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Apr 23 2014

how to rebuild a lampshade

Posted by hayley
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In it’s former life, this cute lamp was my desktop companion, but now that it’s in Songbird’s room I knew I had to figure out how to rebuild the lampshade. Originally I tried just taking the fabric off, but the existing plastic was so brittle it busted into a hundred pieces. I saved the wire frames and started over.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Start by measuring the height and circumference of the existing shade (pre-demolition). Add 1.5″ to the length for overlap (instead of 31″, it would be 32.5″ long).

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Use a straight edge and an Xacto knife to cut a white posterboard into 2 rectangles the same size as your existing shade. My posterboard was too short, so I used spray adhesive to glue four pieces together like this:

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Then I re-enforced the seams with white artist tape.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

If you want a typical shade, now is the time to use permanent spray adhesive to adhere fabric to one side of your posterboard. This tutorial goes on to describe the fishscale look, but the steps are essentially the same.

Start with a small bead of hot glue at the corners of your posterboard. Hold your wire frames on and give it a couple minutes to harden. Working very slowly, run the hot glue along the edge only a couple inches at a time. Roll the wire frames in unison along the glue.

wpid3339-how-to-rebuild-how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.coma-lampshade-3.jpg

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Once dry, be sure to cut off any glue that dried above the edge.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Too create the scale look you will need this Craft Fuse Iron-On Backing from Pellon. It gives lightweight cottons some body and keeps your circles from fraying.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Iron the Pellon to the back of your desired fabric, making sure to fuse every inch!

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Trace circles on the back side and cut with fabric scissors. My circles were about 1.5″ wide.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Starting on the bottom of the shade, use small dabs of hot glue to adhere a row of cut circles facing up.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Overlap the next row of circles, only gluing the tops, so the bottoms are free to sway. Keep going up, up, up!

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

At the top, do another row of semi-circles.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

To create a finished look, use 3/4″ fusible hem tape to make a hem along one side of fabric that’s been cut slightly longer than your shade circumference. Then cut that strip 2″ wide.

http://www.joann.com/reg-wt-hem-adhesive/prd48914.html#q=heat+n+bond&start=11

Hot glue the strip first to the outside, stopping just short of the end. Then hot glue the inside too. Fold over the last bit and secure in place.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

wpid3373-how-to-rebuild-a-lampshade-4.jpg

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Go back and trim the inside fabric.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

For a cleaner line, I covered my inside edge with artist tape.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Repeat this edging along the bottom of the shade too! Don’t forget to tuck it under that first row of scales.

how to rebuild a lampshade  |  greyhouseharbor.com

It wasn’t the easiest project I’ve ever tackled, but I’m very please with the outcome.

After buying the posterboard at the Dollar Store and using coupons for the fabric and pellon backing, the new lampshade cost me around $5. Heckofalot better than the $40 that online shops wanted. And waaaaay more personality!

cinderella lamp  |  greyhouseharbor.com

 

Tags: diy, diy home improvement, tutorials
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5 comments
Apr 16 2014

ombre scallop wall { a tutorial }

Posted by hayley
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ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Inspired by the scales of a mermaid tail, I intended this to be an overlapping scallop design. However, if you look at it in the reverse it’s wave shapes also. Hey – two tutorials in one!

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Start by drawing a large half-circle onto a piece of poster board. I traced a large serving tray to get the curve perfect.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Cut the semi-circle out and fold in half to make a crease. Use a pencil to mark the center of the crease at the top and the bottom.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Next, measure your wall and mark the center at the ceiling. Mine is 169 in wide, so the middle is 84.5 in.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

You will be drawing on the wall a lot, so go light with the pencil.

Line up the center of the top of the stencil with the middle of your wall.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Make sure the top of your stencil is flush with the ceiling and lightly trace the curve.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Before you move the stencil, also mark a line where the bottom of your curve falls.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Move your stencil to the right. Align the stencil next to the scallop you just drew, flush with the ceiling, and repeat. Don’t forget to mark the bottom each time. (I drew very lightly so I’ve digitally enhanced my pencil lines for you)

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

When you get to the end of the wall, align the stencil like before and gently bend it into the corner. Trace the curve, stopping at the corner.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

It helps to also mark the stencil where you bend it into a corner, so that you can align it consistently each time.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Go back to the middle of your wall, and trace the stencil the same way all the way to the left until you have one complete row of scallops across your ceiling.

Here’s where those bottom markings are crucial! To draw your next row, align the top corners of your stencil with the bottoms of your top row. Trace (and mark the bottoms!)

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Continue this way until you have as many rows as desired… or the whole wall!

The easiest way to pick ombre colors is to grab a paint swatch from the store and order one from each block. Remember that a little paint goes a long way and a tester size (8oz) of each color should be more than enough. My ombre is a little different from a straight paint swatch because I incorporated both blue and aqua hues.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

When you’re ready to start painting, begin with the lightest color. Take a tiny pointed brush and paint in the “points” first.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Then, use a larger 2″ brush to fill in the rest. I had to do 2 coats for each color.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Continue with the next darker shade, working your way up.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Funny thing about colors… even artists make mistakes sometimes. In an effort to not be too bold, I chose what I thought were muted versions of the colors I wanted. When I had painted this much of the wall, I realized these colors were way too muddy and bland for a happy 5-year-olds room.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

My mistake was pretty obvious once I chose more cheerful, vibrant versions. What was I thinking?!

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

I went back and re-painted every.
single.
scallop.

Two coats.

« UGH »

While you’re painting, leave some space at the corner. Before adding the topmost color, tape off the ceiling and side walls. Use the caulk trick to get perfect tape lines.

