Hey there! I’m Beth from the blog Free Stylin’. I am a firm believer that things don’t have to be expensive to be beautiful. 🙂 Today’s project is no different. My cute niece needed a little lamp for her nightstand, and I wanted to make something to go along with the No Sew Tutu Bedskirt I created for her a few years ago.
I searched The Ribbon Retreat’s collection of ribbon and found the perfect pink satin ribbon. It looks like a ballet slipper, right? It’s the double-faced satin ribbon in Light Pink. (I got the 1 1/2″ width.)
And not needing to make this project expensive, I was able to use a lamp I already had at my house for this quick makeover. (Do you have an extra lamp lying around that needs a little pick-me-up like this one?)
My thoughts for this lamp were to create ribbon “tabs,” stacking them all around the shade. I cut the ribbon about 3 inches long, and then spread a little hot glue across the top. The ribbon was folded, in half, and glued shut.
Next, I added hot glue across the top of the outside of the ribbon again. This was then glued directly onto the lamp shade.
I went around the lamp shade, gluing the ribbon tabs. When it was time for the next row, I placed the 1st tab right above the lower row, but staggered it (like a brick pattern) and about halfway up the lower ribbon tabs. This keeps the original lamp shade from peeking through too much.
Ok, so while we’re on the subject of glue guns…here’s my favorite glue gun tip: When you are at the end of one glue stick, and it’s time to load another one, put a dab of hot glue on the end, and glue it to the old stick. This will keep the new one from falling out of your glue gun over and over (which is so annoying!).
K, back to the new and improved lamp: I fluffed the tabs a bit when it was complete. I think it turned out so cute! My niece loves it, too, which is what I was really hoping for! 🙂
This project didn’t take very long…maybe an hour or two at the most? I love quick afternoon crafts that make you feel like you’ve accomplished something in a short amount of time.
I love that the lamp makeover was quick and inexpensive. It’s a fun way to add a little personality to an otherwise boring lamp and a little fun to a child’s room.
What color of ribbon would you choose for a Ribbon Lamp Shade? Happy Creating! 🙂
I am in love with this Ribbon Lamp Shade. I am searching my house as I speak trying to find a lamp I can give a little makeover to. This is a great inexpensive project that looks stunning.
This project would also be perfect for a boy’s room with some great Plane, Spaceship or Boat ribbon. Or what about some Sports or possibly some Plaids or Checks?
Whatever the decor tastes of your boy or girl, we have the perfect ribbon just for them. What is your favorite ribbon?
If you love fast and FABulous projects, you will love these terrific tutorials too…
Happy Creating & Happy, Happy Projects!
One Comment
This is a brilliant idea! I’ve got two horrible old lampshades (in use!) and a tiny budget, and was wondering if I could use ribbon somehow -which led me here 🙂 The only drawback is that I hate using a hot glue gun. I’ve had one for ages but every time I tried it the things I glued just fell off again. I’ll experiment with normal glues and hope they don’t mind the heat. I thought I might try using three different shades of ribbon and just mix them up. I suppose you could use strips of fabric too. I love ideas like this that get your own juices flowing. Thanks for the inspiration!