The Lampshade Lady Blog

Pawlet Vermont Newsletter on Lampshade Lady Book

2009-07-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

First Book Press. Yay. Thanks so much to my neighbor Elizabeth Gibson for putting together the Pawlet Newsletter each season and for including my new or at this point seems old book. Only one more month and it'll be out. It's quite a feat to to break into the book world. Right now it is the funniest time. It is busy at the shop is the usually summer rush despite the economic times so that is great, but the chaos is waiting in the wings....certainly the calm before the storm.

It has been fun to show off my copy of the book to customers, if they were only here now..... to land in nyc in a week....phew. Lots of press copies have gone out far and wide. I have another article coming out any day in Home Lighting and Accessories Magazine, a trade journal to the lighting industry. I am a little HOME-MADE for the industry, but certainly have set some trends over the years.

Back to work, check out the book on Amazon or pre-order a personalized one from me on my website, lakeslampshades.com

My New Lampshades, Yay!!!!

2009-06-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

I got a new lampshade! Wouldn't you think it wouldn't be too big a deal..... nope. I am still excited to get new lampshades. And YES, it does make such a difference. Happy, Happy.... so queer, but I get tired of stuff really easy. My design test it: HOW LONG CAN I LIVE WITH SOMETHING AND NOT TIRE OF IT! pretty simple. If I have a fabric or a pottery bowl or even a coffee mug- do I still love it after all these years. I am really fussy when I buy things. I am not a perfectionist, but I do not like to buy anything I don't love. I don't have the money to waste on unattractive stuff, even down to the kitty bowl.

My new drum shade is 12" across the top by 12" across the bottom by 8" high. It has a clip adapter with one of my pushpin finials to clip onto the light bulb upside down. Too easy. I am making a couple more of these tomorrow if anyone is interested. They will be $75 each.
I showed this shade before in my shop. And here it is! At home with me. The color ties in super nice with the room.

Flamin' Reds Wood-Fired Pizza

2009-06-27T06:57:00.001-07:00

Flamin' Reds Wood-Fired Pizza Business

It's time for a little shameless family promotion. This is my husband's business.
Carson was a chef for 20 years in fine restaurants in Vermont. He was ahead of the
the foodie curve. And ahead of the wood-fired pizza craze. He trained at the Culinary
Institute of America many moons ago. I not only married him because he was a
good guy, but created great food. Having a family life and many long hard years in
the restaurant business led him to create his business Flamin' Reds.

Maybe 16 years ago, Carson and our friend Peter Moore started building a brick oven
in Peter's barn. They originally were building an oven that could be mobile....
Famous last words! The oven turned out so large they could barely get it out of Peter's
barn!!! Oh my goodness, we will all remember the moving day. The oven had to be
moved out of the barn, down a steep hill, go a couple of miles and then up our hill and
into place next to "the pizza hut". We were all holding our breath. It could have easily
been a smashing mess. Flamin' Reds started it's first year 15 years ago at the Londonderry.Vt. farmers market.
As I write today, he again is headed back to the Londonderry Farmer's Market.
Saturdays 9am-1pm. He's usually there. And also at the Manchester.VT market 2-6pm
on Thursdays. For many years he had developed a wonderful wholesale business but
has decided to bring the business to the local level and continues to wholesale to local
stores and the farmers markets. He also sells by the case to individual customers.

His info is: Carson Lake, P.O. Box 295, Pawlet,VT 05761 802-325-3641
6-grain organic flour wood -fired 12" crusts
White organic flour wood-fired 12" crust Spelt organic flour wood-fired 12" crusts

Carson's has added frozen dough to his line-up for the DIY pizza and calzone makers. It
Sure makes it easy.

Lake's Lampshade Interview on Contemporary Cloth Blog

2009-06-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week here at Lake's Lampshades. Some weeks plod along with busy, busy creativity and others seem to finally come together and make big headway. I had an interview with Sondra of Contemporary Cloth. It is up on their blog, check it out and also check out their funky fabrics. Thanks so much Sondra; it was lots of fun.

I got a sneak preview of my Lampshade Lady Book. Phew, it is soooooooo beautiful, if I say so myself. My book designer and gang did an incredible job. As I have written here earlier, most of my job on the book is done once we submited the photos and manuscript. Sure lots of editing back and forth, but design wise it's was pretty much out of my hands. I am really impressed by the clean design, the photos look fantastic and best of all, it's not too cute. Thank you, thank you. I guess the big job of selling the book is ahead, but sure makes it easier to sell if you love it!
Shades of the day! The French sure can design things beautifully. Pretty French Vintage Needlepoint. Oh, so yummy. I'm lovin' these colors, but being a purple girl it isn't hard. Here I've used that vintage trim I found at the textile show this spring, a French purple check and a new trim at the top.
detail of top

detail of bottom.

