Kimmie Dillon––DIY project corner

DIY Project Corner

By Kimmie Dillon for North Valley Magazine

Temps are still soaring here in the valley, so now is a perfect time to update your interior space.  Making just a small tweak to your décor can have a big effect, like re-covering a lampshade.  By using some trendy fabric, you can give your tired lamp a high-end look that can brighten up any room in the house. And here’s the best part: spiffing up your lampshades is soooo easy and inexpensive.  Let me shed some light (sorry-I couldn’t help myself!) on how to makeover your shade in a snap:

You’ll need
Lampshade
¾ yard of fabulous fabric (think toile, vintage linen, patterns)

Fabric or hot glue

Spray glue
Sheet of paper

Scissors

Pen
Seriously….this is all!

Create a pattern

Working on a flat surface, start at the seam and trace both the top and bottom of the shade by rolling the lampshade over the paper.  Continue to roll and trace the shade until you reach the seam again. Cut this pattern out and place on your fabric.  Add 2 inches to the edges of the pattern and start cutting. Iron this new cut to make sure it looks splendid!
Attach fabric to shade

Lay fabric wrong side up on your table.  Fold over the edge of one of the short sides and adhere using fabric glue.  This will become the new seam on your lampshade.  Spray the wrong side of the fabric with spray adhesive.  Starting with the unfinished short edge on top of the existing seam, slowly wrap fabric around the shade.  Tip:  This part can be tricky, so make sure to keep your fabric centered with your shade.   Continue to smooth out the fabric so that it sticks to the shade without wrinkling.  End with the finished edge.  Fold the excess fabric over the top and bottom of the shade and adhere with fabric glue.  Enjoy!

Who knew décor could have such a big impact.  You might decide to cover every shade in your home!

Next time I’ll show you how to give an old table a designer look in less than a day.

About Kimmie Dillon

Kimmie Dillon is a design expert who enjoys inspiring others to create.  Her easy-to-follow style tips show her knack for creating designer looks at knock-off prices. Kimmie also encourages do-it-yourselfers to tackle projects they might otherwise hire someone else to do.  Her enthusiasm and proven straightforward methods make her a favorite choice for style advice. Kimmie is a Scottsdale native and is also passionate about serving in her community.  “The North Valley is such a fabulous place to live.  With so much heart and character, I love this area!”  As a proud mother, she volunteers for the PTA, School Board, Girl Scouts and several other valley non-profit organizations. Kimmie is a model and talent with The Agency Arizona.