January 21, 2014

ProCRAFTination


I have developed the bad habit of proCRAFTination. I have tended to put off starting a project because I'm not sure where to start or because I have a hard time deciding exactly what I want. Well, this year I've been trying to go against my procraftination instincts and just start. And then...just finish. That has also been a challenge for me. I'm leaving that bad habit behind.


 For quite some time, I've been hanging on to a vintage lampshade with the intent of using it with a light kit and hanging it in a dark corner of the studio. I removed the old lampshade with a box cutter until I was left with just the shade frame. Next I grabbed a stack of fabric and decided what patterns and colors were going to work for me. It turns out that smaller patterns work best. so I went with the top 3 in the front pile.


I decided to use one fabric for the top, another for the bottom and a different one for the vertical spokes.


I just ripped the fabric into strips that were about 3/4 inch wide. I used a bit of hot glue to start each strip and just wrapped until I got to the end or ran out of fabric and used some more hot glue to finish up the strip. My two must have tools when using hot glue: a glass of ice water for quick plunging of fingers that accidentally get hot glued and a bone folder that I use exclusively for pressing things into hot glue instead of using my fingers. In case you are wondering, I learned those lessons the way I learn all lessons, the hard way.


When I was all done I realized I wanted to cover the top spokes that lead to the middle as well. I didn't want to see any of the frame.


 I knew the whole time I was working that this project was not going to be done until I figured out a way to attach pompoms. Since my frame was curved, I decided to cut pink and aqua pompoms from my stash and hot glue them in place, alternating colors.


I'm so happy with the way this turned out and I can't wait for my hubby to get it lit up so it will not only be pretty, but will be functional too. I have forced myself to just dive into several projects lately and I feel like every time it gets a little easier to just make myself start. Start somewhere! Anywhere! My hope is that I can retrain my procraftination tendencies and one day I will get to the point where I don't even hesitate but just begin with a can do attitude. I will feel like I have really accomplished something when that day gets here.

16 comments:

  1. love this! you are on a creative roll, go jen!! can't wait to see what other loveliness makes it's way out of your studio.

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  2. So sweet and of course in your beautiful color palette it is perfect!

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  3. I have a wonky lamp-shade collecting dust in my basement AS WE SPEAK.
    Love how yours turned out, JJ!

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  4. I have the whole procraftination thing going on as well, and I am ready to jump in and get started. Love the lamp shade, think I will start a little something for my craft room as well. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  5. This turned out so cute! I have some naked lamp shades that need some gussying up! Thank you for the fun idea!

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  6. procraftination... haha... you know i'm guilty! this lamp shade turned out so cute... great fabrics and i love the pom poms!

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  7. It's just adorable! And of course, it had to have pom poms! I know that "I have a million projects started/in my head/all of the supplies for" thing. At least the snow days have given me a chance to devote to some of those projects.

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  8. Jen- That is just adorable. It reminds me of Rachel Ashwell's shabby chic collection. Beautiful, girl!!!! xo Diana

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  9. Bellissima idea coprre con lana e nastro la sagoma del paralume !!!!
    Io creo lampade e per me è una nuova soluzione BRAVA
    Ciaoo OLLY

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  10. The shade turned out so cute!

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  11. I love that lamp shade! What a great repurposing idea. I needed a bone folder about a year ago and couldn't find one. Then I bought a gallon of milk sometime within that need and found a jug that had the plastic oval piece that hadn't been cut away from the handle hole. It makes a perfect bone folder, and if I lose it I can always get more milk! LOL

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  12. Perfect for your craft room! I have a very cool vintage shade that I pulled the fabric over off years ago. I have been wanting to do something with it. I am now thinking strips of burlap. Then I will have to find the perfect spot for it.....this could take awhile!

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  13. Cute. This cold weather has been perfect for staying in and crafting!! My whole house looks like a craft store exploded.

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  14. Jen, that looks so great. I love that aqua fabric and the pom poms are a perfect finish. I am a bit of a procraftinator too. Don't you feel proud of yourself when you just sit down and start! Hope you week is a happy one. Jane x

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  15. love it! the pompoms are the perfect touch!!!

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  16. this is just lovely jen. i have a whole basket full of "one day projects." i really need to work on that!

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