How to Make Lampshades! Frequently Asked Questions

By Lisa in Florida (left), and Carol in England

Frequently Asked Questions

I received the first two comments in response to a request for input from those who didn't buy my book. The rest are actually only occasionally asked questions, but if I'd called this OAQs no one would get it.

I am basically lazy when it comes to reading a book. I know that there are several videos available on this subject, and feel that 'a picture is worth a thousand words' as the saying goes. I would personally prefer to learn by watching a video or DVD.   I was well aware that many of my readers would prefer a video, and wrote these how-tos with those who learn visually (like me), in mind. The shades displayed around the site verify this seems to be working, coupled with the fact that I rarely get any construction questions. The handful of available videos are considerably more expensive, for far less information, and the only stretch-shade video offers pattern-making instructions that will rarely, if ever, work. In fact, these videos were the impetus to my writing this book. Not only that, but books are a whole lot easier to reference when learning any new craft.

I would love to learn how to do this, but was looking for free information.
I'm not sure why some people (willing to buy books and magazines) expect all information on the Internet to be free. My only response is that this is my sole source of income, and simultaneously to your acquiring a swell new set of skills, your support of my small business allows me to continue providing the basis to a lot of other (primarily women's) small businesses, for less than the cost of one glued-together, store-bought shade.

I don't have much computer experience; do you think I can accomplish the download? Does it take a lot of work and/or a long time?   I've sold thousands of copies of this book, and everyone has successfully accomplished the download, with very few requiring help, and almost all of these, the result of not reading the directions. I recently spoke to a 79-year-old woman, with minimal computer experience, who had no problem with this. How long it takes to download the file depends on your Internet connection, but no longer than 30 minutes on the slowest dial-up ISP, and just seconds on cable or DSL. I supply detailed download instructions, and personal assistance is available should you run into a problem. Please see Unsolicited Testimonials if you need further reinforcement.

How long is the book, and must it all be printed?    The book is 150 pages long, and printing instructions are included, though, in most cases, all you have to do is hit PRINT. You can choose to print just the construction how-tos and read the support chapters from your computer screen . If you don't have a printer or your printer won't handle it or your conserving ink (although the pictures look just fine in black and white), you can read the whole book via your screen (it's designed for this), or see below.

I don't have a printer, or my printer can't handle this, is there a printed version available? I don't have a computer at home, or mine won't handle this, can I download and print the book elsewhere?    This is only available as a downloadable e-book. There is no pre-printed version. If you don't have a computer and/or a printer, or yours isn't up to it, or you don't have Internet service at home, perhaps you can do this at work, or maybe someone you know would download and/or print it for you (possibly as a [cheap] gift), with the file deleted afterwards. If you can download the file, but can't print it, and would like to download (a second copy) and print it elsewhere, just let me know. If you can download the file, but need to print it someplace where it can't be downloaded (e.g., from a computer on a network that bars downloads), see the next question. If you don't have a (functioning or adequate or any) computer and must do this from someone else's, one of the benefits of membership in The Shadecrafters Club is that you can download the book file again when you get a computer, or repair or replace the one you have.

Can the book be saved on a disk or CD?   A disk isn't big enough, but you can download the file, open it, and then save it on a CD, as would be required in some of the circumstances discussed above.

Can I really learn how to do this if I don't know how to sew? Must I have a sewing machine?    If you have little to no sewing experience, and/or think you can't learn how to sew, let alone well enough to accomplish this, read So, you say you can't sew on the first page of the tour, and Lisa's testimonial at the top of Unsolicited Testimonials. The Sewing Primer provides everything you need to teach yourself how to sew well enough to make lampshades (and much more), including how to buy and use a sewing machine. However, only stretch shades require a machine. Victorian-style and other panel shades are all hand sewn, with the stitches covered up, a technique that can also be used with any stretch-style frame.

Can I use these instructions to restore a particular shade?   The question I get more often than any other is whether a particular shade can be restored. While you may not be able to duplicate the fabric and trim (though trim can sometimes be reused), you will be able to create a shade that's close enough in appearance to look appropriate, if not even better than the original.

Can I use the same fabric I used to make pillows, curtains, etc.?   I actually receive this question, on occasion, with no more detail than this provided. Of course, the answer depends on the fabric. Stretch shades, as the name implies, require fabric with a little give to it, though other fabrics can often be used on the bias (see the first shade on the tour). Cotton, velvet, raw silk, brocade, and most other fabrics with no give can be used for Victorian/panel-style shades, or for stretch-shades, if using the panel-shade construction method. However, if the same fabric can't be used, something that coordinates can be.

Does the book include instructions for how to make traditional, lined lampshades, Victorian-style shades, and/or are the instructions complete enough to actually make a lampshade?   Although these questions are well answered elsewhere, I still get them (probably from people who skim rather than read). Simply put, the answer is yes.

Do you include supply sources? Do you sell the supplies? Do you know where I can get certain supplies?   My ultimate goal is to start an international shadecrafting supply company with local distributors. I envision a lampshade lady (or man) in every town of much size, or at least, in every county. If interested in this, please let me know. In the meantime, the handful of supply companies are included on the book supply list, and loads of sources for fabric, trims, embellishments, and other supplies are included on The Shadecrafters Club site (including a list of over 100 targeted eBay links). With regards to my providing supply sources to those who haven't bought the book, I hope you'll understand, but I don't do this.

Are people actually making money at this?    I know for a fact that there are a number of people making money with the skills they acquired from this book, and some are now full-time, professional lampshade crafters. See Making Money Making Lampshades for more.

I'm interested in making hardback (paper and plastic) shades. When will this chapter be available? Can you tell me where to find fiberglass for making '50s shades?   I hope to have the hardback chapter done soon, but can make no promises as to when this will be. The fiberglass material used back in the 1950s isn't made anymore, and the (one kind of) fiberglass now in use is not only heavier, but extremely problematic to work with, requiring gloves, and even a dust mask (if you're smart). There's a "faux fiberglass" available (a search will find it), but it's plastic covered on one side with paper, and quite faux looking, indeed. I'm still working on this problem, which is further discussed on The Shadecrafters Club site.

Can this be given as a gift?   You'll find a gift-giving option on the order form. Please contact me if you'd like to give this to more than one person. The Shadecrafters Club members get a $5.00 discount on additional copies of the book and club memberships given as gifts.

If you still have a question, and/or you're not buying the book today, but would like to be on my mailing list, please Click Here (or on Contact).