Lampshade Book is Almost out of my Hands

I have had such fun with my Lampshade Book over the past year. I started thinking about all my great fabric choices long before having a publisher or even really knowing how we would set forth to show some awesome new ideas on lighting. All I needed was an excuse to start the BEST, most beautiful collection of textiles. I always led with finding the coolest, greatest, most original fabrics. I have collected needlepoints, embroderies galore (my favorite, almost), cloth kids books, the prettiest French Fabrics, fun new designer fabrics, handsome crewel work, antique Redwork Embroidery and the list goes on. I had to squirrel away all my fabrics till it was time to start my book. And now we are down to the last 3 lampshades out of 41. WOW! Quite an accomplishment. Only a few more days of work.

It has taken some yankee stick to-it-ness.... and to bed early to stay on the program.
we have had a very short time to turn around material and photos. I seem to have been born with an organized mind.... don't think anyone could do this without one. Just preparing for a photo shoot. Okay, It's just me here, it would have been good to have a staff, but I do have a great helper in my shop, Deb. She has kept me from falling too far behind, thank you Deb!!!! And thanks to my husband Carson, he's a chef, lucky me. He has taken care of most of the shopping and dinners. Poor guy, he had dinner alone as we finished a late photo shoot today. And best of all, my cleaning ladies.... almost worth doing a book for..... yupp. I am the worst house cleaner. The dust makes me sneeze....maybe because I hate to do it..... thanks , I am starting to see why there are so many thank yous in making a book. It takes a village.

George and I have had 2 full days of how-to photo shoots this week, one more day tomorrow and a couple next week. And maybe done. It has been fun working together, we are starting to understand every little grunt and moan or enthusiastic, "oh it's so beautiful, from George." It's a give and take relationship, no George, it sucks or oh George, you got it perfect.... he puts up with me and visa versa. Basically, it takes lots of concentration on both parts and so much patience for both of us.

Ryan and Katie, the NYC photographers were in Pawlet last week during the HEAT Wave. Very nasty hot, so unbearable hot in a place that basically has no air conditioning. We had 2 days of misery and one perfect sunny day with a few clouds that did not please the photographers... oh dear. We trashed my shop and made even bigger mess of my house, but made beautiful pictures. I am still putting my house in order. They'll be back in 3 weeks to do it all again. I'm praying for nice clear weather.

Exciting news, a new addition to the lampshade shop. Judy is getting a new puppy July 1st. As you all know, I lost my best bud, Odie, last summer. I am still missing him more than ever; he will be always in my heart, my sweetie. Such a dear. But Maddie and Rocky need a playmate and I need a new shop girl. Kate. She too is a Red Tri Aussie, just like Odie. She is so pretty and I am sure will be such a fun pal for our family. Such timing it is, but she'll get me out walking again, back up my big Pawlet Mountain Road walk.

Just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, almost time to pass the book onto the next group of hands and hope they make a beautiful book. I am realizing what a control freak I am with all things visual. It's hard to create a project and then lose the chance to make choices on the end product. Everything I create in my shop I do from beginning to end; I am usually proud of the choices I make. It may not be something that fits into my house, but I like the fabric and design. I know my customers and know what they want to buy. It has a look that is my signature, fresh, creative, not status quo, push the materials and see how far they'll go. Go one or two steps beyond good. Push..... beyond. And I always wanted to be a graphic designer, too. Crossing my fingers that they take the high road.

Fabric Lampshades:Fall Workshop Schedule

I will be offering 3 workshops this fall at my shop. Hope this works for most of you. I have chosen to do them on Wednesdays. Classes start at 11 am and run till 4-5pm. Only one class is needed to get started and learn the basics of hard back fabric shades. (no fancy silk) Classes are $150 and include all the materials except fabric. Bring the fabric of your choice or bring a couple if you aren't sure. Bring vintage or new, but cotton and linen, no synthetics. We will be making a medium size shade, I will be providing a couple different shade choices. In the past students have been able to choose a shade for their lamp, but they started getting too large and complex and would hold up the class.... so .... but students can also buy materials at a very good price after class.

Classes are limited to 8 students. A full payment is needed for reservation, please. We have lots of fun and creativity. A great time to see the Vermont Foliage and learn a new skill or just treat yourself to a day away.

1st workshop, September 24, Wednesday 11 am, all day

2nd workshop, October 8th, Wednesday 11 am, all day

3rd workshop, October 22nd, Wednesday 11 am, all day

Please email me with any questions: judylake@vermontel.net

Classes will fill up so don't put it off and be disappointed. Feel free to call me at the shop for reservations, credit cards accepted. 802-325-6308

Slow Craft

Slow Craft. A couple months ago I wrote Slow Craft on a post-it The next day in the NY Times Design section was an article on Slow Design..... how spooky it was, just the next day. It was a great article on Alabama Chanin and her new book, Alabama Stitch Book. www.alabamachanin.com. We are designers and craftspeople because we'd only be happy using our hands to create beautiful things. My fellow craftsperson friend and I always say, we'd do what we do even if we never had to work a day in our lives. We would still do it; it's who we are and what makes us happy.