Not just Lampshades at the Lampshade Shop

2009-06-15T11:26:00.001-07:00

It seems to be pet central at the lampshade shop. Here is Ziggy dancing with my dear friend Scarlett. Too sweet for words.

As I write this the stray, well barely stray kitty (below) is sitting on my lap.... I think this is the 5th stray that has found it's way to my shop. It must be the couch on the covered porch or maybe the salmon at Leo and Beverly's Mio Bistro next door. The girls down the road named him Creamsicle; the perfect name for an extra sweet orange and white kitty. For the time being he has taken up residence at the shop. Last year I did take a stray home which we named Girly Bob. It was almost me or the kitty at home.... and I have been forewarned, no more pets... I agree.
2 dogs, 2 cats; that's plenty.
Creamsicle, he's looking better by the day! He is sitting on
my lap as I type.... okay, back to making lampshades. I didn't have
any brilliant things to write today on lighting design.... so my animal buddies got to show off!
Girly Bob, the stray that made her way home from work with me. She showed up last winter when it was cold and snowy. How could I leave her to freeze on my porch... okay, I am going back to work.... bye for now. judy

Recycle Your Auntie's Embroideries and The Vermont Palette Project

2009-06-11T16:41:00.000-07:00

I am sure if you have been following my blog you know I am crazy for great embroideries. A few years ago Vermont had a state project called The Palette Project. This photo is part of my palette. I fretted for a month what to do with my palette; it was a piece of thin plywood shaped like a painters palette. I was stuck for months how to approached this form. First I had to get over the shape. One dreary March day the idea hit me. Use all the embroidery scraps I've stowed away for a rainy day..... Yay. I was on track with a direction for the palette.

Hours later, several glue bottles empty, lots of yarn and fabric scraps everywhere my palette was starting to take form. It was lots of cutting and gluing. Hours were flying by and my project was coming together. Layer upon layer the colors and textures blended together. Pretty, pretty.

This year's state project is puzzle pieces. I haven't come across any brainstorms yet and it sits tucked in one the corners of my shop.

The Perfect Book for Starting Your Own Creative Business

2009-05-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic book if you are inspired to start a new creative business!!! Or even if you think you know it all!!! I am only a few pages into this book and have already found new ideas and info for my business and I have been at it for over 2 decades. Point made, we are always learning new ideas and ways of doing business. And that is what makes the challenge of owning your own business fun.
The book is written by Meg Mateo Ilasco and published by Chronicle Books. It is a very honest way of evaluating if you are up for the challenge for getting your feet wet and finding your passion. It makes you ask the hard questions while encouraging you to push ahead and find the confidence it takes to put your product into the marketplace. I enjoy helping my students start up businesses and there is always the questions like: how do you price your product? Do you wholesale and how does that work with prices. How do I sell my products and where would you suggest..... I am thrilled to be able to suggest this book to my students and fellow friends. I am looking forward to going home tonight to a glass of wine and delving deeper into the book.

I have always been fascinated with the question of why we do what we do. I have made a conscious decision to keep my business small. Probably because I can....???? Or don't have a clue how to take it to the next level. But deep down, I think that doing one or 2 of a kind lampshades is a niche that lets me design and execute from start to finish a decorative useful product for the home. I am creating something my customer won't find in her favorite catolog or design center. For me, I love the "making" as well as the designing and would miss that piece of the pie if my business was to grow. But on the other hand, never say never....right?

Lake's Lampshade Updates,May/June Vermont Magazine and Mumbles

2009-05-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

Very exciting news for Pawlet Village and West Pawlet Artist: See the May/June issue of Vermont Magazine. Page 21, Pawlet Palette, by Carl Decker and Nancy Levine. We say a big thank you to the gang at Vermont Magazine. It's a great way to start the spring season. They have featured artisans in the hub of both villages including, Milliner-Denise Tilley, Me, Painter- Roy Egg, Photographer- Stephen Schaub, Photographer-George Bouret, Painter- Matt Solon and our 2 General Stores, Machs General Store and Dutchies Store.
Check it out.

Here is a new shade made recently in the shop. I found this handsome crewel this winter on ebay. There was only enough for the front panel of this large rectangle. I had planned to match the linen..... but nothing was quite right. I ended up contrasting the front panel with the Susan Sargent fabric. The shade is trimmed with a self-trim fabric scrap I had around my shop (never through anything out!)

Come to Vermont for OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND. It's this weekend, Memorial Day, Sat and Sunday.

