Lampshade Lady's Valentines Day Book Give Away

I will be giving away an autographed copy of my Lampshade Lady Book just in time for Valentines Day. I want to hear your worst lampshade nightmares. How many times have you bought the wrong size, the wrong color. How much duck tape is holding your lampshade together.  Click on the link to get  my email;  email me  your stories. How many times did you have to go back to the Lighting Store??? Or send it back to Pottery Barn??? or Etsy??

I will be picking the winner on February 14th. Hope to hear from you.

Other shop news:

• I will be in Chester, Vermont at The Misty Valley Bookstore on February 17th at 5:30pm for a demo/book signing.
• I will be doing a one day workshop in Nantucket on July 20th. It will be affiliated with The Nantucket Historical Association's 1800 House Craft Workshops
• I will have a 2 day workshop Oct 1&2 Friday and Saturday at my shop in Vermont, more info to come. It is the peak foliage weekend.
• My shop will be featured in the May issue of Romantic Homes Magazine. Great timing to lead off the season!
• Winter/Spring Lampshade Workshop update:My February workshop is full, March has plenty of room and April is almost full. No summer workshops in Vermont (no air conditioning....yet)

Tea Rose Needlepoint Shade with Bling!

Check out this super pretty needlepoint. Now this is easy inspiration! I am trying to see if I have the same zen flow as Monday... pretty easy to design this shade, a little trickier. The needlepoint fits well into a large cut-corner frame I have and the green silk actually laminates well (silk doesn't always laminate). This is a good start.

 

I am gluing the panels to the wire frame. Quick glue and clothespins. I have trimmed up all my shade panels to fit the frames. Look at the edges where the 2 panels come together; they just meet and do not overlap. Super important.

All the panels have been added and I am using the ribbon as like a vice. It is quick glue so it will dry fast, but I've got other things to do and this method works well.

Isn't this a wonderful french cretonne. It has the softest color blending. I am a sucker for anything hydranga. I have used this fabric for the vertical self trims.


I've added a velvet braid on top. I love to mix trims, using one for the top and a different one for the bottom.

I've been dying to use this sequin trim. It's kind of funky on this shade. I think I like it. It's a little different than my style, but what the heck. Who knows maybe I'll pull it off in the am when I come in.
***Please excuse this post. I am still trying to figure out how Blogger has changed their their formatting...??? They have not made this easy for us old bitties...

I love hearing from you guys with calls and emails. Don't hesitate to make comments here. I don't think it's too hard. Everything is appreciated. Okay, back to work....I just got a wicked cool bluebird needlepoint. It has regular needlepoint and petipoint stitches. Does anyone know what that is called?? I love it best. The texture adds a great look.

xoxox,
judy

Sweet Vintage Embroidery Lampshade or Textile Collage of Sorts

Geez,  somedays I can really get carried  designing and not even know where the time goes to....my style of meditation. The Zen of Lampshade Design... Somehow a couple hours have slipped by and I'm in the zone. I'm sure you guys know what I mean.... I'd say it's not a rare thing, but it doesn't happen all the time. Or maybe I just have to let it happen more often. Today I've started a couple of fun projects.

I'll show you the first one. It is a square clip shade, 4" top x 7" bottom x 7" high. A nice size table/desk lamp shade. Here's the embroidery I am working with. It has tons of holes, but most of the embroidery part is fine; I will work around the bad parts. I have chosen the square shape because that is what works best with the amount of fabric and the pattern. It will keep most of " the good stuff" intact.

   

I cut out the 4 panels of styrene and laminated them to the fabric and cut out. Note: I trimmed the back of the embroidery; this can be tedious and you have to be careful not to nip the fabric.... done that before!!! I trim the threads because it looks better when lite up.
 

All was going swell till I had to figure out trims... nothing really matched for the trims- so I found something similar. Another embroidery scrap that blended really pretty. I am showing the pressure sensitive cloth tape. I comes on big rolls-sticky on one side. The Lampshop calls it "Bias Fold Trim Backer #322. It goes on the back of the fabric.
 

Next for the top and bottom trim. This took some searching. The grass green is not one of my colors, which can sometimes be a problem cause I don't have too many things in my shop that is that color and don't usually want to highlight it. I found these 2 scallop edgings from 2 different vintage pieces. It can be fun to use them by folding the edge back onto itself. I added the 5/8" grosgrain first and then the scallop edging.
 

I added the trims. It's funny how some of the coolest shades don't look so great in photographs... this one looks much better in my shop.... oh well. And here it is lit up on a vintage glass lamp.

Cost: $75.
 

I want to mention a blog:Textile Treasure Seeker

It's is a great blog for all of us fabric lovers. Katie is a freelance writer and very generously reviewed my book. Thank You Katie! I really appreciate the wonderful review. I loved her blog list;  it was such a treat to see some fresh new blogs from the UK. I recommend checking out her site. Blogging sure has made the world a little smaller once again. And now it's time for another cup of tea on this side of the ocean.

Monday's Lampshade How-to Project

Today's project. Might as well start the week with a fun project. This is a very sweet vintage kitty applique tablecloth. The image fits well into this scallop clip frame (7" high x 10" across the bottom).

This is pretty miserable, whatever blogger has done...used to be so easy. Probably it is obviously easy, just clueless.Okay, so I was able to load the next picture in...again....  Here is the front panel of the kitty.

I am tracing around the outside of the lampshade frame with a thin marker. I will cut it out next. Fabric is laminated to styrene.
My assistant, Fini is inspecting my progress. He likes to be as close as possible.... I am thinking about trims. I've used the green polka dots on the vertical self-trims. They are from a vintage apron. I thought they would add some interest as there was only one applique to use. I learned today that I like the polka dot pattern off center, ie dots not going straight down the center strip.

