Upcycling has become one of my favorite ways to turn unwanted items into something better — like the time I repurposed an old umbrella into a gorgeous spring wreath. Recently, I decided to give my reading room lampshade a face lift that would reflect my personality and love of theater and the arts.
Because I get all my entertainment news from The New York Times, I realized the Arts section had plenty of beautiful photos, text and headlines to cover the lampshade.
This seemed like the perfect way to recycle my old newspapers and create something original. While this was my style to upgrade my home, you can get creative and make one that looks exactly the way you need it to for your space.
Check out the tutorial below to see just how easy this DIY lamp shade is to make at home.
1. Cut your newspaper pages into strips or rectangles. You can make the pieces as large or as small as you like.
2. Starting at the top of the lamp shade, apply a layer of Mod Podge working your way down to the bottom.
3. Place pieces of newspaper onto the shade. Then paint another layer of Mod Podge over the piece.
Tip: Make sure you smooth out the paper as you move along to avoid any bubbling.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as you continue gluing newspaper to the lamp shade.
Add more layers to the lamp shade, depending on the look you want. The more layers equals the less light that will shine through.
Finally, when you're finished, add one last top coat of Mod Podge, and you're done. Let it dry overnight.
The final product really reflects my personality and love of the arts.
Would you want a lamp like this in your home? Tell us in the comments below.
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