were three people deep. This show was full of "real" artists. The show was juried; although that doesn't mean much as some shows that I've done that were juried had less than quality crafts. The quality of products was very good at this show. There was a nice variety of products as well. The floor layout was very unique in that it was an octagon shopping layout. It made it interesting and easy to get lost! There was a man doing wood items with painted sayings like "My dog can't control his licker." Another sign maker had one that said, "Martha Stewart doesn't live here but Bob Vila thinks he does." The show was run very well with helpers all over. The weather was terrible on Sunday. It took us 1-1/2 hours to get to Erie with the snow and wind. However, our trip home was fine.

I sold five lamps, including Plum Hayley. The lady who purchased it said her room was just that color.

Both Christmas lamps sold: Furry Santa and Gold Present Box. Also the pink heart victorian sold. I'm glad. They are going to spread the light of God's love in each of the homes that they reside in.

What Are You Currently Working On?

2008-12-02T20:00:00.003-05:00

I have a few things going in the craft room this week. I'm trying out sugar beading on glass ornaments. I found out that they are very fragile and will break easily. I only broke one so I still eight left. I have one more layer of decopage to add and then I'll probably just use them on my tree for a while before deciding if this is a product I want to make.

I'm making teacup lamps. The bases are ready. I'm waiting for my order of rings so I can make the shades. I'll post pictures once I get them made.

Important Things in My Workspace

2008-11-24T19:23:00.003-05:00

What important items do I keep in my workspace? Tools such as scissors, pins, rulers, all the necessary items for sewing as well as a variety of glues for different purposes. Materials like luscious chiffons, and silks and lots and lots of cotton fabrics. Flowers for decorating the teacup and teapot lamps are always in abundance. Clothespins! Can't make decorative table lamps or any other kind of novelty or accent lamps without clothespins! And what victorian lamp would be complete without lace and fringe. I have lots of lace and fringe in my stash. The victorian suncatchers need rings and gimp and decals to be completed. I also keeps lots and lots of books and magazines about crafts and pictures of lamps.

Oh and lastly, I keep my prayers for each product that I make flowing in abundance to God.

Does your workspace inspire you?

2008-11-23T23:12:00.003-05:00

I've been thinking about how I get ideas for my handmade lamps. I have lots, and I do means lots, of magazines and books that I refer to often. These give me ideas and inspiration to create.

There are so many crafty people in this world and I learn from them as much as I can. I always have some project going on in the craft room which inspire another and another and another. I'm online a lot checking out other crafty people. Like http://www.myvictorianelegance.com/table.html. I love her hat lampshade! I want to make one too! And these soaps are just the cutest at http://www.specialtysoapshop.com/. Someday I'll make soap again too but they won't be as nice as these are!

Fabrics also inspire me. I like to think about what lamp they would look great on or maybe a treasure gift box.

Hmmm....I feel like getting inspire right now.

Setting Up Your Workspace

2008-11-21T16:06:00.002-05:00

I'm always moving things around in my space to make room to work! I do have one area on the counter that I keep a piece of butcher paper on so when I'm gluing I don't mess up the nice counter. I try to keep things that I'm finished with in their proper places. I do have a lot of teacup lamps on the counter now as I've just finished glueing the cups to the saucers. My craft room is big enough to have several projects going at the same time; however, I get frustrated and distracted with too many in view at the same time! I would love to have an empty work space so I could keep it clean. Hmm....bigger room maybe?

About my Work Space

2008-11-18T11:17:00.002-05:00

I am blessed to have a craft room in my basement where I can escape to work. My husband spent hours building walls and installing cabinets with his father. I have a place for most everything. I say most because I don't know any crafter that can resist buying more craft supplies! The picture above is after the room was first finished. I'm too embarrassed to show you what it looks like now!

I have wonderful lighting with four florescent bulbs in each light area. There are four areas all within 22 feet.

This is also my laundry area, which works out great as I frequently need to wash or iron my fabrics. I have a sewing area, an embroidery area, and a work area for making my lampshades, as well as two wing back chairs in which to relax and work on my handmade items.

I am looking for organization ideas for silk flowers. Right now they are in vases on top of the counter. I'm also looking for ways to store lots of ribbon spools. I like to see what I have so that I don't forget about it. Every cabinet door and drawer is labeled with what it contains. I purchased some of the plastic drawers for my lampshade making trims so they are always within easy reach. The scrapbooking supplies are also in a plastic three drawer on rollers.

Since I use a laptop, it is easy to work anywhere on the necessary book work. I'm usually sitting at my desk in the other area of the basement.

So that's where I work when I'm creating the lampshades and gift boxes and suncatchers and just about every other craft I enjoy making.

New Handmade Order

2008-11-12T22:14:00.002-05:00

I'm working on a new handmade lampshade order that I received while at WQLN. The lady saw me last year and asked if I could do the lampshade and then lost my business card. She took a chance that I would be at the show and brought the antique lamp with her. I'm glad. It is going to be fun to work on.