Also using these other finds. The crochet edging is something I stowed away for a rainy day. yup! That's today, rainy, rainy. The other trim is an embroidery insert strip that I found at the flea market; it's been super handy for projects. Hope I find more someday.

Close up of trims.

Here it's finished. Trims have been added. Might be cute for a little girls room.

I hope to have the new blogger format figured out.... I'm sure it is improved, but ...... giving me more gray hairs.

Tomorrow I am off to jury duty..... and will be wishing I was back in my shop. There is still spots for my Saturday workshop. Feel free to leave any messages for me about the workshop on the shop answering machine. I'll be checking in. No idea how many days this jury duty will be.... wish me luck.
            sold

January 30th Lampshade Workshop

January 30th Lampshade Workshop in Pawlet, Vermont at Lake's Lampshades
is just around the corner. 11am- 5ish. $150 includes all materials except fabric. I have several students signed up but have room for a couple more. If you are worried about the weather this time of year.... it's sunny today, but if the weather is bad I can slip you into a class at another time.
If cabin fever is settling in:
come play with fabrics and glue. Everyone gets to leave with a finished lampshade, an instant satisfaction or at least a well earned one! My students are always super proud of themselves after they finish their shades. I love to see everyone's finished product.
Often Students will pick up supplies for a couple of shades after the class:
this is handy to go home with enough to make a shade right away.... and remember how the heck you did it.
Some students come to start a business, some come for a day of creativity and others come to learn to remake all their own lampshades...
who knows maybe it will turn into a business, just like mine obsession did. I didn't start making lampshades to turn it into a business, but look 20 plus years later!!
It's a nice way to use a vintage treasure from your attic.
I always encourage recycling stained tablecloths, an unframed needlepoint, an old crewel pillow who knows what you might have stowed away. I had a Pierre Deux skirt that turned into 3 lampshades!
 
hope you can come,
judy

ps give the shop a call for a reservation: 802-325-6308 or email me at judylake@vermontel.net 

Vintage Embroidery Scallop Lampshade

I'm just back after a delightful day at The Equinox Hotel in Manchester, Vermont. I was asked to tell my Lampshade Lady Story to The Winter Conference of The WBON. Of course I have been fretting about public speaking since Sept... but one more time getting out of the comfort zone of life. I decided to do a demo making up a big Drum Shade made out of vintage chenille; a pretty large and cumbersome project to do in front of a large crowd, but good for a few laughs.

The group was a diverse group of woman business owners. I enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories. The hotel had significant meaning for me. The old hotel had been shuttered for 15 plus years and reopened in 1985. My husband Carson was hired as the Sous Chef at the time of it's reopening and we moved from The Mad River Valley down to Southern Vermont. And I had also help start a juried craft show at the hotel many years ago at the beginning of my lampshade business.
The big decision: Which trim to use. This shade stumped me 2 times, but like the final product. First I added a crochet trim and ripped it off... and also tried a sweet pink and white trim. Also thought of this green and yellow floral trim (above). And ended up with the vintage lavender trim. That the one! It works the best, doesn't look forced and adds the finishing touch. I am always saying how hard the trim can be and this was a great example of it. Some shades it is a no brainer; it's clearly obvious what to choose, others aren't so easy.

I tried it onto this sweet vintage boudoir lamp. Fits it just right. Okay, now it's back to finishing customers orders.... no more procrastinating. This shade did make it feel a bit like springtime.

A Blog is a blog is a Blog

Over the holidays I have had enjoyed some downtime from my usual work routine. I love spending time traveling the world in search of really great new design ideas and of course fabrics. At an ants pace I am learning bits of technology; my biggest excitement was figuring our how to make my website link on my email signature. And, yes it was so easy.... if I'd only known...that I actually needed that HTTP:// part....simple.

From my blog research, some of the most popular blogs are created as catchalls of content from other designers; the blog owners are more of an Editorial Magazine Role, picking and choosing their favorite finds of the blog world and beyond. And then there is the design oriented blogs that are full of original content choosing to show their unique products, share their travels, their favorite recipes or whatever their forte. And then there are those that are a little of both. It's not easy to come up with original ideas everyday. Some days it's a piece of cake and others the words and ideas are hiding deep.

One of my favorite tools when researching blogs is to go through the "favorite blogs lists". Isn't it amazing where the time goes, traveling from one blog onto the next and then onto the next blog favorites list. You can whip around the world in no time flat. For me it's great. I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, but I don't get much of a chance to get the heck out of here to poke in city shops or wander through Europe or head to Iceland. I have traveled lots and long to hit the road again, but day to day business keeps me going 1.5 miles to work and back on most days.

Another fun way to kill an hour is to keep hitting the NEXT button on Blogger. Have you ever tried that? It's pot luck; sometimes great and sometimes it's about one's lastest illness or family pets.... but sometimes it's great. One day I found a great blog in Finland. Having lived in Sweden for a year I enjoy seeing what the design trends are up in Scandinavia. Great new stuff, new ideas and all at my fingertips. It amazes me all the languages that pop up; I sometimes forget English isn't the only one; you know living up here in Vermont.... it's pretty white bread.

I am in the process of updating my own blog list. My web guy has moved my blog to my website, sooooooo.... technology challenges me to figure out how to change my blog list. Yikes.

