Upcycled Lamp with Coordinating Pillow

Step 2:

7. In the small dyeing container, measure 1 Tablespoon Lemon Yellow and ½ teaspoon Pink with 1 cup very hot water (140° F); stir well. Note: If water is not hot enough, water and dye can be covered with plastic wrap and heated in the microwave for 1 minute.

8. Lay the second square of fabric on paper towels. Using the 1/2” paint brush, dye-paint in the centers of all the flowers using the yellow dye solution.

Step 3:

9. Lay your fabric square on plastic wrap. Cover the square with another layer of overlapping plastic wrap. Seal the edges of the plastic wrap. Fold to fit in the microwave. Line bottom of microwave with paper towels. Lay wrapped fabric square in microwave and set on HIGH for 1 minute. Let cool then remove plastic.

10. Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry.

Step 4:

Sewing The Pillow:


1. Pin the black piping to the right side of one of the pillow squares. Machine baste trim in place using a long stitch length.

2. Pin the other pillow square to the square with trim, right sides together. Using a 5/8” seam allowance, stitch the squares together leaving a 12” opening on one side. Trim corners.

3. Turn pillow squares right side out. Press

4. Insert the pillow form in the opening. Hand stitch the opening closed.

Step 5:

Covering Lamp Shade

1. To make pattern for lampshade: Using a marker, mark a spot on the bottom edge of the shade. Mark another spot directly above it on the top edge of the shade (If your shade has a vertical seam you can use this as a guide for your marks). Now mark 2 spots directly across from these two marks. The marks should be evenly spaced, dividing the shade in half.

2. Tape 2 pieces of computer paper together, side by side.

3. Lay the lampshade on the paper at a slight angle. Note marks.

4. Place a pencil at the shades lower edge at the mark and walk the shade around until you come to the second mark. Repeat this for the top edge.

Step 6:

5. With a ruler, connect the upper line with the lower line. Add about 3/4” to each of the edges. This is your pattern.

6. Place the pattern on the fold of your fabric. Cut out the lampshade fabric.

Note: You can purchase Ready-to-Cover lampshades at your local craft store.

Step 7:

Dyeing the Lampshade:

1. In the small dyeing container mix 1 tablespoon Rit Liquid Dye and ½ teaspoon Rit Liquid Dye Petal Pink with 1 cup very hot water – at least 140°F. Stir well.

2. Using the 1/2” paint brush, paint in the centers of all the flowers using the yellow dye mixture.

3. Lay your fabric on plastic wrap. Cover the fabric with a layer of overlapping plastic wrap. Seal the edges. Fold to fit in the microwave. Line bottom of microwave with paper towels. Lay wrapped fabric in microwave and set on HIGH for 1 minute. Let cool, then remove plastic.

4. Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry.



Assembling the Lampshade:

1. Spray the lampshade with spray adhesive according to the manufacturer’s directions.

2. Carefully position the lampshade fabric onto the lampshade.

3. Use craft glue to make a smooth seam up the back, folding one edge under and overlapping the other.

4. Run a bead of glue on the inside of the shade at the bottom edge. Turn the lampshade fabric to the inside of the shade. Repeat this for the top edge. Allow the glue to dry then trim off the excess fabric with sharp scissors.

5. On the outside of the lampshade, run a bead of glue along the bottom edge.

Position a piece of extra wide double fold bias tape along the lower outer edge. Glue the end down. Repeat this for the upper outer edge of the lampshade. Use clothespins to hold the bias tape in place until the glue dries.