Best Laid Plans... but a few good finds

2009-05-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

I did manage to headed south to Brimfield on Mothers day. I made my first stop at the Stone Antique Center in Chester, VT. (Can't go by without stopping.) Didn't find anything that grabbed me, hopped back in my car and my nose started running... and running. oh, no. my first time away, it's mothers day and I am getting a cold..... sh.t..... how can it be. I pressed on, slowly keeping my wits about me..... shucks. I hate to be sick and I was so excited to get a few days away from home and work.... I only managed one night and a couple quick go rounds at The Textile Show. My bank account is very happy..... but of course managed to spend every dollar on my wallet...Here are a few pretty treasures I found.
I am making a large rectangle shade today with the turquoise, green and white fabric today. I am doing it next after today's blogging blabs. I love the big polka dots. My shop always does well with the Vermonty Grandma Moses Prints. I splurged on the vintage William Morris fabric. Also got a big stack of animal redwork, a few birds, Dumbo the Elephant, even a very sweet mouse one.
The Sturbridge Textile Show is 2 big rooms and several hall spaces and other small rooms. You never know what you will find. Sometimes I go looking for a few things in particular, but often I go with an open mind. Searching for fabrics that call out to me and screams, you must buy me!! I make my way around the show buying only those must have things first and then the 2nd time around rethinking the other fabric possibilities.

Yesterday I made this sweet small rectangle clip on shade. It is made with an embroidery I found on Ebay recently. It had a perfect small scallop edging on the cloth. Just the right touch for finishing up the shade. The shade size is: 3.5"x5"top by 6.5"x9"bottom by 6.5" high. $75.

A Mothers Day Treat, Go Flea Marketing

2009-05-09T16:24:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day Treat. A little get away, a break from day to day duties. What could be better than running into new friends and old at the flea market. Well, that is if this is your thing. I rate it even better than going to TJ Maxx, which is pretty high up there on the fun search list.

This photo is me and my old friend Judy Pascal of Judy Pascal Antiques on Free St. in Portland, Maine. Judy was an early supporter of mine, guiding me in the direction of Vintage Fabrics. I started my lampshade career making cut and pierced lampshades. Judy didn't really love them and tried to get me to make fabric lampshades. I told her I didn't know how and she responded, figure it out or something like that. Lampshade by lampshade I improved. Lordy some of the early ones weren't so great. Judy has fantastic taste and had a lot to teach me. Hope to see her Monday down at the Textile Show in Sturbridge. But, we can't shop together.... because we love the same stuff.....this photo is last year at the Heart of the Mart.(photo George Bouret)

And here are new friends. This is my new friend Lynn in Clark's booth at The Heart of the Mart Textile Tent.(Bouret,photo) Lynn and I met after seeing each other in the similar textile booths along the Rt 20 stretch of flea markets. I find when shopping at big flea markets you have to learn the flea market stroll. Cruising along at a good pace till you see your treasures of choice. My god, if you looked at everything you would never get outta there..... I look for unusual lamps at good prices or very unusual lamps that I love that are too expensive. Also, vintage fabric, embroideries, polka dot aprons and other interesting textiles, vintage trims, sometimes postcards and an occasional purple transferware plate for my "Martha mix and match plates". And that is usually all...... Isn't that good. One of my nameless friends looks at EVERYTHING..... and I am always waiting for her. I love her, but hate waiting when there's shopping to be done.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE FIELDS. Let's hope there are bargains to be found. And hears a cheer to old friends and new.

Lampshade Lady Book Jacket

2009-05-05T08:25:00.001-07:00

Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting Up Your Life
It is pretty amazing to me to actually see the
whole book cover. Extra big thanks to book
designer, La Tricia Watford for designing a
clean and beautiful book. As you may remember
my panics and pains to have a handsome book
designed. And also big thanks to Frances Bailey
from Country Living for her special blurb.
My book will be released Aug. 18th or pre-ordered
from my website.

Come Make a Happy Shade Like this! May 16th 11am in Pawlet, Vermont

2009-05-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Come join me for a small workshop on May 16th. 11am-5pm $150 includes everything but fabric. Use a favorite old skirt, Grandma's embroidery dresser scarf, a needlepoint found in the attic or a mod piece of new fabric. Or head to the flea market to find your favorite treasure. This is the last workshop till fall. It's a full day to learn a new skill and leave with a great lampshade for your house. Some students just want to make one and others continue on to start a business. You will receive instructions and sources to find materials, retail and wholesale.

Here's a wild shade I made last week. I love when the designing process falls together so effortlessly. I'm sure you know what I mean. Sometimes I will be designing a shade or lamp and it is so painfully difficult; nothing seems to work. The shape seems wrong for the fabric, the trim is too fussy and over worked and on and on. BUT, it is such a high when you hit it right on the money. It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does it must let out all those endorphins!!!
This shade went together so fast, I dare tell you how fast..... nothing was going to interrupt the progress. I guess I visualized the idea on Tuesday and needed to hunter/gather cool beads on Wednesday and made it on Thursday. So, clearly there is planning, but bet it took me less than an hour to make it!!! Guess I shouldn't give this away, but the fabric is easy to work with, the shade wasn't too big and the plan was in place, sort of.