I always suggest my business friends start a blog... they are free (at least for the basics)! It is handy to look back and have a record of some of my work. It makes me write which is always a good exercise. It makes me pull my camera out of it's case now and then. And it makes the world feel a little smaller, even from the couch.
And hopefully more than my mom is reading this.... enjoy the rest of the weekend
xoxo,
judy

A Little January R & R

I've been taking a short break this week. A good time to curl and with a book and just catch up stuff that has been falling in the cracks. My to do list was far longer than my time off. Top on list was watching snow fall while reading book. How's that for chilling out. I sort of finished my book group book, City of Dinns... didn't love it. And now back to what I was reading before, Chronic City, Jonathan Lethem and enjoying his quirkiness.

Girly Bob is curled up too. She was happy to have me around the house. When she isn't sleeping she stalks the kitchen for food; once a stray....always out hunting for food opportunities. I'm back in the shop now and Fini is very happy to see me and am pretty sure he'll be clinging on for dear life most of the day....(he is sitting on my lap as I try to type).

Wednesday I have been asked to tell my story at The Womans Business Owners Network annual meeting to be held at The Equinox Hotel. Yikes, looking forward to having this behind me... I guess it will be okay. One more step out of the comfort zone, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Thought that was 2009's motto.

okay, back to my winter workshops... lots of room left. The first workshop is Jan 30th at 11 am.
These are one shot deals not a series. Everyone leaves a wonderful finished lampshade. Let me know asap if you are interested. I'll post tomorrow more on workshops.

Hear's to a Happy Blue Full Moon Tonight

Happy New Year! What a wild year it has been. I can't imagine another year like this. This is the time of year I dread... shop is slow, chilly days, not many sales... but slowly but surely I start to love this time of year. It is beautiful out; snow topped houses and flower stocks poking through the snow. I slow down and take time to catch up. It's time to make plans to work on my website, get more product up on Etsy, get my book out farther afield in the world, tweeck my blog format, get a few more book events.... It's fun to search through design blogs around the world. Basically take it easy and catch up.

Here's a picture of my jewel tree. I recently told my son, when I'm not around don't you dare throw out this!!! I made it a few years ago. What a fun project. It weighs a ton and took hours to complete. I started with finding a big jar old junk jewelry at one of my antique stops. That was a big help and then started searching in my vintage button box, looking for beads and junk in bottoms of jars and baskets kicking around my bureau and shop.

I covered the Styrofoam cone with silk and started glue gunning and glue gunning and glue gunning. Below is a close up picture.
This is one of my favorite finds of the year. A mercury glass antique curtain pushpin. I epoxied it onto a finial base. I've never seen one, wicked handsome piece. A keeper.
Last picture of the year, vintage pushpin finial on a hanging drum lamp.

Winter in Pawlet, Vermont

The fresh fallen snow and almost full moon cleans up our crusty little village. The dusk Alpenglow brings such a magical light for the short time of day as the sun goes down and reflects it's light to the hills in The Mettowee Valley. Check out my new door into the shop. Wow. sure does let more light in and the best part is that I can't see any light through the cracks in the door. Still needs paint, but we are bound to have a warm up one of these El Nino January days.

Here's the view I see from my work desk. I love the old brick building that now houses McChesney Realestate. The building had been in a fire in the 70's and rebuilt to it's original state. Next door in the little red barn is Solon Gallery which seems to be open by chance or appointment.

Pawlet Town Hall, 0 Degrees and almost full moon. The town has been restoring this great old building. As in many rural towns there has been a clash of visions; some had wished this old place was pushed down the hill and rebuilt in the outskirts to look like a Rit Aid. I am happy we have chosen to save a treasure. Charm like this isn't recreated so easily.
Pawlet Library, just down from my shop. This had been our elementary school for K-2, but now recreated for the town library. A super resource and meeting place for our small community.
Looking left from my shop towards the general store, Mach's Market. It doesn't look too congested there right now, but this is one hell of an intersection. Usually pick up trucks are parked perpendicular to the store at times creating a one way exit out to the main road. Often at the busy times it is pretty hairy. Cars come around the corner way too fast; how no one has been hurt here I'll never know.
cold, cold almost full moon night.

Craft Workshops, Schedule for 2010 for Lake's Lampshades

My 2010 Schedule as of 12.28.09:

January 13th: Speaking at Equinox Hotel, WBON Annual Conference, How to Light up Your Life and evolution of Lake's Lampshades

January 30: workshop at Lake's Lampshades, Pawlet 11 am-5pm $150

February 13: ditto from above

February 17th: Book talk and Demo at Misty Valley Books, Chester, Vermont 5:30, free

March 13: workshop at Lake's Lampshades, Pawlet

April 17th: workshop at Lake's Lampshades, Pawlet

May 10-16: Brimfield Flea Market, Shelton's Antique Show, booth B53

May 29-30: Vermont Open Studio Tours, self-guided craft tours 10am-5pm

July 19-20: Workshop in Nantucket. Nantucket Historical Society.

Carson Lake Reflexolgy

I am happy to do some shameless family promotion today. It's Christmas Eve Day and Carson is gearing up to start his new career in Reflexology. At midlife he is excited to venture into a new life's direction. In the 25 years that Carson and I have been married he has always had a strong interest in Reflexology. When we were first together Carson would haul out these laminated reflexology cards from his wallet to see where the pressure points were for whatever ailment I might have had.

