In order to update the look of the lamp, I painted it white and while the paint was still wet I distressed it with my fingernail. Then, I bought a Perry Ellis men’s shirt at a thrift store for $1 and wrapped it around the shade. I tried to be good and do this the right way. I even watched a little cover-a-lampshade-youtube-tutorial that told me to make a pattern for the shade out of newspaper. That’s about the time I discovered that I’m completely pattern-retarded, and let’s just say it was just not working. My newspaper didn’t even fit around the lamp. So, I stuck to my wrap and cut plan and felt much less incompetent.
I used spray adhesive (for the first time I might add) to adhere the shirt to the shade. I just sort of smoothed and pulled and tucked and glued my fingers to the lamp. Seriously. I was glued. to. the. lamp! I felt like I was in an I Love Lucy episode trying to shake the shade off my hand only to get it stuck to my scissors, only to then get stuck to my other hand. How in the world do you girls use this stuff without getting stuck to everything? Needless to say, it was embarrassing and comical.
And yet so worth it! Here he is all manly-manned out and ready for my boys’ room!
From Perry Ellis Shirt to Lampshade
I am in the process of updating my boys’ bedroom. Well actually, right now I’m visiting family far, far away from my boys’ bedroom…but that need not stop a girl from decorating! I needed a lamp for my kiddos’ nightstand and found this guy lurking in my parents’ attic. The drum shade was a $2 thrift store find and the lamp used to be mine as a child.And by the way, yes, you are looking at my handiwork here. That little Cinnamon Toast Crunch sticker was my idea of decorating in 1984! Thank goodness my taste has matured some. Well, at least my taste in decorating. I’m afraid I can still put away a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch like nobody’s business.
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Barbara Martin says
Really cute. I would have never thought to leave the buttons and pocket on.
laurie says
lol! You had me laughing all the way through this, Beth! You sound so much like me when trying a project out for the first time. I think, “Good gravy! WHat in the world is wrong with me….???” But then you just kinda work it out on your own and do it your own way — and it’s all good! Love the whole idea of using a shirt for a lampshade! I’m sticking this one in my pocket for future use! Merry Christmas to you!
xoxo laurie
Tina says
I so love your gluing technique as well as your pattern retardedness. We are truly kindred spririts..
Kaylen says
oh
my
goodness!!!
This is TOO cute!! What a fabulous idea!!!
I love the pocket—that's so great for the kids to stick things in!
arkie says
The lamp looks great, whatever method you used, it works!
Ashley @ AshleysBusy says
ha, love the pic of the shirt on top of the shade, with the arms still attached. Like a headless man, lol. 🙂
Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says
Clever idea! Hope you saved the sticker for future classy decorating projects 😉
Charlotte says
what a smart looking lamp! love it…love the pocket…just perfect! xo
Kim says
I love this one! It almost made me tear up because I thought it was a shirt of dad's, especially with the glasses added!
Tricia Anne says
Oh my goodness! That is too cute! :o)
Let it Shine says
Brilliant! Turned out so cute!
The sticker cracks me up!
janadec9 says
Really cute idea! You could put a little ribbon around the top to hide where you glued when the lamp is on–just a thought.
janadec9 says
Really cute idea! You could put a little ribbon around the top to hide where you glued when the lamp is on–just a thought.
Beth Dunn says
Genius! Will have to keep that idea in mind. xoxo
Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage says
How clever! I used a skirt to hide the shade in my dining room, never thought to use a shirt. Great thinking!
Thanks for joining me today and make sure you entered the giveaway for the Purdy paintbrush!
Michelle says
Are you creative or what, girl?! Wow, great transformation!
Have an awesome day!
~Michelle 🙂
Nice and Easy Antiques says
Beth, this is great! It looks very stylish!! First of all you scored on the shade…only $2.00?? Good job! but then you made it so much more interesting!! We absolutely love your project!!!
Morning T says
What a great and unique idea! I love the way it turned out, perfect for your son's room!
michaela says
way too cute!
Southern Fried Gal says
Cute idea and your narration is hilarious!
stefanie says
that is the cutest thing, i love it
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
SO stinkin' cute. I would never ever have thought to use a man's shirt to cover my lamp. Love it! 🙂 Visiting from Kimba's party! 🙂
Jane says
So cute and easy to match to room decor. You can even leave your ds some notes in the pocket.
Embellished Bayou says
That is just too cute! I love how you kept the buttons and pocket showing. And I know what you mean about the spray adhesive!!
kirstin & jordan says
what a terrific idea… I just got a batch of Goodwill-bound shirts from a friend- I'll have to repurpose one of them into a lampshade. 🙂
kirstin & jordan says
what a terrific idea… I just got a batch of Goodwill-bound shirts from a friend- I'll have to repurpose one of them into a lampshade. 🙂
Sarah { abeachcottage } says
wow this is great, you never know what you can do with an old mens shirt lol!
great DIY project