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Ever since I found my first vintage lampshade frame on the side of the road and suffered extreme sticker shock at the cost to get it recovered professionally, I have been looking for easy and inexpensive ways to dress up the plain (and may I say, boring) lampshades that are more budget friendly.
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Here are a few of my favorite (and easy) crafty lampshade embellishments that will fit any budget:
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A few years ago (my how time flies!) I decorated a guest room and playroom for a favorite client. Because Liz is an amazing chef, I chose the theme of a “sweets shoppe” for the playroom. To embellish the plain Wal-Mart lampshade, I used clip-on curtain rings, ribbon and metal cookie cutters in fun colors.  The look is playful, cheery and easily changable as the grandchildren grow.
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Vintage burlap shades are some of my person favorites, but too often they can look dull and fuddy duddy on their own. I have taken to attaching oversized silk flowers to mine using hat pins. I often change out the flowers seasonally, and sometimes I even replace them with other fun objects- paper pinwheels in the summer, felt leaves for fall… By using hat pins I can change the look easily and quickly without damaging the shade.
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Ball fringe and a hot glue gun can be a huge asset to any lampshade, especially small ones. Because I only had small scraps of this vintage fringe, I wasn’t if I would ever find a use for them. Then I remembered these small chandelier lampshades that I leftover from another project. Together they added a great bit of drama and color to a small powder room.
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Paper shades can be the plainest of the plane when it comes to lampshades. Luckily a single hole punch, some ribbon and a great vintage button can solve that problem.
To create a clean and sophisticated look, make sure to measure and mark before you punch.
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On this lampshade, I used my fingers as my guide. My pattern was 1 finger space apart/punch then two finger spaces apart/punch. Using a pencil I marked off where each punch should go before getting started. If you are nervous about trying this. Wrap a piece of paper into a cone shape and practice measuring and marking your pattern.
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Finally, when in doubt, you can always thrown some vintage hankies over the top edges of the shade and call it a day. This lampshade embellishment is sweet and simple, and goes perfectly in a vintage cottage or  little girls room. Just layer and fold the top corner of each hankie around the top edge of your shade (do not cover the middle or the light bulb portion for safety.)
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Those are just a few of my ideas of how to easily light up your life with some inexpensive embellishments.  Thank you for lighting my life up by letting me share these crafty tips with you today!
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