Just before the birth of my son Duncan, I said to Carson, let's check out that old reflexology book you have to see if there are any tips for childbirth. Sure enough, Childbirth: use 2 half moon combs in your hands and squeeze as the contractions come and ease off with the pressure as the contracts subside. I had a 5 hour labor! The book did say, DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO GIVE BIRTH, and went on to tell a story how this farm lady did it while her husband was out working on the field. She went into labor at home and had to go round him up to help delivery their baby.
Reflexology is an ancient art of healing going back 2345 BC. It is based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in our feet and hands that correspond to our body. It is a natural, drug free treatment options for a variety of health problems. It is used to reduce pain, ease pain over used hands and feet, helps promote balance and normalization of the body, reduces stress and brings on relaxation. It improves circulation and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells.

Carson will be starting his practice at The Circle of Healing in Pawlet, Vermont on January 1, 2010. He is having an introductory offering of 3 sessions for $90. Give yourself a treat for the new year! This will be available through February 2010. Give him a call at 802.325.3641 or email him at woodfire@vermontel.net

good luck Carson!

I know you will be fabulous in your new career! I just hope you will have time for work on me, too!!!
love,
judy

What a Year and Mumbles on Writing a Book

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a special thanks to all my friends for keeping me going this year. It's been a crazy year.... it amazes me how many people keep making beautiful books. An anxious beginning of the year waiting for proofs of my Lampshade Lady Book. The proof arrived at my house one cold winter day, I was giving a workshop and had to run home to let the dogs out for a pee and there the Fed Ex box sat by the door. I beamed with joy as I headed back to the workshop with book in hand. The proof was a great help to me to get the idea of how the book would look, but with no color it was still hard to get the feel for the beauty of Ryan and George's beautiful images.

I have learned more about publishing in a tight economy than I probably should write here.... how many assistant editors did I have... 3, how many editors did I have...2, my marketing person left the week before the book was released... so, guess I wasn't the only one left high and dry. But then there were all the great people along the way, fantastic book designers, a super publicist and her assistant that always emailed very promptly and efficiently and I only wish I had her longer....

Being a first time author is such a funny place to be. Will people buy my book I worked so hard on? I had so many questions... Oh the confidence fluctuated by the hour. Up and down, up and down.... by the hour. An unanswered email... something in my little world was unheard of until this year. If it doesn't want to be answered it won't be.... hummm. okay, it did harden me up a little. Confidence is a funny thing; as an artist I did develop a certain amount crust in art school. I think back to the first day of drawing class with Frank Hewitt at UVM; we had to put up our work for the class and for Frank to critique, yikes that was pretty scary. Oh, do I remember that. Or putting work out at the first craft show- what will the public think??? It is putting yourself out to the world. And your first book has a similar feeling; will they like it? It is lampshades after all....I would wonder will Interior Designers respect my work?? would bloggers write about it?? I did get called a plump brunet... yes, only in LA... true I am a plump brunet.... too funny that they would write it. Duncan said what do you expect Mom, it's LA.. so, that was a first. And my bud Nelson said, that's what you get when you play with the big boys and wrote a very funny poem. (thanks Nelson).

One of the best parts of the year was my book release party here at the shop. I was the caterer, the tent company, the chef, the wine shopper, etc. A big job but I must say an awesome party. Carson and his band played, Bob handled the bar, 4 kd tents popped up on the shop lawn, the humid rain held off till the last guest left. I felt so honored to have so many wonderful, colorful friends. It must have been the hottest day of the summer; I was dripping wet setting up the food, bar, tents, etc. heading for a quick cold shower to take a little red out of my face and a deep breath walking back to the start of the party. It was to be a special night; so hard to be the one in the center, but by the time it started I was able to enjoy the moment.

The tight economy has actually helped the craft businesses, craft books, and how-to books. I found customers still wanted to spend money and wanted something special not the run of the mill mall items. It has been a busy year. And yes, I got through my first book signing/talk... nervous nelly.... but with sage words of advice from 6th grade Eadon, "Judy you'll love it once you get up there, you won't want to get down." Thank goodness for his young words. I kept them in my mind as I rambled on.

And trying to describe making a lampshade on Martha radio with Betsy and Kim... that's sort of hard to do, especially at 8 am. It was fun and went by way too fast. Always a first and there were many this year. But at 50 it is a good time to break out of the comfort zone of life. Guess menopause is good for something- what the hell, right??? Yup!

On to a new year. I've gotten a second wind and off and running with new marketing ideas for 2010. Workshops at Lake's Lampshades, a speaking event at The Equinox Hotel for the WBON... a Workshop in Nantucket at The Nantucket Historical Society, a few book signings and demos, back to Brimfield in May for selling and hopefully buying treasures.

thanks for a great year,
judy

Holiday Lampshade Making

Here's a redwork shade I made this week. I snuck away a little time from holiday orders to make a few holiday shades. I love the birds in this shade. It's got lots of different trims; a few scraps I had around of red damask for the sides, the bottom has a wonderful vintage paisley and the top has a vintage red trim. Just got a new door last week at my shop! You probably aren't too excited, but I am! yipee, maybe my feet might stay a little warmer in the cutest little drafty cape ever known. (no light shows through the door jam!!! near miracle, oh the little things that make our day.)
A few more redwork squares for future kids shades.
detail of the drum shade: 12" x 12" x 8", Susan Sargent Linen-Dot Fabric and trimmed with a vintage dot feed sack fabric. I'm loving the trim on this shade. I guess I can say that because trims are super hard to hit it right and I think this one does just the trick. Doesn't it just add the extra zing to make it different...??? I try.

The shade sits on a great wicker lamp I finally rewired from Brimfield. Speaking of Brimfield, jeez, May will be here sooner or later. I'll be back at The Shelton Show again with the designer gang in the back of the show; a great bunch well worth visiting.

Here's a nice vintage pair of pink depression glass paired with a scallop quilt top shade. Very sweet for a little girls bedroom.

