Hanging Lampshade Trends 2012

The history of lampshades and the current trends always fascinate me.  I am forever search for the latest trends, and doing research on lampshades.  Once day, (when I retire), I will hopefully have sufficient info to write a book.  Until then, I search the net.  I found this very interesting blog by Theresa regarding hanging lampshades.  She added beautiful pictures to it.  Enjoy!

Hanging Lampshade Trends 2012

Lampshade making

Often people ask me on the "how to" of lampshades. I have found this wonderful book in Wordsworth Books Store - The Liberty of Home Sewing by Kirsten Perers. One of the chapters decribes an easy method the cover a lampshade.  From cutting the fabric, to covering the frame and to finish it off with a self fold in the same fabric. So if you want to make a DIY lampshade - find the instructions in this book.

Saturday

Today is a very cold and wet day in the Cape.  Before I feel sorry for myself to be working all on my own, in this weather, I would rather like to share some of the beautiful lampshades we made-up this week.  What a privilege to be creative for my lampshade lover clients:

On-line Store

At last!  We have an on-line Store for buyers in South Africa.  So if you live in Springbok or Pietersburg - you can order on-line from us!  If you need something special made up, contact me and I will list it for you.
And here is the link:
Something Special On-Line Store

Looking forward to hear from you.

For my Friends who love French Decor

Abat Jours:
So many of my clients and friends adore french decor lampshades.  I have decided to show you a few which we dont see in South Africa.  Enjoy!

All the images and details are available here

Lampshades in the Dead Sea salt

So many options = find these here

Valentine Lampshade Ideas

Showroom window

Yvonne and Tandele got the opportunity today, to make lampshades for the window. They had great fun with the autumn colours and did their own designs on it.  It really come out so pretty.  Sometimes I underestimate their talent.

This is what our window looks like.

And a closer look on their lampshades

Vintage Lampshade frame

We add new lampshade frame styles to our portfolio on a weekly basis.  Clients bring ideas, old shades or photos to us. After long discussions, styles comparisons, patterns and sizing, Alex puts it all together.  There is an old vintage style bedside lamp frame, which he has just completed. He started as a general worker, and was trained by me, until he got it right.  Making lampshade frames, is an ongoing training process.

After he finished it off, it will be poly coated to prevent rust, and then it is ready to be covered.

Lampshade Frames

I just collect our lampshade frames after it has been powder coated. Some are lampshade frame orders and others are to be covered.

Old but new

I wish more people would love the old shapes.  These lampshades are so full of character, a piece of art, a masterpiece......

Please dont throw your old one away.  We can restore it.

This beautiful lampshade picture was found here

Colorful Chandelier Shades

Who said chandeliers shades must be one colour?

This image was found here

Lampshade frames

Can find a lampshade for your project or home? View the link above for our range of lampshade frames. We have lots more. If the style you are looking for, is not there, email us, if we dont have it, we will make it.

Crochet covered lampshades

Inspiration: Crochet-Covered Lampshades Curiosites-en-Tissu | Apartment Therapy

Vintage wire basket

Anyting can be turned into a lampshade...

Designer Raffia shades

At its best - to make it still is a mess!

Old French Fabric

We are turning old french fabric into stunning lampshades!

Jean shades completed

So here they are

Your Jean

Today, we are changing 2 jean legs to lampshades. What a job - the jean seams are to thick!

French Antique

A client brought this old lampbase so that we can strip and pleat the shades. The story behind the base is that it came from a French Cathedral, where it was used as candle holders. Somebody changed it to electricity and eventually sold it to an antique dealer. My clients mother then bought it. See the beautiful angel head in the middle and the lovely finishes around the light holder.

What's this

Any very old lampshade makes my day. This shade is very very old.  It was made with parchment which was hand sewn to the frame. Here the old and the newly restored shade.

Lampshade Bases

Watch our blog the following few days, for the latest lampshade bases available. Tall one's, short ones, big one's and small one's!!  We will be selling directly to the public as well as the hospitality industry, hotels, guesthouse.  If you are looking for new lampshade bases, this is the place to favourite!

Old and new

We are recovering this beautiful empress style lampshade and will finish it off with this lovely, beaded trim.  To match the decor in the room, we also make a Big bell shape lampshade.  I am so excided as it will be stunning once completed.

Top Lighting Trends for 2012

Looking for what is trendy and new in 2012?  Well, well, I did some homework...

Texture:
Lots of texture: metal, natural fiber - raffia or leather,
textured woven fabrics and
recycled products - cardboard, plastic, rubber.
Cane - lots, and lots and colour washed  
And dont forget coloured glass...

Colours for 2012:
Grape Purple
Red - darker Reds
Silver
Gold and Sunny Yellow and Orange

Size:
Minimalistic but Big.

Designs:
Digital Designs
Maps & Nature
Once-off designs
If you have do use a mass production product - put your own touch to it.

Shapes:
Chandeliers - as many as you can!
Half Cones mounted to the Wall - save space
Over size standing lamps
Hanging lamps