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A Guide to Commercial Awnings
Businesses are continuously looking for ways to spruce up their building’s appearance. In addition to wanting to look great, businesses are also frequently looking for cost-effective ways to advertise. Commercial awnings are a great way to get both...
A Look at Fireplace Mantel Surrounds
Framing the fireplace brilliantly as the decorative focal point is the fireplace mantel surround. Situated at the top to include the mantel and at each side of the fireplace, it has the ability to stand out in a room, even with a simple design.
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Electrical Safety in the home
Electricity is a wonderful part of our lives, clearly enabling us to do so many of the things we take for granted. Food preparation, entertainment, communication, and so much more are all dependent upon the delivery of electricity. And yet,...
Guide to Mounting your Satellite Dish
The Dish Network satellite dish is only about 2 feet in diameter. Very much a space saver when it comes to mounting the satellite dish on a wall, fence or garage! Since the satellite dish is small, it is also light and not bulky in size, this also...
Home Improvement - New Solar Technology
Solar panel systems have always been criticized as bulky and
unattractive. New solar technology is beginning to make such
criticisms a thing of the past.
Solar Advancement
While everyone agrees solar energy is a clean,...
Light Up Your Garden And Brighten Your Life
Extending Your Living Space The garden is fast being considered to be an extension to your living space and homeowners are putting as much effort into creating a harmonious environment outside as they are inside. A beautiful garden is also...
Save Money; Maintain Your Home
Many of us have learned the hard way, that if we
don't keep our cars, tools, and other things we rely on in good
working order, then we end up spending money unnecessarily on
repairs. The same is true in regard to our houses, both inside
and...
The Advantages of Spa Gazebos
While many people own an outdoor spa, few have considered a spa gazebo. With a spa gazebo, a nice, hot, outdoor jet bath is available anytime, rain or shine, in partial or total privacy. These spa gazebos come in a variety of styles to suit any...
The Three Main Parts Of A Tree
Trees can be broken down into three main parts: the roots, the leaves and the woody structure between them. The roots' function is to bring raw materials-water and mineral salt dissolved in water-to the tree. The leaves absorb carbon dioxide...
When is it time to call the professional?
For most Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home project managers, the most difficult decision is to know when to give the professionals a call to come complete a task and when to complete it yourself. The reason we like to do our own home upgrades or an addition...
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Make Your Own Lampshades
When redecorating your room, you may be faced with looking for new lampshades (or perhaps a lampshade you currently have has gotten damaged). So why not make your own!
If your lamp currently has a lampshade on it, half of the battle is already won! You have a base to start building your new shade. When selecting a material for your new shade, you can use paper, fabrics, plastic, or any heat-resistant material. Do keep in mind though, that the surface of a 100-watt light bulb can reach over 200 degrees and could cause a fire hazard. Make sure the material you choose for a lampshade is either far enough from the light bulb, or is fire-resistant.
Next, have fun! Take a trip to your local craft store or fabric store and get some ideas for your fabric or other material for your shade. Remember, the more transparent the material, the more the color of your light will change by the material. If you use a lightweight, transparent green sheer material, your finished lamp will give off a greenish glow. On the other hand, a heavy piece of velvet (or how about some thin strips of tree bark) won’t allow much light through at all. Light will escape from the top or bottom of the lamp only. Keep this in mind as you plan your new lampshade.
To begin making your new lampshade, you will need the measurements of the current shade. If possible, take the old
shade apart by carefully cutting it along it’s seams. You can then use this as a template for your new lampshade. However, don’t be stifled by the old shade! You can easily create an entirely new look with a piece of rigid wire, bending it into a new shape for a new shade. In this case, making a new cover may be a little trickier, but the process is the same. Simply cover the lampshade frame with your material. For fabric you can sew the seams or glue it. The same is true for other materials. If the glue is far enough away from the light bulb, you can even use hot melt glue.
The best part of making your own lampshades is that if you don’t like your creation, or you redecorate your room, you can quickly and inexpensively make a new lampshade.
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Find more of Mr. Novosat's writings on his own blog at http://www.novosat.us/wp
About the Author
Dean Novosat holds a degree in Scenery and Lighting Design from Frankling & Marshall College and he uses his knowledge and experience with theatrical lighting in the home. He feels the home is just a blank canvas or stage that we choose to live in! He is the webmaster of http://www.only-lamp-shades.com and he enjoys using light in unique and different ways in the home.
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