My Official Assistant and Todays Work

My shop has been known in the kitty world has a good place to hang! Kitty has been here since April. He arrived half dead, skinny and who knows where from. His ears, tail and paws had been frost bitten. He was really dirty and stinky and really ratty looking. It was a Monday morning and there he was sitting on my couch as so many other stray kitty have done in the past. Oh boy, I say and a few *@*@*@* . He looked like he was going to die right here now my couch. Now he's gained lots of weight, very clean and has gotten lots of nice handsome thick fur.

I have tried to find a good home for him several times.... but looks like he just became the head lampshade assistant. He loves it here in Pawlet Village and most of the neighbors love him too. I have just ordered him the fanciest kitty door I could find ( hate kitty litter...yuck.)

He does like sitting on my work table- right in the middle of everything! Looking forward to the kitty door. If he had his way he would be a scarf; I've never had such a cuddly kitty. He also is very chatty; good for quiet days at the shop. So you'll probably be seeing more pictures of him as he likes to be right in the middle of everything. You should have seen him at my book release party in August. He was thrilled with all the people that came; he layed right in the middle of the cat mint outside my door and eventually everyone thought he was cute and he did the scarf thing with them. A Hay Day!



A needlepoint lampshade day. Here's two shades that are headed to my good friend Judy Pascal's Shop on Free Street in Portland, Maine. These were a blast to design. So many options. The size lampshade frame was limited by the size of the needlepoint. The first one was quite small and I went for the square bell. I used a vintage ticking fabric for the side trim and a Houles onion tassel for the bottom. The top I used the same trim and snipped off the tassels.


Here's the next shade and Kitty, too. The inspector making sure I've designed the prettiest lamp shade in all of New England. (although it looks like he's snoozing on the job). Another needlepoint, a French Ticking and a French Barkcloth for the trims. A cut -corner square shade. Nice for the holidays. Check of Judy Pascal's shop in Portland.

Lampshade Making: all the work on my desk....

I love when the day starts off with a good project. I am sneaking a day away from my orders to make a few shades for the shop. The constant battle, do I fill orders or get to play with my favorite flea market finds. Here's a super pretty french needlepoint. It's so arty and elegant which led me to use this cut corner rectangle bell which is 9" high and 12" across the bottom.
Here it is lite up. I've used a raw linen for the rest of the panels and a velvet braid for top and bottom. Cost $150. Such a special treat. My newest shop favorite.
Here;s a slightly fuzzy detail. Some interesting stiches.
Next up today was a finishing a pair of hex clip vintage French Ticking. It's a red time of year.... so getting a few made for the shop. 5" top x 10" bottom x 7" high. $75 each. They clip onto the light bulb.

The European grain sacks have had their day in the sun. And they do make nice shades, too. A bit thick to use for trimming, but works fine for the panels. I used a lighter weight for the self-trims.
This is a one of a kind. $75.00

Lake's Lampshade Workshops for 2010

Winter/Spring Lampshade Workshops 2010 w/ Judy Lake, author of:
The Lamphade Lady's Guide to Lighting up Your Life
Jan.30
Feb. 13
March 13
or
April 17th

all Saturdays.

Time: 11am-5pm.

Location: Lake's Lampshades, 60 School St. Pawlet, VT

No summer workshops in Vermont, no air conditioning....:)

These are single workshops not a series. Everyone leaves with a finished lampshade and lots of new lighting info and skills to make fabric hardback lampshades.

COST: $150 for all materials except fabric. Students will bring the fabric of their choice, about 1/2 yd. I encourage you to search through family linen closest or attic to find vintage finds or hit the antique shops. Vintage fabric works easier than new fabric. Must be cotton or linen fiber content.

Students can buy materials after class for a few shades. It's a good idea to do a couple shades soon after our workshop.

Reservations are a must due to small workspace and preparations on my end. Please try to plan ahead. Workshops are lots of fun. Some students come and make one shade and other come to start a business or make all new lampshades for their home. A great resource for interior designers. There is always lots to learn in the lighting world. I am still learning something new everyday and have been making shades for over 20 years!

Bright Lights For November

It's been a wicked hectic fall. It's been pretty crazy trying to run a business and promote a book. Phew, it feels like there might possibly be a chance to take a breath.

I made the executive decision to take 3 days off last week. My arm/shoulder needed a break. My good friend, Dawn made the great suggestion to have a spa day. Yay, that was pretty decadent. My friends had generously given me a gift certificate for The Spa at The Equinox Hotel. So off we went.... an hour and a half massage, sitting by the pool in luxurious thick lined robes, lunch by to pool w/ pinot noir, a few trips to the hot tub outside, sunshine streaming in to give light to my book. Even got in a bunch of laps in the warmest pool ever! About 5pm we sauntered out to Dawn's car and headed back to reality. Yes, we deserved it! And yes it was a blast. Wish we'd brought a camera.... but on the other hand, just as well we didn't.

I'm just getting recharged to get out and promote my book again. If any of you guys have any great ideas.... Workshops for winter will be announced soon. I will most likely have one in Feb, March and April on Saturdays.

My shop hours are usually, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Saturday 10am-5pm. A call is always suggested if you are coming from a distance. It's only me and sometimes things come up, but I am almost always there...My shop is in our little village of Pawlet, not the retail mecca, but a great place for a working studio/retail combination.

We have a new business that has just opened 2 doors down from my shop, Sew Bead It. Bonnie Smith and family have moved her shop down into the village. I am thrilled to have another craftswomen in town. Welcome Bonnie!
Bonnie's got tons of beads and gives classes, too.

