Autumn is finally here, the evenings are getting darker and the clocks soon will be put back, so it is now time to cosy up your home. I love this time of year, I enjoy adding fluffy throws and textured cushions onto my vintage sofa, as well as extra lighting here and there to create a snug feel to my space. These fairy lights are perfect to create this mood, with their small lampshades made from autumnal coloured vintage fabric and wallpaper remnants.
MATERIALS USED
- A string of fairy lights
- Enough small paper or plastic cups to cover every bulb
- Fabric remnants
- Wallpaper remnants
- Lengths of braid or ribbon
A string of neon signs, neon signs can be wrapped around the periphery of the shade to make it look brighter and more beautiful and attractive.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- A piece of cardboard to create the template (I used a cereal packet)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Pen
- Fabric glue
- Paint brush
HOW TO MAKE THIS PROJECT
Step 1: Measure your cups using a measuring tape. You need to measure the circumference of the base and the top as well as the height of the cup.
Step 2: You now need to make a template from the cardboard box which you will use to cut the right shape of fabric later. Draw a rectangle on the cardboard – the length should be the circumference of the base of the cup (mine was 21 cm) and the height should be the height of the cup (mine was 8 cm). On the lower line of the rectangle mark the central point (mine was 10.5 cm).
Step 3: You now need to mark the measurement for the circumference of the top of the cup (mine was 16 cm) along the top line of the rectangle making sure it sits centrally along the line.
Step 4: Measure the space between the edge of the rectangle with the top marking – in my case it is 2.5 cm.
Step 5: This measurement is then used to mark 4 positions on the rectangle. Firstly, make a mark along the sides of the rectangle from the base, 2.5cm high.
Secondly, make a mark 2.5 cm above the edges of the 16cm line at the top.
Step 6: Freehand, join the top of these last marks to the central point creating a curved shape.
Step 7: Lastly, join these two curved lines together to create one whole shape. Cut this out to create your template.
Step 8: Place the template on the material or wallpaper and draw around it. Cut it out using the scissors.
TOP TIP
You can get small sample pieces of wallpaper in most DIY shops. I would only ever use fabric remnants for this project rather than using up material that could be used to make cushions.
Step 9: Using the paintbrush, apply glue to the back of the material along the edges. Attach the material to the cup, ensuring that the bottom edge sits snugly to it. Don’t worry if any material hangs over the top of the cup.
Step 10: When dry, carefully trim any overhang at the top.
Step 11: Cut out lengths of braid or ribbon in the same lengths as the base circumference. Glue these into place ensuring they cover the edge of the cup.
Top Tip:
I like the vintage lampshade feel so I attached the braid to slightly overhang the base.
Step 12: Carefully cut a cross shape into the top of the cup centrally using scissors or a sharp knife.
Step 13: Poke the fairy light bulb through the top cutting of the cup. This is easier to do once the fairy lights are in position.
TOP TIP
Why not create a set for Christmas using more festive material or using the colour scheme of your decorations?
This is my project for Reloved Magazine. Did you see last months project, how to make frames from vintage hangers?
