Pepper Design Blog

A Lovely Paper Lantern Refashion

This is a really neat idea by Crafty Nest. Floral paper lanterns would look wonderful strung across a courtyard as an elaborate wedding decoration (for our reception we made similar floral balls that were hung across a pool – the flowers looked so real at so high up!) and would be equally lovely clustered in the corner of your living room.

This craft project calls for simple white paper lanterns and cord kits (such as those you can purchase form Ikea, World Market or my favorite online resource: Paper Lantern Store). A white garland covered in fake stems from Michaels worked perfectly for the flowers and were easily applied to the lantern with a dab from a hot glue gun.

For full DIY directions, click here.

Crafty Nest used pom-pom fringe for the second refashion, but ribbon, crepe paper, cotton balls (for a snowball?) or tissue paper cut-outs would work well too. Hope this inspires some wonderful projects!

DIY Block Print Fabric Lampshades

I really love the unique and customizable look of fabric lampshades and after posting several of my favorites last month, as well as a how-to by All Things Lovely, I decided to give the project a spin myself.

I ordered this great hand stamped block print fabric from HomeSweet on Etsy and found two replacement lampshades at a local lighting store. All I can say is easy, easy, easy! I was so impressed with how quickly I whipped both of these out, and I really love the blue with my bedroom.

To see my custom creation journey and follow step-by-step, follow the jump!

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Before & After: Lampshade Refashion

I mentioned earlier last week that one of my FAVORITE ways to spice up a room in an unexpected way is to incorporate a pattern or surprising color right on a lampshade. I shared my favorite homemade versions during last week’s post {Etsy is so marvelous!} but promised a quick How-To for everyone to try on their own.

And with that, I’d like to introduce the ever-talented All Things Lovely blog that shares the 1, 2, 3 for recreating! It really isn’t so difficult, and while my crazy schedule tends to lean towards the where-can-I-buy-this mode, my wallet and crafty conscience screams but-it’s-so-easy! And this is the perfect solution to those beautiful remnants that might be lying around! {Alright, now out to Etsy to search for an amazing block print fabric!}

Chic Custom Lampshades!

Custom lampshades are an excellent way to add detail & personality to your home. Whether a standing lamp with strong patterns for a kid’s bedroom, a delicate hanging pendant over the dining room table or an eclectic addition to the family den, adding color and patterns through a lampshade to your space is a chic way to brighten the room!

One of our future Before & After posts includes a quick How-To for everyone inspired to make their own, however with the exception of the stunning Galbraith & Paul pendants at the top of the post, all custom shades shown here are homemade by members of Etsy and are easy to custom order or select pre-made from your favorite store.

Follow the jump to check out these great vendors to find or design your perfect lampshades at a purse-friendly price. Read more »