I picked up this fabric about 10 years ago at the great vintage shop,Who's Sylvia in Woodstock, Vermont. I had used part of it for my office chair covering up the ugly seat. It was one of those fabrics that wasn't very "IN" at the time, but interesting. It was a vintage house dress; I'd dare say it was so ugly it was beautiful. Re-cycled into this happy little shade. I just may have to keep it, maybe it won't sell!!!!

Vintage Embroidery Candleabra Shades

2009-04-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

As you all probably know by now, I love to use vintage embroideries on my lampshades. This is the sweetest little pair ever. I picked them up for a book photo prop. It shows that they had been framed at one time. They are small, maybe 3"x4". They were just one of those things that I had to have..... and they were maybe 8 dollars each.
After using these for our photo shoot, I had them around my shop and eventually figured how to use them best. This is a square bell candle clip shade. They are 2" across the top by 4"high by 4" across the bottom. They fit the best into this shape and then I found a neutral linen for the rest of the panels. And trimmed them with some left over fabric I had in the shop; I picked out the stripe in the fabric to make self-trims.
p.s. this is fake forsythia I twisted around my butterfly bush in my shop flower garden.... worked perfect.... yikes, everyone thought it was real. No one thought I would ever use plastic flowers in my garden!!! We get pretty desperate in early spring up here!

Are You Itching to Get Back to The Flea!

2009-04-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

It's almost Flea Market Time in the Northeast!!! I've just made plans make my almost annual trip to The Vintage Textile and Fashion Show in Sturbridge, MA. The date is May 10th; early buying starts at 9:30am and costs $20. I always enjoy seeing the huge variety of textiles shown in Sturbridge. There aren't too many bargains but you'll see stuff you won't find on the fields. I usually end up with a pretty good clutch of good finds. At first it is pretty depressing looking at prices and then with some hunting and digging I'll find some pretty fabrics and embroideries.

I am going to spend the night and hit The Brimfield Flea Market on Tuesday. The Flea market is just down the road from The Textile Show. Very convenient. There are 20 something flea markets all lined up along RT. 20. Shows have different opening days and times. Check their website for more detailed info. I found one of the best things about such a big flea market is that if you don't like the price, keep going and you might find something better for less $, maybe. And these days we are all a little more careful with spending wisely.

And sure not to miss stopping at The Vintage and Antique Textile store in Sturbridge. Barbara Wright has one of the hottest collections of a huge variety of trims, fabrics, clothes, blankets.....
Often I have found my favorite finds here. Don't miss stopping. She has quite an eye for the finding the goods.

Flea Market Tips:
Get there early!!!!
Bring Cash!!!
Learn to scan booths for what you are looking for, otherwise it'll be a really long day.
If you go with friends that are looking for the similar objects, separate and plan to meet up at the gate.
Bring water and snacks.
Remember where you parked the car!!!!
Bring something to carry all you awesome finds.
Go for the Pulled Pork lunch by Central Park Flea Market. Most yummy!
Lobster Rolls were good, too.
Did I say bring cash.... of course there is never enough in my pocket, just seems to slip out so fast.
Be polite and respectful, even when you get pushed out of the way.... apt to happen at the Textile Show..... some pushy ones there.
Pray for cool, sunny weather.
And best of all, have fun and make new friends.

Last Spring Workshop, May 16th

2009-04-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Last Lampshade Workshop till Fall:May 16th
call the shop for reservations:
802-325-6308 or email Judy

May is the best time to come to Vermont! Take a break, come to the countryside and learn a new skill. And have lots of laughs.
There is room in my last spring Lampshade Workshop. Date: May 16th, 11am-5pm. Cost:$150, includes everything for one medium paneled lampshade. Choose your favorite shape. Students bring 1/2 yd of cotton or linen fabric or vintage fabric. See prior blogs for great fabric ideas.

The April class this Saturday is full, but still room in this May workshop. Don't delay, class size is limited to 7 students. No more classes till fall.

No sewing!!!! Everyone leaves the day with a finished lampshade.

Dust off those dirty old lampshades......

2009-03-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

Bouret Photos

Okay, I am home from spring skiing.. Time to think about spring fabrics, trims and create some fresh new inventory for my shop and beyond. I don't know about your businesses but it always seems like mine goes from being pretty dead to crazy busy all in one day. Shops are starting to get their confidence back, customers are starting to refresh their homes. Me too. I came home from vacation and my house was so dusty. I spent the day after getting home with mop in hand, washed a rug, went through the big pile of mail on the counter. Good thing I bought some daffodils on the way home from Maine. And best of all, my Johnny's seeds were waiting for me at the post office. As I was at the po I heard the spring sounds of chickies waiting to be picked up by their next owners. I love that noise but he postal folks never seem quite as excited... must get annoying after awhile.