The Alabama Stitch Book is a beautiful book. I have been more observant than ever about book design these days. Book shapes, yes they do need to fit on book shelves.... and is it beautiful? I am such a sucker for a beautiful book. I love to buy books; they are one thing that I do not mind buying. I love looking through my old books; they are such a great resource. I remember my grandmother saying she started re-reading her books at 80 and how wonderfully different they are at different times in our lives.

so back to Slow Craft, yes, how nice it is to have some things in our busy lives these days that is made by hand in the traditional way. There isn't much that we have that is totally hand-crafted, or even made in the usa..... or even made well. Our chain stores mostly have products that are poorly made by the least expensive vendor.... I love good cotton socks. I had bought them at a well known Country Store in Southern Vermont. I would go to them every year to get these same socks and then about 8 years ago they started get crummier and crummier!!!! I did stop going to that store. They were so concerned about the bottom line and less concerned if their customers were happy with their products. to be continued...

Day 2 in Sturbridge and Brimfield

Here I sit in my pitty Econo Lodge in Chicopee, Mass; the closest I could find to Brimfield without breaking the bank. Hate these places, but what's so bad about 200 tractor trailers all idling
all night.... Yikes. Almost reminds me of another yucky motel on Rt 7 new New Milford, Ct. that was right next to an electricity plant. What we do for finding "great stuff".

Monday was The Vintage Textile and Fashion Show in Sturbridge. It was fun as always. The trend for more fashions than textiles seems to be growing. I enjoy going to see what the dealers are showing. There are 2 big rooms and several smaller rooms and hallways. I was quite restrained in my shopping, mostly because I didn't really find too much. I found a nice old french piece, a few very nice embroideries, a few trims, a few cottons fabrics and not too much else.... just to fancy and expensive. Too bad. But I made up for it at the great textile shop down the road in Sturbridge. I think I found many more treats here. Barbara owns the shop and I would imagine looks forward to the Textile Show customers. At her shop I found a favorite red and white trim that I have gotten from her before, a nice red work piece, bunch more trims, a super pretty english or french chintz, etc. I saw here today out at the flea market, she got a little time out in the sunshine, too.

Today I parked on the east end of the flea markets. Which was a great plan.... how lucky. Found a great parking spot and immediately ran into a friend from home. That was a nice surprise. And I was off. I had circled which shows were open today, but when you arrive it's all a bit overwheming. It seemed like folks were walking further east..... humm... should I go that way or head east??? I went east; later I realized they were headed to a show that was opening at 11am. I sort of missed that one, but geez.... I saw plenty.

I'd have to say I found lots of great stuff at the markets. I think if you don't like the price, keep going and you'll find something better. Today it just didn't quite. I kept finding great, cool stuff all day long. Just when I thought it couldn't get better, it did. I DID have a list of things that I was looking for to fill out my book projects. How lucky to be collecting goodies for a whole year for my new book. Yikes, but I had to buy fabrics.....

so I found..lots of tablecloths, a big stack of turkey red quilt squares, a nice chenille spread, a few small select french pieces, a few glass lamps, a cool iron shabby chic, lots of neat trims, some nice wood blocks, nice monograms tea towels, great funky aprons. These feet walked miles. It sure is fun to run into old and new friends. The weather today was so unbelievably beautiful, sunshine and cool. Everyone's spirits were on high. Last year I was here on Wednesday and it was soooooo hot that you couldn't move too fast.

Tomorrow is the opening of The Heart of the Mart. I am meeting George, one of my photographers for the new book and we are going to take a few photos of the good stuff at the show and I guess me, too.... Sort of embrassing...... what the heck. Another nice day ahead. And then back to Vermont and back in my own bed. And then to Boston for my son's college graduation; how could it be. Such a fast four years.

It's the Flea Season

How exciting is it that it's the beginning of flea market season. There's no doubt about it that it's the most fun this time of year. You just get the feeling that the "BEST STUFF" must be out there now. I got taste of it, call it a flea market warmer upper. Last weekend in Greenwich, N.Y. there was a biannual market at the fair grounds. It seems to be getting a little better each year. I have been going for a gazillion years and know some of my favorite spots to hit as much as those to avoid.

