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A-Frame Home Spun Linen Lampshades Restored

February 26, 2013 | Author: admin

A-Frame Hard Shell Lampshade Restored

There are a pair of these shades. The new cover is Beige Homespun Linen. This A-frame lampshade is a modern style and seemed to be a trend in the late 90’s.

Even though it looks simple, the arc can be tricky. The dimensions are 7″ x 22″ x 13″

Original A-Frame Hard Shelled Lampshade

I started tearing these shades down before I took a picture of the original, so I just tacked one together for a picture. One of the things I see on many shades; the trim that is run down the shade like a stripe. My customer did not want the stripe on the restored shades but asked if there was something I could do to dress it up. I used a very fine creme soutache trim around the top and bottom that will match the beautiful creme ceramic vases. It is a very quiet but stylish accent.

I see quite a few of these a-frames. The fabric laminated shade can take high watts but will cause the shade to yellow and crack. I believe the cone shape of the shade and the concentrated heat from the bulb causes a shorter life expectancy for the lampshade.

Restored Early American Silk Ruffled Lampshade

February 22, 2013 | Author: admin

Restored Early American Silk Ruffle Lampshade

I have finally finished this Early American Lampshade.

Early American Lampshade Delivered for Restoration

The original lampshade was in pretty bad shape when I got it for restoration. It appeared to be restored before, so all I had to go on was what was there.

I searched the net for an original for viewing, but never found one. I would have thought the original had a net petticoat but there were no signs on the restored cover or the original interior shell to indicate a petticoat was ever there.

Restored New Early American Lampshade Shell

This particular shade was like making 4 shades.

The interior shell crown and shell skirt is muslin fabric laminated styrene. The wire arrangement was very unique. The crown and skirt wires interlocked.

The cover fabric for the crown and skirt is brown douppionni silk. I used an adhesive fusible webbing to make the fabric stiff enough to create the ruffles.

Restored Early American Ruffled Silk Lampshade

There is 15 yards of trim on the shade covers alone.

Very tedious job.

Lampshade with a Burlap Cover

February 15, 2013 | Author: admin

Original Beige Homespun Linen Lampshade Cover

There are two of these hard shelled lampshades. Originally, the shades were covered in Beige Homespun Linen with a jute trim. As the shades aged, they cracked and yellowed.

My customer choose a burlap cover for the restored shades. The lamp bases are rustic. The jute trim on the lampshades is also on the lamp bases.

It is unusual for a customer to change the look of an old shade but in this case it was a perfect choice.

Burlap Lampshade Cover

Saving the original trim from the shades was tedious but well worth the time. The trims are impossible to replace and saves a piece of the lampshade legacy.

Jute Braid from Original Lampshade

A Much Brighter Lampshade

February 11, 2013 | Author: admin

restored, drum shade, laminated styrene shade

Restored Drum Shade with Beige Homespun Linen

This is the restored Beige Homespun Linen drum lampshade. As I mentioned, it really does not look different, other than it is not cracked and the light is brighter.

I made a mistake when quoting this shade.

Even though the shade measures 14″ top x 16″ bottom x 16.5″ high, it still took nearly 2/3 of a yard of material. When the shade is tore down and laying flat, the arc uses more material. It was not a costly mistake, but I will never forget that.

Fabric Laminated Styrene Shade

Large Floor Lamp Drum Shade Restored

February 9, 2013 | Author: admin

This shade sits on a floor lamp with a 3 bulb cluster.

One of the spider wires was detached from the frame. The cover was stapled onto the frame.

Floor Lamp Fabric Drum Lampshade Repairs

Floor Lamp Fabric Drum Shade Delivered for Repairs

The fabric drum lampshade is completely repaired. The scroll braid is trimmed with old gold soutache to pull in a mirror and other accent pieces near the lamp in the room.

fabric shade, floor lamp shade, restored

Floor Lamp Drum Shade Restored

Restored Pleated Silk Drum Lampshade

February 5, 2013 | Author: admin

I can honestly say this is the first silk pleated shade I have restored. The new cover fabric is Crepe de Chine pleated by International Pleating. Very elegant, rich and beautiful fabric finish.