Before I left on vacation I ordered lots of new goodies, fresh funky fabrics to make some drum shades, some cool new trims and a few I've run out of, lots of new lampshade frames to restock, more unexciting lampshade materials but necessary..... so, I am trying to get geared up..... yup, it's time. One of the best parts of my business is sourcing out new fabrics, vintage fabrics, embroideries, etc. I just received a super sweet crewel from ebay; it is just perfect. Not too expensive, good colors, nice quality and just the right size. I already decided to make a big rectangle shade with it. Maybe I'll get to it today and you can see it on the next blog entry.

Lampshade Lady Book Teaser

2009-03-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a teaser of sorts. I love this poster! It is a visual quick shot of my book projects for The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting Up Your Life. Looking back over the poster lets me reflect where my year has taken me and all the things I have figured out how to do or at least do wrong the first time... Starting the book process is no romp in the park, but at midlife it gave me a chance to use my design skills in a new way.

In high school I had been yearbook editor one year, about half way through working on my book I realized how similar it was to putting the yearbook together. I am thrilled with my book designers efforts for my book and must say the hardest part was just handing over a years worth of efforts and walking away. The part of me that loves of graphic design was envious not to be in on the design decisions but best let the book designers do what they do best!

Sales and Marketing is the next 101 for me. Keep you posted, I have tried my hand at Facebook and starting to see the potential, perhaps. Haven't twittered yet. Still getting my blog in order; my web guy is just back from a few months of skiing. I've got ideas lined up for him. Thinking about a lampshade kit to go along with selling my book.... A couple cool size frames not available in kit form yet. Oh see, there is still so much to learn as well as a sense of accomplishment.

It's been a great couple of spring days here in Southern Vermont. You know it's spring when I finally get skiing. We had a glorious day of full sunshine and 50's skiing at little Bromley Mountain on Sunday. It had been ages since we had skied at Bromley and how fun to run into old ski buddies.

Yesterday I got to keep my shop door open and come out of hibernation. I was finding all sorts of outside projects at my shop. The yard looks so grungy after the snow has left. I raked up a few of the leaves and campfire wood from the Winter Solstice Party. The bulbs are poking out of my garden, the hollyhocks are looking strong and the birds are yapping at me to fill the feeder again. I do love having afternoon tea on my porch soaking in the warm sunshine. It's makes winter all worth while.

Town Meeting Day and All That Happens in a Tiny Vermont Town

2009-03-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

Today is Town Meeting Day in Vermont. What a fun day it has been in my shop. It a couple doors down from the town hall which acts as our voting area. It's a nice sunny, cold day here in Vermont; small signs of spring are peaking through barely. I've been busy filling orders all morning, sipping tea and wondering what happened last night at the town meeting. In Vermont all towns used to have their town meeting today, have a pot luck lunch and a floor vote on all the towns matters. Over the years many town meetings have changed to adapt to busy schedules.

My friend Elizabeth came by after lunch. She told me all the funny stories of her town meeting last night. She lives a few towns over. The small town stories, the people lives, friends, enemies, old grudges, neighbors, pain in the ass neighbors, busy bodies that have their nose in everyone's business. The best and the worst of small town life comes out at town meetings. Elizabeth said she got home around midnight. Yikes... Then my other friends, Monty and Sarah stopped by; they were headed to the poles and had a couple of questions on voting. Elizabeth and I chatted with them on the issues. Who was the lady running for librarian trustee?? what was the #20 question? Who is running for selectman? I knew a few of the issues, but not all.

While we were chatting with Elizabeth, Monty and Sarah, Sue stopped in. She is running for Selectman position. Yay for her. We'll cross our fingers, But she knew answers to all the questions we didn't know and more. Great. We seemed to of solved all the town's issues right here in the lampshade shop. We found out all the negative naysayers at the town meeting last night. I know it went late, I saw my neighbors didn't get home till 11. Oh, how guilty I felt for not going, sort of..... After a few years on our school board makes it really hard for me to attend meetings....especially when you know most of the bad actors and naysayers.

Oh, small town life. But it sure was fun to visit with friends today. Once the gang cleared out of the lampshades shop, I put my "BE RIGHT BACK" sign on my door and went to vote. Small town politics. It is nice to see progress in action at the local level.

