Choose one of the lampshade projects from any of Cheryl Seslar's Graphic CD's.  This will be the most difficult part of this project, as you will have trouble picking one that you like the best!  Open the file on your computer....

Insert a sheet of cardstock into your printer, and print the lampshade graphic on  the best image setting with the template sized to fit the full 8 1/2 X 11" sheet. 

After printing, take your permanent paint pen or marker in a coordinating color  and draw over the outlines of the shade. You actually want to go beyond the outlines of the shade onto the blank cardstock to give a more decorative edge to your shade. (This step is optional, but I like the more finished edge that you get with this technique.)

Next, take your brush and coat the image with a thin layer of decoupage medium.   Because decoupage medium is water-based, you want to keep your first coat very  thin and light, so as not to smear the printer ink.  Allow to dry thoroughly!

When dry, take a good sharp pair of scissors and cut the lampshade out around its outlines.  Using your finger or a small paint brush, place a good amount white tacky glue on the flap edge (left side) of the lampshade template.  Next, carefully bend the lampshade into a cylinder shape, tucking the flap under the opposite straight edge (right side), and then using two small clamps to hold the edges together.  Allow to dry thoroughly - meaning hours, not minutes!

When the glue has thoroughly dried, the shape of the shade may not be perfect.   You will adjust the shape in this step.  Take your decoupage medium and coat the  inside of the shade, then place the decoupage bottle on top of the shade to weigh it down while the medium dries.  After drying, the shape of the shade should be a  perfect round cylinder.  Continue coating the shade, both inside and outside, at least  two more times.  This process helps to make the shade more sturdy and durable.

Now, take the round lamp bulb clip and, with a small brush, paint the white tacky glue around the outside edges of the round ring.  Turn the lampshade on its top and place the bulb clip ring into the shade, trying to position it directly in the center.  Again, take your thin paint brush and place globs of glue around the edges of the   ring.  The glue dries clear, and the more glue you can apply, the better hold you will have for your bulb clip.  Place the lampshade on a flat surface, and then position a book or flat object on top of the clip ( this can be a real balancing act until you get the hang of it) and allow the tacky glue to dry for at least 24 hours.

Finally, take a piece of fine steel wool and buff over your decoupage surfaces to give your lampshade a nice matte sheen.  Place your pip berry ring around the base  of your electric candle lamp, clip your shade onto the bulb. and say to yourself, "Good Job!"

RECOMMENDATIONS:

If you want to learn more about graphic crafting techniques, please join the Message Board at www.RaggedyScrappin.com. The projects that our members complete are incredibly awesome, and even more amazing is the joy with which everyone shares their tips and techniques!  We laugh a lot too!!!!!!

I would love to see pictures of your own lampshade projects!!!!