The large drum shade cover was falling apart.

Shredding Drum Shade

Recessed Spider in Lampshade

The lampshade has a deep recessed spider which is often seen in the old drum lampshades.

The liner was still very strong and intact. Typically, the liner is the second application, but not in this case. I cannot say it enough: “Every lampshade is different in size, shape and construction technique.”

Removing Original Lampshade Cover

It amazes me when I see a strong liner with a cover that is deteriorating.

I was able to reuse the original top trim but their was no hope for the bottom trim. Fortunately, I had matching bottom trim.

New Silk Lampshade Cover

I’ve been asked what I attribute my skills to; and my answer is “patience” taught by my Mother. My patience gets tested to the max at times, but thanks to your interest, I am encouraged to continue to persevere. Thank You!

What you need to know about Fabric Lampshade Lighting

February 1, 2013 | Author: admin

I delivered the restored Chimney Bell lampshade (replaced liner only) to my customer and took pictures of the lit shade. I was pleased to see the proper placement of the bulb inside the chimney shade. This lit lampshade shows off the elegance of the detailed wire lampshade frame with a 60 watt energy efficient bulb. .

Chimney Bell Fabric Lampshade

Below are samples of incorrect lighting in a fabric lampshade.

Fabric Lampshade with 100 Watt Bulb

The fabric lampshade has a 100 watt bulb.

You can see the glow where the bulb sits. Watts too high for lampshade.

Bulb in Center of Chimney Top Lampshade

The bulb is sitting too high in the chimney. The lamp needs a taller harp on the lamp base. You can also adjust with a shade riser sold at most hardware stores.

Repaired Lampshade Liner

January 28, 2013 | Author: admin

I have replaced the damaged lampshade liner.

Brittle Lampshade Liner

New Lampshade Liner

The chimney on this shade is like a tunnel. I used a fire retardant on the fabric but the light bulb is the most important factor in keeping the shade safe. In a lampshade with a tall chimney, a candlelight light bulb is the best idea for keeping a safe distance between the liner and the bulb. I used a 25 watt candlelight bulb to light this shade.

Bell Lampshade with tall chimney

Since this in not the actual lamp base for this shade, when I deliver, I will take pictures with different bulbs to see where the actual light comes through on the shade. The pictures will show the glowing point on the shade and determine the correct light bulb to use.

25 Watt Candlelight Bulb

Lampshades that need REPAIRED!

January 25, 2013 | Author: admin

Brittle Lampshade Liner

I cannot tell you how often I get liner lampshade repairs. It upsets me to see a lampshade with the liner falling apart inside the shade. I believe lamps with fabric lampshades are decorative accents to a room. They are soft, warm lights that make it easy to navigate through a room in the evening. The absolute highest watts I use in a fabric lampshade is 40 watts. I personally like low lighting.

Fabric lampshades are not reading lights. They are not meant to hold 100 to 200 watt light bulbs. A globe top floor lamp can take the high watts or a clamp metal lamp will direct the light to a focal area. Most often I see these owned by elderly people who use a shaded lamp for a reading light.

Drum shade with deteriorating liner

Please check on your parents or grandparents to see what kind of light they are using for a bright light. A light meant for reading the local news, a good book or a favorite craft is worth the minimal investment.

If you do see a lampshade liner shredding, remove it. The cover will not fall off and you can continue to use the shade. Another option is a light bulb socket reducer available at hardware stores. The socket reducer holds a candle size light bulb, comes in 60 watts, but the bulb does not sit close to the fabric of the shade.

Small Bell Lampshade Repair

January 14, 2013 | Author: admin

The liner was tattered and the cover had its share of problems.

But, I fixed it. The new cover is ivory charmeuse silk. Very elegant finish!

Lampshade Restoration