Follow Your Passion and a Tidbit of Luck

2009-03-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

Follow your Passion and find a niche business. That sounds so easy doesn't it. I did it, but purely by luck. I was a creative kid, always happy puttering around with fabrics or yarn. I did too many paint by numbers kits and was very good at staying in the lines- a very steady hand and concentration; I always think they stunted my painting. Mom always had craft projects for us to do and my friend's mom did, too. And there was Girl Scouts and Home Ec...

I remember lots and lots of paper mache. That kept us busy for days and days. And remember the little enameling kits and oh the reptile molds that you would bake. I can almost still smell them baking. Not all of these are especially creative, but it was the process of DOING. Just writing this I am thinking back to some of the other Saturday projects.

In Jr. High School I took a course in silver jewelry after school at the Y. It could have been a passion, but wasn't "The One". My grandmother was a superb jeweler and continued her studies as a fine silversmith. After the class I did set up a little work shop in our basement and made necklaces and rings, but soon lost interest.

In High School I was interested in learning to Weave. By this time I had left my public high school and headed to a private school in Yarmouth, Maine. I was finally happy in school, we had small classes and supportive environment. I had mentioned to the headmaster that I was interested in learning to weave and he applied for a grant to hire a weaving teacher. This was a critical turning point for me. They hired a wonderful woman, Rosalie. She was a tapestery weaver and a real artist. She expected high standards for us and was very generous sharing all of her knowledge with us. I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to get the early start on textile design and art history. And she made us listen to classical music just when we only wanted to hear rock and roll! Another piece of the pie.

I continued to follow my textile love in college. I had applied to a variety of schools and especially wanted to go to RISD but had applied under Interior Architecture and needed high SATS...no luck for me, I was crushed. I got into all the other schools I applied, most would have had more professional textiles studies, but my dad and I had visited Vermont and I was sold. The University didn't have the greatest program for me, but I figured I would be happy in Burlington. I had actually had applied into Interior Design and upon arriving for orientation we were informed the program had been cut out. So, I fell into Textile Design. Yikes, I slogged through the first year of HOME EC and beelined quickly over to the Art Department. I found more likeminded students in the Art Department. And here I found a teacher that was my second important mentor in my education. An artist from Shelburne, Elsa Waller would come to the University once or twice a year and teach one tapestry weaving class. How lucky I was once again to have stumbled into such a great class. Each time Elsa taught a class I was right there ready to dig in. This was the 1970's when abstract weaving had it's peak. I loved it.

After graduating with an Art degree, career choices were not so obvious. I continued with my weaving projects but not with intent for a business. I didn't see I would ever be able to live off of my tapestry weaving. I worked a few different retail jobs.... just a job. My last one was to work in a kitchen/gift shop. My friend Laura and I was in our early 20's and we were "the girls". We had fun together and always got our customers laughing, especially after a long day. I learned more at this job that I might like to admit; many of the skills I learned followed me to my Lampshade Shop. Jackie the owner of The Store always said that if you have something so unusual and beautiful that the customer will buy it no matter what it costs. She always tried to carry special treasures in her store and I try to carry this into my business. Why would I make lampshades similar to ones you can buy in a lighting store that were made for pennies in China?

My husband and I moved to Southern Vermont for a career move on his part. I was 28 and just pregnant. I didn't get a job because we were just settling in and now with baby. It gave me a chance to work on my weaving, knit very cute baby sweaters and make pillows and quilts for our new home. There was a craft store nearby that sold lampshade making supplies. I thought it might be fun to make some lampshades for my new house. Off I went to get the needed materials; it didn't take much to get started. I figured I could teach myself and the rest is history. The first years after my son was born I puttered around with making lampshades. They were great Christmas gifts and our new house was sporting lots of new lampshades. I continued on, figuring out how to start a business with little money. I still find it a fun challenge how to market a small business on a shoe string and these days it's a good thing to know. Okay, enough for now, to be continued.

A Few Spots in March Workshops Left

2009-02-26T04:37:00.000-08:00

March Workshops have a few spots left. Don't put it off, I know you guys like to wait till the last minute :) Space is limited. Call Judy at 802-325-6308 or email me at lakeslampshades.

Saturday March 7th: Drum Shade, 11am-3pm $85. all materials supplied except fabric.

Saturday March 14th: Paneled Fabric Workshop, 11am-5pm. $150. all materials supplied except fabric.We will be doing a medium size shade, shape of choice.

I had the first Drum Shade Workshop a couple of weeks ago. They were all great sports; it was the first time offering this class. There are several different ways of making drum shades which we discussed. We all made a drum shade that was 12" top by 12" bottom by 8 high or so. I also showed how to Re-cover an old empire shade as a bonus.

The photo here is from Mary at the Whistle Stop Antique Shop in Burlington; she took a Fabric Paneled Shade Workshop 2 weeks ago. I think this is only the first of many shades Mary will be making. This class was one of the greatest groups of ladies yet. Not only were they talented, but they had lots to say and shared their life stories. I am beginning to learn that my workshops are more than just making lampshades. The part I enjoy most is hearing everyone's stories and careers adventures and of course sharing my knowledge as a lampshade maker.