When the days start to get longer I get the urge to change up some of my lampshades at home. Just added a few great shades to my home... so easy to switch a few out and brighten up my living space. You would think I would have enough lamps and shades in my house.... no, never enough new ones. I love to change things around and make my house fell fresh again. It's fun to play house....

Glens Fall's Chronicle Bookfair this Sunday, November 1st

I will one of the many authors and vendors attending the Glens Fall's Chronicle Bookfair on Sunday November 1st. It will be at The Queensbury Hotel in downtown Glens Falls. The hours are 11am - 4 pm. I will be signing Lampshade Lady Books and doing a lampshade making demo. The will be many Adirondack authors in attendance.

Come for a literary Sunday.

Last Workshop of the Season is Oct 27th

Just got this great HUNT Scene vintage bark cloth at Brimfield. It wasn't any great bargain, but you know those horse fans. My photo doesn't show the richness of the fabric... but nice old fabric. I used the crochet trim from another dresser scarf; just turned the edges under and added it when it was finished. This shade is a rectangle. The size is 10.5" high and 10"x14" across the bottom. cost$150. I have more of this fabric in-stock for custom orders.
Oct 27 is my last workshop for the season. I have 2 spots left if you were interested. Class is from 11am - 5ish. Check back to prior blog to see all the info. Our last class on the 14th was a fun day. Great shades were made. It is always amazing to see the variety of styles made in a day with ladies from all over the map. We had a mom and daughter group, a lighting/lampshade store owner, an antique shop owner and a couple more that were interested in learning for their homes. The day flew by.

Anyone can make lampshades. It does take practice and the more you do it the better they get. My book, The Lampshade Lady, has a wide variety of projects from easy-medium to advanced. I always get frustrated when craft books have only the simple/easy projects and don't get into more interesting projects. So, in designing my book I wanted to make sure there were some good challenges included for those that wanted it, not that they are that hard but you might not want to start with a cut corner square rectangle or a scallop hex.

Are You Making Lampshades, Yet?

Great Christmas/Holiday gifts. Get started now and you'll be on a roll.

I thought I might write a post on some of the questions I have gotten from emails since my book has come out. I love hearing from my new readers. Thanks for all the great comments.

Questions from readers:

1. where do i find supplies? There are 2 main sources for lampshades supplies, The Lamp Shop and Fogg Lighting. They both have very good websites and are very helpful on the phone. Over the years I have gotten used to ordering supplies. There are many frame choices, ribbons, etc.


2. can i use grosgrain from craft supply stores? The grosgrain ribbon used to make lampshades needs to have a % of cotton and rayon. Most craft stores have grosgrain, but it does not always have the cotton in the fiber content.


3. where do i find the pressure sensitive styrene? Pressure sensitive styrene is available from The Lampshop and Fogg Lighting for small quantities. If you are interested in 25 yards plus, try Artistic Bias in New Jersey. They ship out of the country. I have heard from many of you guys down in Australia trying to find STYRENE. Perhaps it is a niche business needing to be started down your way. Perhaps get together and put in a co-op order or try buying from a small lampshade manufacturer down your way.

4. what kind of glue do you use? Quick glue loaded into an accordion squeeze bottle. Glue bottles can be used over and over. Glue is available from The Lampshop and Fogg Lighting. Dries in about 15-20 minutes.

5. how many shades do you make in a year.... good question.....no idea but what's the saying about idle hands...

6. what do you suggest for the beginner? There are a couple ideas. Start with a small frame. I also suggest the idea of buying a kit from The Lampshop or Fogg Lighting. I think it's a good way to get started; all the materials except fabric are included in the kit.
or take a workshop.... more to be scheduled for 2o10 or one more in Oct. 27 (still a little room, left)

7. can i use my old lampshade frame? Sometimes. If you have an empire shade, aka regular old round shade, you can take it apart and use the old shade as a pattern. Instructions in book.

or if you have an old frame. You can use it if the top is not round. Silk shades often have pretty frames but they can not always be used in making hard back shades.

if you use an old frame, give it a coat of enamel paint and sand if rusty.

8. which brings me to the question of galvanized frames. RUST is the lampshade makers enemy. If you can find galvanized frames or powder coated frames go for it. If your frames are steel you will need to coat them to try to retard rusting.... all of the lampshade ladies and men have issues with this topic.

9. what is your favorite lampshade of the hour? I have loved using vintage needlepoint pieces on my shades. It is a fun challenge to design shades using the needlepoint panel on the front of the shade and compliment it with other fabrics and trims. It takes some searching to find all the pieces to the puzzle, but often with delightful results.

enjoy the weekend.
judy

Memoirs of A Bathtub Psychic

Today is Bethanne's day at last! She is releasing her first book, Memoirs of the Bathtub Psychic. She'll be in Rutland tonight 7pm at Annie's Bookstop signing books and book talk. I met Bethanne many years ago when my dearest shop dog Odie first got sick.

Bethanne was a new customer at my lampshade shop. She loved my lampshades and kept coming back for more. Each time she came back we got to know each other a little bit better. One of the times she arrived at the shop she mentioned that my dog looked sick. How could it be? Odie was incredibly strong and had always seemed in perfect health to me.

Odie's story is one of the chapters in Bethanne's new book; The Lampshade Lady's Dog. Odie has since died but he went on to live another 5 years with Bethanne's help. I will be forever grateful for her generosity and wisdom. He lived till almost 15, which is pretty good for a big handsome Australian Shepherd. I will always miss him, he was the world to me, but I was fortunate to have met Bethanne just at the right time in my life.

