Friday, August 12, 2011

Anthropologie Inspired Lamp Tutorial

I found this lamp that I NEEDED to have over at Mama Says Sew so I bought 2 yards of burlap (on sale at Joann's for $2.99/yard) and a thrift store lamp ($8) and went to work!
Things you need: burlap, lamp shade, hot glue, scissors, and time (it took me 4 Medium episodes and a Curious George 2).

Here's the original shade.  Very bla.

I started by wrapping the shade in the burlap.  This was tricky because the shade I chose was smaller at the top.  The first time I wrapped it I cut a rectangle so the top didn't fit.  When I realized it wasn't going to work (after lots of glue, of course) I ripped it off and cut exactly how the shade was (if you do this and are confused by what I mean, email me and I'll explain more in depth).  Then I hot glued about 1/2 inch edge onto the inside of the shade.

I cut a bunch of strips.  Mine were about 4 inches wide and as long a the material was.  You can do whatever width you want.  Next I folded the strip in half and glued the center to the shade in squiggly lines.  Note: You could iron the strips in half so it is easier, I just didn't want to take the time. 

I didn't glue the strips in the exact squiggly pattern each time.  I didn't want it to look too uniform.

Because my shade was not equal size on the top and bottom, I had to fill in some places on the lower half with strips of burlap.


Since I didn't do all squiggly lines the same pattern, there were some holes to fill so I glued some extra strips in the holes.  

Here's the finished product!

And here it is with the light on (although the evening lighting is horrible).  I am LOVING it.

But now I need some opinions.  I am going to paint the lamp base.  I was thinking of light blue (like the one from my inspiration) or a distressed/ antique white.  What do you think?  I'm open to other suggestions too.


UPDATE:  I chose an indigo blue spray paint for the base to go with my craigslist chair.

Check out where I'm Linky partying at the bottom of the blog.

19 comments:

  1. OHh love it! I say a yellow! not a bright yellow. but just a tad of mustardy yellow. yes. yellow.

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  2. The inspiration piece is so eye catching in that turquoise..try that first and maybe paint again if it does not work? That shade is awesome!

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  3. How cute. I looked at your other posts too, you are so talented.

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  4. You are truly talented! I would say paint the lamp a neutral that is bold enough to stand out against the wall color. If you stay neutral you can use it in another room or another house if you so choose!

    Great Job!

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  5. Hi Kelli~

    What an awesome & creative lamp re~do!! Happy to be a new follower of your blog. :) I invite you to drop by & link to my {K.I.S.S.} Blog Bash.

    ~Christina~

    Drop By The Tattered Tag

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  6. Beautiful! For the color, how about something you don't already have incorporated into your decor, so it stands out?

    -caroline @ c.w.frosting

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  7. Awesome job. Love that lamp. Thanks for sharing at my Sizzle into Summer party.

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  8. Love that shade. I've never tried burlap before but it seems to be all the rage--I SHOULD try too!


    Visiting from Bunny Jean's Bunny Hop Linky Party,
    Smiles,
    Suzanne in IL

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  9. Gorgeous shade, great job! I also like the blue from the inspiration pic, but I guess it depends on which room it will live in - pick up a color from there, perhaps?

    I'm your newest follower from Bunny Jean's hop party and would love a follow back - thanks!

    Hugs,
    Mary @ Redo 101
    http://Redo101.blogspot.com

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  10. Thanks for sharing this great, cute, and inexpensive idea with all of us!

    Happy to see you back this week at the Bunny Hop party.

    xoxo Bunny Jean

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  11. I think this looks a lot better than the original :)

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  12. Hi Kelli! The lampshade is adorable! I may have to borrow this idea from you. Thanks you for sharing at the Open House party.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  13. This is fantastic! At first I thought the blue would look cool - but then I warmed to antique white... I guess it all depends on the room it is in and what it is sitting on/with.
    Have fun! :)

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  14. Thanks for linking up at Mel Dreams Often. I love the lamp, it's beautiful!

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  15. That is amazing! I am very partial to the light blue, but a yellow or green shade in the same place on the color wheel would be neat too!

    New follower via Mommy Monday looking forward to stalking your archives for more cool ideas! ;)

    Nissa

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  16. I can see a white table from here. So maybe old white distressed match better! Great Job thanks

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  17. This lamp shade is fabulous! I cannot believe you made this on your own. They cost a fortune in boutiques! I found your site at a blog party and am happy to be a new follower. I would love for you to link your post up at my Savvy HomeMade Monday blog party at http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/blog-party-5/

    I also see that you started blogging in the last year. I have a Freshman Friday Party starting this week with helpful tips for new bloggers getting started and a way to shamelessly promote your new site! I would love for you to attend!

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  18. I love this! I think I have to steal this idea. :) New follower from the Fancy Friday hop.

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

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  19. I think painting it light blue is a good choice.

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