Judy's Painted Pantry with Ceiling Drum Shades

2009-02-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

What to do with all those ceiling light bulbs..... they are so unsightly! Here is a great solution.

I have just finished painting my pantry! What a huge job. Carson my husband has used our pantry, kitchen and brick oven for his organic wood-fired pizza crust business over the past 14 years. Flour + Water = Glue..... What a mess it was after all those years. It took forever just prepping the pantry for painting. I think it looks really cute. I should have taken a before picture..... imagine lots of fly shit, cobwebs, flour moth trails.... you get the idea. It was yucky.

Carson took is on a 6-8 week retreat skiing in Taos... the lucky bum... it's well deserved and long overdue. So, it gave me a chance to rip the place apart and dig in. You have no idea how much stuff I had in there; what a nasty job and so many nooks and crannies. Bit by bit, Carson's business started to take over the space, note the big hobart mixer-still not sure how to paint around the beast.

All my days off were dedicated to painting.... otherwise it might be years till this job got done. Hey ladies, are you in the group that'll pick up a paint brush or hire it out.... I have friends in both catagories and good for you in the later group. But it does give a sense of satisfaction despite the turquoise hair and green finger nails...

Ceiling drum shade with clip adapter added and one of my push pin finials. Shade size is:
10" across the top x 10" across the bottom and only 6" high.
note: shades don't match... on purpose. One is a vintage French fabric from "Loody Lady" ebay name and the other is a Heather Bailey cotton print. I did not use a difuser on the bottom of the shade, I need all the light I can get in the dark pantry.

Lampshade Lady Book on Potter Craft Sales Cover

2009-02-23T11:53:00.001-08:00

I had to show off the cover of the Potter Craft Summer 09 Sales catolog. My Lampshade Lady's book made the cover. What a surprise to open the oversized envelope at my little post office. I had no idea that I would be given such honors. I must say it looks great. This is one of my favorite photos we did this summer. I think it represents my design sensibility. A twist of classic with contemporary and never cliched. That is my ideal, but not always achieved but worth a try.
The fabric is a vintage polka dot found this spring at The Vintage Textile Show in Sturbridge. It is trimed with grosgrain and rick rack. And the best part is the corners. It has an experiment of beads and buttons made like dangly earings. It worked great. I need to do it more, must find more vintage buttons; a good excuse to go antiquing and bead shopping.
The lamp is vintage glass. I found it a few years ago on one of my antiquing ventures coming back to Vermont from Maine. When I found this lamp it was pretty ugly. It had these metal spokes coming off the bottom and some other unattractive metal parts. It had a good core design; I thought it had potential but needed work. I tried several times to make it work..... first it was too tall and tipy..... not good. And then it worked!!! Motto of the project, keep trying till you get it right.
Putting lamps together can be easy but more often than not it's a slog. I have many more unfinished good ideas in my back room. They are problems that I haven't solved- one of these days they will be used for the prefect part needed for another lamp.

Lampshade Lady Book Cover

2009-02-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to be able to show you all my first book project. At last, The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting up Your Life. It has utterly consumed my time the past couple of years, but mostly in a good way. It has challenged the me to go beyond my day to day shop life which is a really good thing. I always love challenges and it has certainly been humbling; those of us over 50 (just...over) that haven't always used computers........yikes. With the help of all my editors, Kathleen Hackett, my co-writer and wonderful photographers Ryan Benyi and George Bouret and most wonderfully the Potter Books design team I think we've put together a pretty sweet book and those of you that know me know that I don't like things too sweet, but just sweet enough- can't miss that little funk thrown in.
The book won't be out till August, but stay posted. It seems pretty close after all the hoops and jags. Come take a class and get a sneak preview of my projects. My February classes are almost full, but lots of room in March, April and May.

