I want to make a gothic lamp shade so I painted it I know it looks like shit but is it at all salvageable? I. thinking of cutting the ends and using red yarn or tulle or something 😭 idk I'm new to this
I am not artistic whatsoever either. Just call it a day and throw it out.
oh-shit-its-pam
At this point, paint it all solid black. After that, I’m calling Mom to take your paints away lol
MrsChickenPam
It totally depends on what you’re going for. This looks a little creepy. What does the lamp base & finial look like? It definitely could use some tidying up – like around where the paint meets the trim, and there’s still some white showing. That trim could look pretty good if you painted it all black. Or maybe paint the entire shade black and paint the trim red. Have fun!
Sad-Issue578
If you google upcycling lamp shades theres a few ideas
HibiscusGrower
I don’t know what you were going for exactly, so here’s some suggestions:
Plan you design ahead on paper. Look up inspiration online and create a mood board.
Make sure the type of paint you buy is appropriate for the material of the lampshade
Get good quality paint, not the super diluted, low grade pigments ones from dollars stores.
It’s better to apply several thin coat than one thick one that will leave splotches, unless that’s the effect you’re after.
Consider adding ribbons, charms, etc… to add a bit of texture but PLAN AHEAD.
Ecstatic-Elk-6938
My recommendation would be to stick with the red and black stripes, forget about the rest. You can use painters masking tape to get nice crisp lines. Thin coats, let it build up to solid colors.
Don’t listen to everyone telling you to give up or throw it away.! First of all, repurposing things and customizing them is a great way to build creativity AND help the environment. We’ve become way too accustomed to overconsumption and waste.
Second, I applaud you for trying your hand at a new skill. No need to buy something new, you just need practice! Get some scrap paper and cardboard and practice getting crisp lines. Add those star details back once you build some confidence. I think a spiderweb design over the red section could be really neat too!
Alternatively, if you do just the black and red stripes, you could glue black or silver ribbon around the lampshade. Especially around the top and bottom to cover where you got a bit messy with the paint. I wouldn’t recommend tulle, it’ll look messy. Look up Victorian lampshades for some ideas
princessbubbleyum111
I have had a lot of creative projects go bust and I toss them but the creative process is still very valid and amazing for your energy & mind. Keep creating!! The point is to mess around regardless of the outcome and you should be proud : edit to say paint it all black and do some velvet trim at the top & bottom with glue gun- love the dangles.
actualchristmastree
I think you have a great idea here! You might have better results with fabric dye, or diluting your paint with water and putting more layers. Go to goodwill and try again!
renaissance-Fartist
Paint it black. Get some gold paint and paint the inside of the shade gold. It’ll have a nice warm glow
Additional_Silver724
Paint black go to craft store buy a stencil .
not-from-concentr8
You can’t be serious
Comfortable_Zone9247
I’m just gunna treat this as a test and actually start planning what I want ahead of time now I kinda know what I’m going for so I’ll do it right next time 3rd times the charm!
(I hope)
lumaleelumabop
Use better paint. If you want to be cheap get $4 house paint samples from a hardware store.
13 Comments
I am not artistic whatsoever either. Just call it a day and throw it out.
At this point, paint it all solid black. After that, I’m calling Mom to take your paints away lol
It totally depends on what you’re going for. This looks a little creepy. What does the lamp base & finial look like? It definitely could use some tidying up – like around where the paint meets the trim, and there’s still some white showing. That trim could look pretty good if you painted it all black. Or maybe paint the entire shade black and paint the trim red. Have fun!
If you google upcycling lamp shades theres a few ideas
I don’t know what you were going for exactly, so here’s some suggestions:
Plan you design ahead on paper. Look up inspiration online and create a mood board.
Make sure the type of paint you buy is appropriate for the material of the lampshade
Get good quality paint, not the super diluted, low grade pigments ones from dollars stores.
It’s better to apply several thin coat than one thick one that will leave splotches, unless that’s the effect you’re after.
Consider adding ribbons, charms, etc… to add a bit of texture but PLAN AHEAD.
My recommendation would be to stick with the red and black stripes, forget about the rest. You can use painters masking tape to get nice crisp lines. Thin coats, let it build up to solid colors.
Don’t listen to everyone telling you to give up or throw it away.! First of all, repurposing things and customizing them is a great way to build creativity AND help the environment. We’ve become way too accustomed to overconsumption and waste.
Second, I applaud you for trying your hand at a new skill. No need to buy something new, you just need practice! Get some scrap paper and cardboard and practice getting crisp lines. Add those star details back once you build some confidence. I think a spiderweb design over the red section could be really neat too!
Alternatively, if you do just the black and red stripes, you could glue black or silver ribbon around the lampshade. Especially around the top and bottom to cover where you got a bit messy with the paint. I wouldn’t recommend tulle, it’ll look messy. Look up Victorian lampshades for some ideas
I have had a lot of creative projects go bust and I toss them but the creative process is still very valid and amazing for your energy & mind. Keep creating!! The point is to mess around regardless of the outcome and you should be proud : edit to say paint it all black and do some velvet trim at the top & bottom with glue gun- love the dangles.
I think you have a great idea here! You might have better results with fabric dye, or diluting your paint with water and putting more layers. Go to goodwill and try again!
Paint it black. Get some gold paint and paint the inside of the shade gold. It’ll have a nice warm glow
Paint black go to craft store buy a stencil .
You can’t be serious
I’m just gunna treat this as a test and actually start planning what I want ahead of time now I kinda know what I’m going for so I’ll do it right next time 3rd times the charm!
(I hope)
Use better paint. If you want to be cheap get $4 house paint samples from a hardware store.