I start to see new stuff at the flea market and it's a veer the other way. It seems like they come in big patches, so it's easy to skip them all. I headed over to Greenwich pretty early, it was drizzly rain so I took my time. 8:20 was plenty early enough and I was loaded down with bags galore. I had specific things I was looking for...... so much for that. You know how it is when you have a list at a flea market..... forget it.You'll never find it if you set out looking for specific things. I was looking for vintage kids blocks and found a nice set and the guy DIDN'T have them priced and said sixty bucks.... no thanks. but they were pretty nice. I'll keep looking. Found some nice fabrics, a nice red ticking and a good price,too. It was my last forty bucks in hand, time to head back to work and open up all the bags... and wire the lamps.....fortunately they were all really easy ones and I had all the parts.

This week felt like a milestone. We started photography for my new book. It has been a long process to get to this point. I have to admit, it has been a pretty stressful time getting organized to this point. You should see my back room at my shop, I'll add the shop asap here. I have 50 lampshade projects or almost that many. Wires, fabrics, trims all stacked up with labels and numbers.... Good thing I am a good organizer. It sure is coming in handy now. It's kind of fun figuring out which fabrics to go with which lampshade frame. Mix em up, use a good variety or textiles and colors. Color, Color, Color..... use great colors. Be brave, they'll love it....

I have only a limited experience with photo shoots, but I do know when it's time to slow down and chill out. If there is ever a time it's now. It's a slow process and it's got to look good, but getting it there is wicked tuff. Holy Moly, tedious.... breathe.... my photographer, George is very patient.... even when I screwed up.....Putting the wrong shape styrene panels with the shade we
were shooting, Ha!!!! neither of us noticed. There went one extra hour..... time for a cold beer....

I'm off to Sturbrige and Brimfield Monday- Wednesday. Sort of a day off. Lets hope for the great finds. Good lamps, favorite embroideries, maybe some french fabrics that one can actually buy, and always that unexpected great thing. And some wooden blocks that aren't 60 bucks. I'll probably see the same guy, maybe they'll be less this time, I'd make a bet he still has 'em.

See you there. Happy hunting.

Lampshade Lady to NYC and Buys Lots of Trim

Spring or maybe summer has arrived here in Southern Vermont. Spring bulbs blooming, all those pretty little blue ones or the crocuses scattered around the yard. I always forget those odd ball bulbs that come up in the darnedest places. It's great. And it's always good to head a little further south to see that leaves might come out and that the Magnolias and Dogwoods are in full bloom.

I had a big adventure to NY City, pretty fun for the country girl. It was my time to meet the gang at Potter Craft. As we were waiting in the Random House Lobby, I spotted Barbra Walters, that was pretty neat. What an inspiration as we are waiting for the the big first meeting with my editors. We thought it might be fun to hang in the lobby for the day and see all the interesting folks coming and going. Taking a few deep breaths and trying not to talk too much.... Doing a book for the first time is quite daunting, but heck it sure is a fun challenge. At almost 50, who cares. I'm happy and love what I do and think others would like to be in my shoes. So why not share it and get a lampshade revolution..... there you go. Sounds safe and keeps me out of trouble. My friend Ray said he wanted more politics on my blog.... I have a great picture I'll try to put up the next few days. (surprise for you Obama fans) Pawlet's own Matt Solon our very talented local artist and the painter of my wonderful shop postcard has a new mural on his shop. I'll head over there tomorrow with my camera. Good excuse to try to write here more often. Maybe it's easier to write about politics than lampshades.... Quite a combo.

I am super lucky to have the great co-author, Kathleen Hackett for my book. Kathleen's done a million great projects and grew up right in my backyard. The most amazing thing, Kathleen's sister was a textile major in my class at The University of Vermont. But, I was the artistic rebel and fled my textile major as soon as possible, heading to higher ground at the art department.

Well, there sure is so many fun things to do in the city. The hardest part is having 3 days and choosing what to do. okay.... to the museum or trim shopping..... trim shopping easily won out. I was off to MJ Trimming. Oh my god, my eyes were bulging out of my head and probably mouth open, too. Okay, start figuring out which were my favorites and make a pile to bring home to Vermont. You can only imagine how fast the cash register adds up trim. I know because I buy it all the time...... Okay, think clearly and make smart choices. Yupp, love that one and maybe a little of this one. Gotta get some of that one and oh ya there's the favorite trim I haven't seen in a long time. Quick, get me to the next trim store.

