I have the same issue.... The only thing that I have done is go to a fabric shop they have lots of ideas for lamp shades or call a clap shade company if UR local fabric shop does not have what you want they can custom cover one for you.

I just "made" a new shade from an old shade and a linen tablecloth. I found a thrift store shade that was the shape & size I wanted, removed fabric (save for pattern) and cut new covering from t'cloth. Lining is from scrap fabric and edging is bias strip of linen. Seams are sewn and all is attached with double stick tape (I used 3M).

That popular video site has many downloads on this subject. Check it out.

AdaO

So you have just the top and bottom rings of the shade, no vertical bars connecting them?

I've bought flexible clear sheets of acrylic/plastic at TAP Plastics. I think it was $12 for a 30" x 40" sheet. If that doesn't work for you, how about clear placemats? I've used those for shades--I only used them with CFL bulbs, which are cooler than incandescents, so can't guarantee they won't melt with hot bulbs.

Sorry for not being more specific. I got the complete frame with the verticals.

Oh, in that case, you can just cover it with fabric, you don't need styrene or other stiffener.

We just had the top and bottom rings from our old lamp shades. We cut up a map in the correct shape and size, had it laminated, and trimmed the plastic laminate close to the map. We taped each shade to the rings, and covered the top and bottom edges with white electrical tape.

We used a map of our area, but you could really use anything - maybe make a collage of pictures and have them laminated? We use LED bulbs in these lamps, so there is very little heat involved. But the plastic seems like it could withstand a fair amount of heat if necessary.

I've seen some beautiful shades in boutique stores using the old frames wrapped with lace. They were pretty expensive so I looked it up on interest thinking I might make one myself. My first mistake was buying a thrift store shade with no vertical bars on the shade. I still want to do this project with the right frame.

Since we're talking about lampshades, I found a nice brass lamp that actually works out by the dumpster, but the shade is very dirty, but otherwise in decent shape. I was thinking of spray painting it and adding some bead fringe at the top and bottom. What kind of paint would I use? I haven't crafted in so long, I don't know what to get anymore.

dirtygardener73,

Last week I snagged a Stiffel floor lamp by our dumpster. The shade, pleated fabric over plastic, was heavy with smoke stains and edge trimming was ragged. I removed the edging, filled a litter pan (usually used for potting plants) with warm water, laundry detergent & non-chlorine bleach, and laying on it's side, rotated it several times in the water. Not all stains came out, so I added a small amount of Clorox which did the trick. Rinsed thoroughly, blotted dry, placed back on lamp and dried with hair drier. With trim and braiding replaced, it looks like new.

If you decide to paint your shade, I recommend a fabric spray paint available at hobby/craft stores, W'mart, etc. Good luck.

www.simplyspray.com.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to using it in my LR. The lamp is so pretty, but the college kids around here can't wait to get rid of Mom and Dad's hand-me-downs and get all new Ikea stuff. I've gotten some great stuff, like a caneback desk chair that I absolutely love. Now I just need someone to toss out a desk!

So you're in a college town, too? Graduation is May 14 & 15 here for two colleges within a mile or so. I used to go curb shopping but now just dorm dumpsters which are more rewarding and easier.

I just an hour ago pulled an Ethan Allen traditional wing back chair from our dumpster. Clean, almost new condition and the ribbed velveteen upholstery goes with my color scheme!!! It's going to be perfect in my new condo in three weeks.

Congrats on the chair! Wow! I don't have a vehicle, so I'm pretty much restricted to what I can find at the dumpsters at my complex. Someone threw a beautiful futon frame into the dumpster the other day, but I had no one to help me get it. It had no mattress, but I wouldn't want to get a mattress from a student anyway. Just thinking of what might be lurking there makes me cringe. Once, I found some beautiful, almost brand-new sheets in a plastic bag by the dumpster, so I grabbed them, washed and dried them, and still got scabies! I don't get linens or upholstered furniture anymore.