I just found these pictures digging through for something else, so I thought I would share a long-forgotten project with you! An old friend mentioned he was in need of a new desk lamp, but his desk was kind of small–did I have any suggestions?
A lamp I saw at TJ Maxx came to mind. Hmmm. It fit his style, should fit his space requirements, good price (cheap, in fact), interesting shade–albeit, boring. That’s okay, a small amount of some really nice upholstery fabric and trim could remedy that. In about 45 minutes.
–I traced the shade dimensions onto the fabric with chalk. Cut it out, and taped it to the shade to double check the fit.
–I chose to sew the trim to the top and bottom fabric edges for a crisper finish.
Don’t sew? Read on for another suggestion.
–I used a stronger-bonding spray adhesive on the fabric, and wrapped it around the shade. I found in the past, spraying directly on the shade will show through to the inside of the shade. Also, spray as evenly as you can if you use light or sheer fabrics. I folded the fabric end under, and used a fabric glue to secure it, and the trim ends together. Okay–if you don’t sew–after you wrap the fabric around the shade, use a hot glue gun to attach the trim.
I’m sure I spent more time running to and from TJ Maxx (hoping they still had that lamp) than I did re-covering the shade! Super easy project—that garnered the best reward from my friend! What a fun way to spend a little time!
If your lamp shades are looking a little dowdy–get some fabric and try this! Or add your monogram with iron on letters you can find at the Fabric and Craft stores. Just be really careful with your iron temp, so you don’t leave a mark. 
You can also glue them on with fabric glue! I like to use this project with extra drapery fabric in bedrooms!
Catherine
