Make a Night-Light Shade

This kit-based night-light lampshade is my go-to project for the tween crowd. I’ve taught this project at local public schools as a visiting artist and have found that it is most appropriate for eleven- to-thirteen-year-olds. A basic night-light kit (available at craft and lampshade stores or online) includes the half-round-shaped frame, the lightbulb and switch, and the styrene–you supply the fabric and a few basic lampshade-making tools.

Materials to Make a Night-Light Shade

6-inch square piece of fabric night-light kit 1 yd 5/8-inch wide cotton/rayon grosgrain ribbon, cut into two 4-inch lengths for the side, one 5-inch length for the top, and one 6-inch length for the bottom 3-inch length scrapbooking trim or other decorative trim 6-inch length pom-pom fringe or other trim basic lampshade-making supplies Instructions to Make a Night-Light Shade Remove the paper backing from the styrene and use the paper as a template. Place it on the fabric as desired. Cut out the fabric and laminate it to the styrene included in the night-light kit. Press with your hands to remove any creases or bubbles. Trim the panel of excess fabric. Run a bead of glue on the side of the frame and attach a 4-inch strip of grosgrain lengthwise, allowing half the width to hang off the back of the shade. Add two rows of glue to the back of this overhang and wrap it around the wire. Repeat for the other side and attach the grosgrain to the top and bottom in the same manner. Add the decorative trim on top of the grosgrain. From Judy Lake’s new book, with directions for 50 custom lampshades: The Lampshade Lady’s Guide to Lighting Up Your Life (Potter Craft/Crown Publishing Group, 2009; $27.50; lakeslampshades.com