Charity Shop Challenge

What ya need

A cylindrical lamp shade

Wallpaper

Craft knife 

Cutting mat

Ruler

Pencil

Strong double sided tape  

Glue gun

Spray paint

Protective mask 

Masking tape

Fringing (optional)

Step 01

Before you start make sure your lampshade is clean and dust free, otherwise the dust will show up where you spray paint and the tape or glue won’t adhere properly to the shade.

Decide on a spray paint and wallpaper you’re going to decorate your lampshade with and measure how big the piece of wallpaper will have to be to cover the shade, I like to add on an extra 2cm to the length to ensure there won’t be a gap.

Step 02

Before spraying your lampshade, use masking tape to cover any bits you don’t want being painted like the flex or the fittings inside.

Take your lampshade to a well ventilated area to spray paint, wearing a protective mask, spray the inside of the shade and the edges, leave to dry. Spray an extra coat if patchy.

Step 03

While you’re waiting for the shade to dry, using a cutting mat and craft knife, cut a piece of wallpaper to fit your shade.

Apply double sided tape or use a glue gun on the original seam of the lampshade and begin to wrap your shade in the wallpaper making sure the edges of the paper meet with the edges of the lampshade. 

If you have cut the paper slightly bigger, then the excess can get sliced off with a craft knife once the paper is stuck on.

If you’re happy with how your lampshade is looking and don’t think it needs any extra embellishment then your work here is done! 

Step 04

However, if you’d like to add some final touches, cut a length of bobble fringing or tassels to fit the circumference of your shade and using a glue gun, carefully apply the fringing to the edge of the shade. Leave to dry and remove any excess bits of glue. 

And Voila! There you have your cheap as chips, unique AF upcycled lampshade!