Butterflies Light Shade. Lighting Challenge.
I had plain lamp shades that need to have a makeover, but they needed to reflect me. I love upcycling. Bright colours, Butterflies, and sewing. So I thought to combine them all.
I got my plain shade, some old necklaces, bracelets, loose beads, sewing thread, scraps of plain fabric. Rubber stamps of butterflies, and archival stamp pad.
I wanted to experiment to see what worked best. One butterfliy I stamped directly onto the lamp, this image came out alright.
I started to outline and fill the butterfly with beads, some were seed beads others were larger. I didn't use the pattern of the stamp, just the out line.
I found this hard going on your fingers, even using a thimble. I think it was because the shade had a plastic inside. On fabric shades it would be easier. I managed to finish it though.
I decided to do the other two planned onto fabric. So I took another stamp and did this.
I filled in with the beads. Then cut it out leaving a boarder of fabric a centimetre wide. I then pinned it on the shade. I sewed around fixing it close to the beads.
I then trimmed the fabric closer.
Then to cover the remaining material I had to sew more beads around until I was satisfied. The result was the butterfly didn't resemble the original design. But I was happy with it.
I did the same again, but with a larger butterfly.
I used clear glue to some of the treads to the back, to stop them coming undone. I was really pleased with the result. I now it was time consuming, but if you enjoy it then why not.
I now have to do another for my husband. He likes birds or insects. This might take some thinking as I have no stamps that will do the job yet.
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Thanks Jenny that's a great idea. I did mine a few years back but didn't get around to doing his. I might do that or possibly bugs.
This idea would work as brooches too.
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I love this idea❤️ I have two lamp shades I’ve never used there are just collecting dust. I might have to try it out.
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I found it easier to sew the butterflies on fabric first then cut out with a small edge. Then sew this on to the lampshade and edge with more beads.
Hope you enjoy making them.
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beautiful! I want to know more about those dolls! Did you make them?
Could you have glued them on?
You are my kind of woman. Very cleaver and beautiful . I also love to create and use up all my old stuff that's hanging around. One question, where did you get the "dolls" in the picture?