This is the back of the lamp. The flowers look like campbell or bleeding hearts.

This is the front with bleeding hearts and a rose.

This is my choice of fabrics. The green is Moire. The gimp is a pale pink peach color. I'm thinking about embroidering a flower on the front or adding an applique.

WQLN Craft Show 2008

2008-11-08T20:03:00.003-05:00

I just returned from my second day of selling at WQLN Craft Show in Erie. There were quite a few people shopping and I did see bags, unfortunately not too many of mine! I wore my new hat today and got lots of comments.

A nice older lady next to me offered to take my picture. She was a bright spot in my day.

WQLN Craft Show 2008

2008-11-06T22:10:00.002-05:00

So here it is another year has passed and I'm ready to do WQLN again. I'm hoping that it is as good as last year even with the economy supposedly being down. I only have an 8' table this year instead of a 14'. I'll have the lamps, treasure gift boxes, and suncatchers. I haven't decided whether I'll put out the bouncy ball soaps; maybe just the little tub. I have from 8a. until 1p. to set up. I'm not sure whether I'll have electric or not so I've printed my inventory list and will take a calculator just in case. Last year we had to put shims under the table as the floor was uneven, so I've packed some of those. I'm doing this one alone as I was able to fit everything in the car.

Tonight we went to the Erie Guild Craft meeting where they told us that there were 1300 people in attendance at the show in October. I hope WQLN has a lot more than that. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for me so off to bed I go.

Exotic Wood Pen and Pencil Set Complete

2008-10-28T18:39:00.003-04:00

We just finished an order for a pen and pencil set made from Teak wood. The customer sent us the wood which he used to make the base for the set. He is putting an antique fishing wheel on the base and selling it on ebay. I'll post the link to it as soon as he finishes it. For now, here's a picture of the set made of the Teak with Bloodwood ring. Bloodwood is a tropical hardwood from South America. It is from the mulberry family. It is not widely available and is expensive. The pen and pencil are 5-3/4" long.

Lamp Parts

2008-10-15T11:37:00.003-04:00

I just purchased a huge inventory of lamp parts. I'm not sure whether I will put them on Shades ETC (www.shades-etc.com) or create a new shopping cart site and link to it. Anyway, I'm still in the inventory mode. I need to get things priced and stored in labeled bins. I do plan on advertising to the electricians, potters, and ceramic makers and maybe appliance repair people also.

Erie Guild Craft Show

2008-10-04T21:50:00.002-04:00

I just came home from the Erie Craft Guild's Fall 2008 Show. There are 87 crafter's tables set at Zem Zem Shrine Club, W. 38th St. & Zuck Rd. Each hour a $10 gift certificate is drawn from tickets that are given as people purchase their admission ticket. We've had about 750 people come through, which is about the same as last year; however, the wallets seem to be closed or missing in action. Sales are down from last year but tomorrow is another day. I'm getting lots of comments on the Dutchess Victorian lamp and shade.

As well as Plum Hayley Victorian lamp and shade.

I've sold three lamps today. They've gone to homes where the love of God will bless. Good bye to Purple Bead Teapot, Green Stripes, and Angel.

Finial Fan pulls

2008-09-30T22:42:00.000-04:00

These are great finials for any lamp. I'd like to make a lamp to feature one of these!

Finial Fan pulls

Plum Hayley Victorian Lamp

2008-09-28T22:57:00.002-04:00

Here's my finished lamp ready for my next craft show this weekend in Erie. The Erie Crafter's Guild show is at Zem Zem on Saturday and Sunday. I love the fabric on this. It is an Australian silk that I purchased at Quilter's Fancy in Cortland, Ohio. The beads are also from that shop. This was my first time lining this type of shade. It definitely needed a lining as the light bulb was visible through the fabric.

Pfaltzgraff City Market Lamps

2008-09-26T22:49:00.002-04:00

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Get your own

I just finished this order tonight with Keith's help. These teapots and canister from Pfaltzgraff turned out really nice. The shades are handmade by me and the Pfaltzgraff custom-made into lamps by Keith. We are lighting up the world one lamp at a time! I like making lamps for people and making new friends.

Dorm decorating without breaking the bank - Lifestyles

2008-09-08T14:54:00.001-04:00

This is a good article about decorating dorm rooms and I like the idea of using lampshades to match the decor. I can definitely help with creating handmade shades for lamps.

Dorm decorating without breaking the bank - Lifestyles

shopit to blogger

2008-09-03T19:54:00.001-04:00

Oops!

2008-09-03T12:12:00.002-04:00

I found a wonderful trick for getting stickers off the bottom of the teapots. I was using a knife and oops but Barbara Sams told me to soak them in hot water. Awesome, the stickers just wiped right off. Now the bottom of the teapots look as good as the tops.