I headed around the corner to Tinsel Trading. I've long read about Tinsel Trading in Martha's Magazine and other design blogs. Such a fun shop. So, you can picture this now, the pile at the counter is starting to grow again. I see a few of the same trims, but quite a few new ones, well actually, lots of new ones. The pile is growing, I figure, how often do I get down the city.... And it is much easier to buy it in person. Stay focused I try to say to myself, don't look at all the cool decorative buttons and other nifty things that might be fun to glue gun onto shades. Well, I'll get just a few neat felted flowers, and a few vintage velvet flowers might be fun, too. Oh, and the handsome gold thin trim that I have been looking high and low for. Probably should have gotten more of that, but something tells me I will be back soon enough.

It was a good thing I didn't have time to look for fabric too. We did manage to eat quite well. After all, being a chef's wife, I do love good food. The first night we took the subway down to Devi, my friend Suvir Saran's wonderful Indian Restaurant. The beautiful food just kept coming and coming. I can't wait to go back again. Oh those great spices and that Cauliflower dish, one of the best and those desserts. Good thing I did lots of walking.

Of course it's always great to be back in our little village of Pawlet. What a busy day today, getting caught up on orders, mail, email, phone calls, customers poking in, trying to write a how-to... no chance today. Tomorrow's a new day.

A Happy Spring and A Sunny Ski

Happy Spring, I'm coming up for air. To think what a year makes. Last winter I had time to do The Boston Globe Sudoko and our local one .... I'm lucky if I get through our local paper, but what a fun year. I am happy to say that I have received a book contract from Potter Books to do a How-to Lampshade book. I've got a great writer helping me as.....yikes. And working on a great photo team. This preliminary stage is slow going, but sure to on track in the near future.

I've been happy buying up a storm trying to find the most interesting vintage textiles for the hottest lampshades around. The hardest part is squirreling away all these yummy fabrics for the project. I want to dig in with them now.... patience, judy.There will be more to report in the future.... that's for sure. What a new learning curve. It's funny in life. Things were going along growing appropriately slow....but what a great opportunity. How could I say no.

I'm finally headed off for a week of spring skiing or maybe reading on the deck....a little break and then to get right back into the fire. HAPPY SPRING TO ALL and may it warm up in New England.

Cabin Fever and Ready for Textile Hunter Gathering

It's usually about this time of the year that I am so ready for a road trip. Aren't you too???? I've had a few small road trips to antique centers nearby, but everyday off it seems to snow or sleet. And of course, tomorrow is my day off and we are getting the BIG one. So I guess I will have to be happy with Ebay and my regular favorite web sites.

The spring classes have pretty much filled up. I've got a full house on Saturday.Great to see such interest. Some emails have thanked me for being so generous with my knowledge and sharing tips to help them make lampshades. I am happy to pass my knowledge on; there is plenty of business out there. No worry there. And we all have different styles. If there is one thing I have learned in all my lampshade years, is that everyone beauty is in the eyes of..... you know.

How are you drum shade makers doing? Have you had success in making some funky drum shades. Send me some emails and I can post them (I think). I just made a great one for a client with her washed out turquoise squiggly chenille. Size was nice, 18" top by 18 bottom x 12 high. Very modern with a soft country feel.

The shade on this post is a 5" top x 8" bottom x 6" high. Sweet Doggie needlpoint with rose vintage french in other panels and to die for Houles rich rose gimp.$95. Hex Clip. Call me at the shop if you need it. 802-325-6308

My Last Lampshade Class Feb. 16th

What a fun group we had on Saturday. Sometimes it works out really fun. The whole day went by so fast. Everyone made some great lampshades and all so different. Thanks for letting me put your photos up on my blog. One way for me to get back on the Blog path.

It's been one heck of a month. I've loved hearing from lots of you, old friends, new friends from all over the world. There was a huge interest in Decorative Lampshades. Yay! How fun. I've also heard from lots of young moms that want to start businesses like mine, starting small at home with young kids. Great time to start fresh with your new ideas. It takes courage to stick your neck out and try something new, but what do you have to lose.

There is room still in the March 1st class; the rest are full. I have been considering doing a couple fall foliage classes. Let me know if there is an interest. I have a possible hole in my schedule at the beginning of Oct., maybe midweek. Give me feed back on this.

Many thanks to all that made The Country Living; you really made me feel special.

Fabric Lampshade Classes

Fabric Class Schedule

Hi, I've posted this before, but everyone is asking, so here goes:

All Saturdays, Feb.2nd, Feb.16th, March 1st, March 15th, and April 12th.

At this point there is room in all the classes, if you want to do a class don't put off signing up. There is only limited space and there has been lots of interest. Classes are $150 which includes all materials except fabric, Bring cottons or linens, vintage or new. Also bring a small lamp that you can fit for your shade.

Classes start at 11am and generally run to 3 or 4. Dress warm as it can be chilly in my little cottage. Bring lunch or you can purchase it at the general store. It is a fun day to be creative.

Please call the shop if you are interested in reserving a spot. 802-325-6308.