https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/ikat-inspired-lamp-makeover • Posted by Sannu Vaarala
Easy and affordable way to update an old lampshade. Ikat inspired patterns and strong colors are popular in bohemian and contemporary home decor. Trendy lamps can be quite pricey so why not do some DIY magic with acrylic paint. You get to choose colors that match perfectly for your apartment and this tutorial goes with every lampshade size you want to use as long as the shape is cone.
Easy and affordable way to update an old lampshade. Ikat inspired patterns and strong colors are popular in bohemian and contemporary home decor. Trendy lamps can be quite pricey so why not do some DIY magic with acrylic paint. You get to choose colors that match perfectly for your apartment and this tutorial goes with every lampshade size you want to use as long as the shape is cone.
Plain white lampshade works best with colors as there won´t be any surprises how the colors will react and it is also easier to draw the pattern through the fabric. In case you are using a thrifted lampshade like I did remember to clean it properly.
Take some leftover paper like wrapping paper or old newspaper. Wrap it tightly around the lampshade making a cone.
Cut out the leftovers from the paper so you get a model from the lampshade.
Take the model out and spread to a strong white paper. For example wallpaper is great for this. Draw the outlines of the model. Use a ruler to make lines more exact.
Now look at the lampshade and decide how you want to start the pattern. Measure the angle from the seam and draw it to the model.
When you have the first line you can draw the other lines that go to the same direction by taking 2-3 measurements from the line horizontally and using these marks as guides to draw the next line (in my lampshade I made lines every 4 cm). Make lines until you have covered the whole lampshade. Then make the lines to other direction by taking the angle from the end of the paper and then taking the same angle to the other direction (in my work the angle was 60 degrees). This is how you get the first line to other direction. Then make the lines taking measurements horizontally and drawing the lines using measurements as a guideline.
When the pattern is on the paper make lines stronger using a black marker. Cut out the model.
Tape the model inside the lampshade. Light the lamp and you can see the pattern through the fabric.
Draw the pattern to the lampshade with a pencil.
Now take the first color and paint the lines you draw. Fill the pattern by painting small brush strokes from the line to inside (see picture).
Paint all parts that come with the first color. Point is to leave a hand painted look so it doesn´t matter if the shape varies a little as long as you follow the lines drawn. Let dry.
Then take the second color. A good idea is to choose a deeper shade of the same color. Paint the organic shape you can see in the picture. First sketch one longer line with half moons and dots on both sides. Then make the shape stronger. Paint all parts that come with the second color. Let dry.
Then it is time for the finishing touch. Paint lines following the lines drawn (you can see the lines through the first color). I chose golden paint as it gives light and glamour to the pattern. Let dry and you are ready!