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Repainting almost the whole thing was a huge bummer, but I am SO glad I did. The end result is flawless. One big step closer to getting this room done!

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

ombre scallop wall tutorial  |  greyhouseharbor.com

 *** Paint colors are Sherwin Williams matched at Home Depot into tester sizes.
From top: Naval (SW 6510), Freshwater (SW 6774), Belize (SW 6945), Blue Bauble (SW 6948), Bouyant Blue (SW 6483)

Tags: diy, how to paint, paint techniques, songbirds room, tutorials
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14 comments
Mar 25 2014

wood sunburst mirror {a tutorial}

Posted by hayley
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rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Know what I love? A good knock-off.

Know what else I love? Mirrors.

I adore they way they instantly lighten and brighten any space. Sunburst (or starburst) mirrors have been en vogue for a few years now and the trend isn’t fading. But they can cost some serious coin.

Ballard Designs was selling this rustic beauty for $340.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

This one is from Lamps Plus is more reasonable at $55, but it’s pretty small.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

I’m working with a one-income military family budget here! While not against spending good money on quality things, if I can make it myself for less, I will. Or at least I will try…

Supplies:
– one package (42ct) of dry cedar shims (make sure they are the 15″ ones)
– 14″ diameter mirror
– 12″ mdf floral craft ring
-18″ mdf floral craft ring
– Powergrab Loctite Adhesive
– D-rings & picture wire for hanging
– sandpaper

Tools:
– miter saw (power or handheld)
– square
– measuring tape or ruler
– caulk gun
– screwdriver
– clamps

1. Start by thoroughly sanding all the shims. I actually put on gardening gloves for splinter protection after taking this picture.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

2. You need a total of 40 shims and some will be bad due to warping or unwanted holes. Pick the 8 straightest, most lovely shims and set them aside as your center pieces.

Now you need to cut the very tops of 32 shims at a 45º angle. Make sure you are cutting the thicker of the two ends; I stacked and cut them 4 at a time.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

3. Use the Powergrab adhesive to glue the edges of 4 angled shims to 1 straight one. Do this on top of wax paper. Let dry.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

4. Once dry, use your square to mark 10″ down from the top on 4 sections. Cut at a 90º angle perpendicular to the shims.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

5. On the remaining 4 sections, mark only the two outside shims at 5.5″. Use your saw to cut a 45° angle inward to make a point.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

You should have 4 straight sections and 4 angled sections.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

6. Arrange the 8 sections like this and glue the edges together. Again, wax paper will protect your surface from stray glue.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

7. Once the shims are dry, gently flip it and glue both wreath forms to the back.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

I highly recommend clamping the rings while the glue cures. These medium-sized clamps can be found at Home Depot for $1 each.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

I scored the mirrors for 50% off during a sale at Hobby Lobby. $10 each, but the black frame wasn’t jiving with the look I wanted – nothing that spraypaint couldn’t fix.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.comrustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

8. Use the same Loctite Powergrab adhesive to secure the mirror to the shims.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

9. Finally, attach D-rings and picture wire for hanging.

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

A finished mirror has a 27″ diameter. The only supplies I purchased for this were the shims, the mirror and the floral rings. Everything else I had on hand; which brought my grand total to $28 per mirror.

So successful was this project that I actually ended up making four of them! One for myself and three for a friend’s bedroom makeover that I’ll be sharing soon.

Knock-off?  More like knock-out!

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

rustic starbust mirror diy  |  greyhouseharbor.com

 

Tags: diy, diy home improvement, home decor, tutorials
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2 comments
Mar 19 2014

make a paper feather garland

Posted by hayley
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 paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

If you like making things with paper (I do!) than you simply must check out the blog of Lia Griffith. She is an amazing paper artisan and has tons of free printables and tutorials. I mean… she made runway dresses out of paper – that’s legit.

When thinking about changing my mantel decor for spring, I was inspired by the paper feather garland tutorial she posted around the holidays. So, while all these photos are mine and my final product is a little different from hers, it would be impolite to not give credit where it is due. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, right?!

I’m apologizing in advance for the color in some of these photos. Working at 11:30pm under horrific builder-grade, ceiling mounted lighting isn’t exactly ideal for beautiful photography. But the kids were in bed and beggars can’t be choosers.

Ok. Grab some colorful paper! I used linen-textured scrapbook cardstock.

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Lia offers the feather template free HERE. She cuts them by hand, but I cheated worked smarter and let my trusty silhouette do the work.

 paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Use a sharp edge to score a line down the middles.

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Then fold gently along the score.

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

I chose not to “fringe” all my feathers… more like half. (See what I’m talking about with the photo colors – I promise that middle feather is yellow and not pale orange… geesh!)

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

To add dimension, I spraypainted the tips silver, blue and yellow.

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.compaper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.compaper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.compaper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.compaper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Since I can sew faster than I can tape 40 something feathers to the back of a string, I just ran the feathers through my machine with a straight stitch.

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

I didn’t line them up exactly and even had some going the opposite direction or at wonky angles. Totally crushing on the final look!

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Even if you don’t make one long enough to cover a mantel, 9 or 10 feathers strung together would be super cute hung on a child’s bedroom door. Tweet-tweet!

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

paper feather garland DIY  |  greyhouseharbor.com

Tags: diy, diy crafts, paper crafts, spring, tutorials
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I'm Hayley. Wife and mother by day, DIY enthusiast by night. Fueled by sweet tea and jelly beans, I own power tools and know how to use them. Consider yourself warned.

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