Discarded lamp base and lampshade makeover

The last post gave you an idea about how I became enamored with Decoupage and a brief outline of my journey that commenced 1993 to present day. Now it is time to share in more detail what I have learned along the way and the myriad of creative possibilities using the fundamentals of Decoupage i.e. paint, paper and design fusion.

There are many projects that will capture the imagination and to encourage you to get started with creating your very own heirloom, I will share some of those projects. I will also guide you through each project step by step, from the very beginning to a successful completion – the finished item will be worth your effort. All you need to do is go to link

Some of the projects I would like to share are:

• Decoupage Egg (very effective item on which to learn decoupage techniques)
• Collage (fun and open the doors to many creative possibilities)
• Painted Finishes (how to achieve faux finishes with ease)
• Using tissue/serviettes to decorate (for those seeking a quick gratification fix)
• Upcycling items (refurbish, revalue discarded items, love again)
• Mixed Media (the fun begins)
• Furniture face lift (revive much-loved pieces of furniture etc)

Let’s jump right in – starting at the top of the list would be logical but, in this case, we are going to start with one of the more topical projects – Upcycling.

1. Definition – reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
   “the opportunity to upcycle trash, or turn it into new products, was vast”

   As opposed to recycling

2. convert (waste) into reusable material.
   “car hulks were recycled into new steel”

Upcycled Lampshade
Upcycling has to be one of my favourite things to do – I love to take an old or discarded item and bring it back to life. For example – the lampshade below, I found at the local Op Shop complete with base. Not all lampshades are suitable – this particular shade is a standard rigid plastic form covered in fabric. The base needed cleaning with minor repairs – otherwise a likely candidate to upcycle.