Check out her book, The Memoirs of a Bathtub Psychic!

Tonight at 7pm Annie's Bookstop, Rutland, Vermont

Drum Shades Still Rule the Day and Easy to Make

Drum shades are one of the easiest lampshades to make. They take lots of fabric and trim, but go together pretty fast. I like making drum shades with equal dimensions top and bottom. These shades are 16" across the top x 16" across the bottom and 10.5" high. It's a handy size for floor lamps, pendant lamps and large table lamps. COST for this shade, $150 plus shipping.

This top shade is trimmed with a turquoise and green trim; it adds the perfect finish to this eye stopping shade.


Drum shades are made by drawing a large rectangle. The size can be adjusted to your room needs. Cut styrene to the size needed for shade. The diameter of shade x 3.14 = needed length plus an inch for the overlap. Cut out and laminate to the back side of fabric. You will need a top ring and a bottom ring. Glue top ring into place running a light bead of glue and setting ring in place with clothes pins and then do the same with bottom ring and glue up back seam.

Use grosgrain on top and bottom to hold wires in place. Make sure to use grosgrain with 40% cotton. Add decorative trim to finish. These are quick basic directions, many more tips in my new Lampshade Lady book, plus great sources for trims, fabrics, lampshade materials and more.
Love this one! You'll probably recognize the chenille spread. I just may have to take one of these home. It's fits the bill for VINTAGE MATERIALS MADE MODERN. This chenille was hanging in my shop for days. I looked over to it to see the circle pattern. ooooh, very exciting. I was psyched to give this shade a try. SHADE cost for this one: $150. plus shipping.

And lastly, a quite shot of the lampshade shop. No photo prep here!!! It was a busy Columbus Day long weekend. A day off today. Phew, good thing. And a busy workshop tomorrow, big group from all over New England. One last workshop after this on Tuesday, Oct. 27 th 11am-5pm. I still have spots if you are interested, call this shop. 802-325-6308. Last class for 2009. I'll be scheduling winter 2010 workshops shortly.

thanks to all of you for all the great emails about my new book. I appreciate all the good words. It has been a special time for me. Very rewarding after completing such a big project.

Just Set up at Hildene Craft Show

I'm just back from setting up for The Craft Producer's Hildene Craft Show
I haven't been a vendor at craft shows in many years. When I started my business Lake's Lampshades many moons ago I was a crafts girl on the craft show road. Oh, to think of those weeks that I booked 5 shows in a row.... one day to bounce back and crank to make enough inventory for the next show. How did I ever do it? Many people still do it all summer long.

I'm taking my Lampshade Lady Book to the show and doing a lampshade demo and maybe selling a few shades, too. I just purchased a fancy new tent that is stiff as the dickens and was missing some rivets. Luck that I had today, a craft guy and his wife were walking by just as I was setting up my tent. He just happened to have a rivet thinger- ma- gig. Fixed my tent, what luck was that. But it still is too stiff raising it up....???

The weekend weather sounds sort of wet...and cold. Just stopped at Shaws for some good soups, light bulbs and snacks.

Yesterday I had my first lampshade workshop of the fall. It was a fun day with great stories. We all had such fun together. Creativity was happening on School Street. I love how our life's stories all work together finding out how small our world is. A fun day yesterday made todays pack up/ set up all that much easier.

If you are in Southern Vermont this weekend, head down to the Hildene Craft show in Manchester. I am right by the gate, 2nd vendor in. I am praying for some sun and light rain and no snow. One year perhaps 20 years ago, Charlie Dooley the original owner of the craft show was staying on the top of Mt. Equinox at the motel that used to be there. Shorts and sandals... and that year were got lots of show this weekend. Power outages, tents collapsing. Glad I wasn't there then, but must have been a total disaster. Can you imagine the weight of all the heavy snow? Not this year, I hope.

This Wednesday's Lampshade Workshop has spots still available

I still have room in this Wednesday's fabric workshop if there are any spur of the moments students out there. Everyone leaves with a finished lampshade, lots of helpful lighting info and a fun day. Students also get to purchase my new book and lampshade materials at a reduced cost.

We have the workshops right in my shop. I push back all the display props and tables and make room for the gang. We usually start out with a mid size shade, either a square or hex frame. Students usually bring their own fabrics, but if you get stuck, I have lots... as you can see.

We start the day at 11am which usually gives everybody time to arrive in Vermont. We run till 1 pm or the point where are shades are put together and drying, then break for lunch. The Pawlet General Store, Machs is two doors down from my shop. So handy. I have the tea pot on and homemade cookies (hopefully). Then it's back to work making finishing trims and putting the grosgrain on. And tea and cookies... I see in England they have a wine and cheese hour in their lampshade making, only in Europe; but heck it might make trimming the shade easier which is fine by me.

We'll finish up between 4 and 5pm. Usually a proud moment to put our shades on a lamp and admire our hand-crafted lampshade. Hope you can join us. I'll be back in the shop on Monday, 802-325-6308. The foliage isn't quite peak, but it's coming. Still pretty out. We just drove up to Danby for Sunday breakfast and the leaves are making progress.

I will be set up this coming week at The Hildene Craft Show in Manchester Village, Vermont. I will be signing copies of my new book, The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting up your Life and do a lampshade demo. The show runs Friday-Sunday 2,3,4 10am-5pm. It is in the Hildene polo field on the River Road, just past the grand Equinox Hotel.