Everything Drum Shades

2009-02-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

Drum Shades Questions/Ideas Abound: I have been getting lots of drum shade questions from lots of you. I will try to answer a few of them here. If you have made a drum shade, feel free to add your suggestions.
1. Drum shades can have the same top/bottom dimensions or may have a slight slant with bottom dimension a couple of inches larger than the top dimension.
2. Use a fabric with large motif. It is a good chance to use your wild fabrics or choose a nice white linen.
3. Can I use a drum shade for a pendant lamp? Drum shades are perfect and much more affordable than a chandelier. I have one over my work desk that is 16"across the top and bottom and 9" high.
4. How do I hang a pendant drum shade? I have one at home that is hardwired into my ceiling. I had my electrician install it for me. At my shop, the one over my desk is hanging on a cord with socket and plugged into the wall.
5. What type of lampshade top do I need? There are several possibilities for attaching the shades. An UNO socket and top is an easy way, although they are hard to buy the uno top that is wide enough. The largest they come is 10" which is not usually large enough. They can be special ordered. The uno top fixture is then screwed onto an uno socket.
The next to hang a drum shade is to use a washer top on the shade. You will need a 1" threaded rod, an edison socket and cord, and a threaded washer.
To do: a. put cord through the threaded washer
b. put cord through the threaded rod and tighten washer onto end of threaded rod
c. add shade by putting threaded rod w/ cord through the washer top of shade and screw the threaded rod into the bottom of the edison socker. Adjust to tighten so shade is snug between socket bottom and threaded screw.
d. attach the cord to the socket, then cord has 2 wires that will be screwed onto socket. One of the wires on the cord has a ridged side; this will be screwed around the silver screw on socket. The other wire is smooth and will be threaded onto the brass screw. Tighten both screws as tight as possible.
e. Add the top part of the brass socket. Listen for a double click to make sure the top part of the socket is securely in place.
f. Have electrician hardwire into ceiling.
6. I have bare light bulbs on my ceiling. What do you suggest? All too many homes have unattractive light bulbs hanging from ceilings. I am just in the process of painting my pantry and have 2 light bulbs that we have been living with for almost 20 years. After all my hard work of painting, I have just made 2 shades today to clip onto the light bulbs. I have made 2 shades with a washer top and added a clip adapter and decorative finial. The clip tops do not come wide enough, my shade measures 10" across the top x 10" across the bottom and 6" high. I think it will be a perfect size. I used one of my pushpin finials to go with the clip adapter. So the shade will clip on upside down and will see the finial on the bottom. I am looking forward to going home to see how they'll look. And of course the fabrics don't match..... one is a vintage french cottagey one and the other is Heather Bailey Design from Free Spirit Fabrics. It is the same print as the top photo here, but different dimensions.

Drum Shade with Amy Butler Print
(this is sold, but a nice example of a decorative combination)
7. How do I know how big to make my shade for a table or floor lamp?
Usually the shade should be 3-4 inches wider than the widest part of the lamp, this will depend on the size of the lamp and the effect you wish to create. I recently made a fantastic combination for a friend. She needed a shade for a tall thin lamp for her new studio. We decided to go for a drum shade that was only 5" tall and 10" across the top and bottom. If you can visualize this, it is quite funky. I loved the shape and so did the owner. It made a huge statement that she was trying to achieve in her new space.
8. Where do I buy supplies for Drum Shades and what will I need for materials?
The 2 good sources for lampshade materials that I use are: Fogg Lighting
and The Lamp Shop.
You will need to order styrene, grosgrain, pressure sensitive cloth tape aka bias trim backer, glue, glue bottle, washer top-clip top or uno top, and bottom wire. You will need the fabric you choose to use.
9. How much fabric will I need?
Measure the width of shade and multiply times 3.14 plus 1/2" for overlap. Example: 12" drum x 3.14= 37.68, round it up to 38" and add 1" for overlap, total 39" of fabric for 12" wide.
10. I want to use a stripe fabric for a drum shade.
If you use a stripe, consider which way you want the stripe to go, either up and down or around the shade and take this into consideration when ordering fabric.
11. What about trims on Drum Shades?
I have used some onion tassels and made a really girly shade just perfect to match the lamp. I've used other trim with 2 1/2" bobbles. Mix up trims-one for the top and a different one for the bottom or use no trims at all. Some of the ultra modern shades wrap the fabric right around the top and bottom of the shade; I just did this for my pantry. It will make less opportunity for dust to cling to.

I'm sure there are more drum shade questions, but hope this helps.

Finding Inspiration on a Below Zero Day or at least trying

2009-02-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, how many more things can I do to distract myself from getting started working again. January is gone by at last and I am starting to feel the creative urges starting to gear up again. It's time to break out of hibernation. I think many crafts people take a creative break in January; we've been crazy busy up till Christmas getting orders out and shipped.

I enjoy taking a break from the day to day lampshade making. For sure, there is nobody around in January! I like to rethink the year, reevaluate new ideas, start writing on the blog, organize lampshade workshops in the shop. I am still putting off opening my "tax bag"; I'm giving myself another week for dealing with all those receipts and invoices.

Being an entrepreneur means having the drive to keep going and hope for the best. It's an interesting time for retail stores, which makes it even harder to get the inspiration to keep creating. I think that those of us that make unique, creative beautiful things will be the lucky ones. From all my observations customers will still want to find things to buy, but they will be more careful in their purchases and find the things they really LOVE. Or lets hope so, shop from your local artists and farmers. And Welcome February!