I might have mentioned this before but I have a little obsession with lampshades. So much so it took a surprising amount of time to make this DIY waste paper basket lampshade. They’re one of the things that immediately grabs my attention and done right can make even the simplest decor look amazing. This is especially important when you’re trying to make an impact on a budget or can’t make any drastic changes to you home. It’s so much a part of how I judge a new bar or local restaurant refurbishment that Al will often ask what I think of the lampshades (rather than the food, drinks, atmosphere) and gage my thoughts on my response. Yes, this is fickle and yes, I do go to places where the lampshades are not my personal favourites, but I always remember how much I dislike them… every time.
When you place this much emphasis on lampshades in places you only spend an hour or so a week (at most) it’s really hard to choose the right one for somewhere you spend half your life. My home office has gone shadeless for almost a year now. I could have changed it 12 times over but instead the pressure to pick the right shade overwhelmed me and I ended up with nothing… ridiculous! So I finally gave myself a little kick and decided to make this shade made from a waste paper basket. And guess what? I love it!
These are words I’ve been trying to live by for this past year. I’m sure a lot of you can relate to this. I’ve spent hours thinking(/eating/staring aimlessly into space) whilst preparing for (many) a project. I’ve found that 9 times out of 10 it’s better just to get started and deal with the hurdles as they come. This project is a classic example of this theory. If there’s something you’re putting off just start. Cut it down into steps and get the first one done, then the second. You’ll more than likely find it was much easier than you were expecting and you might even be surprised by the outcome!
But before you do that make sure you pop over to Homedit to see the whole tutorial to make your own waste paper basket lampshade!
I love how it looks, but it’s not very practical in the sense that it wont let out much light.
Ha! No, it does create more ‘atmospheric’ lighting but if you wanted loads of light you can use a basket with a looser weave in it. :)
Gorgeous! I love it – mood lighting and all :) I’ve also been over thinking a lot lately. Thanks for the reminder to just jump in and tackle the challenges as they come. Cheers!
Thanks Maritza,
It’s hard though isn’t it. I tend to procrastinate a lot.. I have to train my brain to just get on with things ;)