VINTAGE + Textile + Homemade + Love + Talented Needleworkers = great finds + materials for new lampshades

*notes from the flea market week before last: I had stumbled upon a booth with lots and lots of vintage embroideries. They were priced to sell. I think it was 2 bucks each for all the textiles on the table. Wowowowowo. oh my goodness. okay, focus.... okay calm down and start looking through and making a pile of keepers. First I was the only one there and then some nice other crafty ladies also spotted the big table piled high with big deals. I heard them talking about the wonderful softness of old textiles... yupp, I thought, they got it. The textile bug. They were loving the history and life these old treasures have. It's all about being at the right place at the right time. But then to think of all the not so good deals but can't pass'em by treats I've splurged for over the years.




look how pretty all these fibers blend together on my old wall papering ladder. They are just waiting to be used.

Photo Credit: Ryan Benyi

Lampshade Lady Book Release Party, Aug 18 2009

Me and Angela sending The Lampshade Lady Book out to the world!
Nicole and Paula w/ Lampshade Lady fans! I decorated them with book pictures and pom poms. Great on the hot and humid night. Rain held out till almost everyone had left.
A true community affair. It was a wonderful night and one to be remembered by all. A huge celebration of love and support. Thanks to all that joined in.
The party spilled out into the street. Good thing it's a sleepy village.
We popped up 3 10 x 10 kd tents, lots of good food and drink. And the gang arrived for a delightful evening. How lucky we were with the weather.... the summer of rain.

George, never without the camera! Thanks George for all the
great how-to photos in my book.
Many thanks to my husband, Carson and The Thursday night band. They were perfect to give a bit of funk to the night.

Brimfield Pictures

Here's my booth at Brimfield. Everyone wanted to buy my white table! I thought this might be a problem, but it was such a great prop. It is pretty. And so sturdy.
I brought lots of my new Lampshade Lady Books.
Inside my little booth. It's been a few years since doing shows, but it comes right back quick. I've already signed on to doing May Brimfield!
I love this quirky shade on the custard glass lamp. It's pretty spunky, especially when lit up.
Melissa and Cary's booth. The gals from Concord were set up
across the way.
Philippa and Mary's booth. Such laughs we had. Did we eat!!
Lobster rolls all around.

September 30th Lampshade Workshop is Coming Up

My first fall workshop is just around the corner. September 30th, Wednesday 11am-4pm or so. I've heard from many of you, but need confirmations, please. I have room for several more students, but space is limited so don't be disappointed. We make a mid-size shade using either a hex 6-sided or square frame. Everything is included except students bring their own fabrics. It is fun to find a vintage treasure at the flea market or perhaps you have something stashed away in your attic.

I teach lots of lighting tricks to help get the perfect shade fit. I find that most people, even interior designers are petrified of lampshades. It can be hard to find a funky decorative lampshade that suits your taste and fits your lamp. Find your favorite fabric and you are off!
Workshops are $150 and reservations are a must due to limited space.

Some of my students will start out making one shade and before they know it they have redone their whole house! That's how I started my business. I started making lampshades as a hobby; we had our first house and needed lamps and shades. What better way to save money than by making it yourself. And then I needed Christmas gifts.... and then by then I realized it was a fun craft and turned it into an art. As Malcolm Gladwell says, 20,000 hours makes us an expert or was it 10,000... I think I needed the 20,000 hours. The more you do it the better you get. The faster you get and the better your eye becomes. And the better fabric choices you make. I can generally shop very fast. I can cruise around the flea market pretty speedy, keeping an eye out for textiles. Usually the only thing that can slow me down is the price; can I make a profit from this expensive piece of beautiful fabric? And at times that can be debatable, but I'll get it anyway for one of those to die for shades.

I hope you'll come up to Vermont for a workshop. We have a great time and everyone leaves with a finished lampshade. After the class students are welcome to purchase materials for another lampshade or 2. I recommend that you do one not too long after the first one so that you will remember the steps, but now you can look back into my new Lampshade Lady Book and get lots of great ideas.

Brimfield Days

We've had great weather at Brimfield the past 2 days. I'm just back from dinner after a busy day at The Flea Market. I am set up with friends at the back end of the Shelton Antique Show. Our end of the show has a great stretch of higher end booths with a nice array of antiques and collectibles. Next to me is Philippa and Mary with antique prints, across the way is Sharon with vintage textiles and lavender pillows, her friend with silk jackets and down the row is Melissa and Carrie from Concord and many more friendly folks nearby.

I've run into lots of folks from home in Vermont. It is sweet to see familiar faces when away. I am trying to figure out how long to stay at the show. Looks like a little moisture coming.... not always fun. We'll see how tomorrow goes. I'm bushed! I have forgotten how much energy it takes to be out in the public eye all day. The key is to pace yourself.... and eat healthy. We had the yummiest lobster rolls for lunch. Super fresh.

It has been great to bring my new book down to Brimfield. Customers come from all over the world to visit the show. I enjoyed chatting with a nice young woman from Japan. She hopes to move to Boston. There are lots of Japanese customers in attendance. They love the country look as well as the vintage fashions.

The flea market life is new to me. I have done many craft shows over the years, but this is really a different experience. I really have to say the group near me is incredibly wonderful. Everyone is helpful and friendly. My first night I stayed in my car..... we had to be set up by 6 am... and figured it didn't make much sense to stay in a hotel if only for such a short time. It was okay, I felt entirely safe. Most of the folks in the surrounding booths also stayed the night. It was okay... but happy to be in my hotel tonight and looking forward to putting head to pillow and nice hot shower...things we take for granted. Better sign off for now, morning will be here soon. I loved writing the date today, 9.9.09 pretty cool. I kept hoping for more sales so I could write the date!
signing off from Brimfield. Hope I get to shop myself tomorrow.