DIY Lampshade Transformation: From Drab To Fab!

A real Cinderella story:

We bought this lamp at a local Goodwill store a couple of months ago for $3. It's beautiful, bold, and the perfect blend of my two conflicting styles - modern and antique. The problem was... well, there was no problem with it, really. It is beautiful. However, since I'm always looking for something that needs some crafty-love, I came up with an easy project to make the lampshade pop more. And boy does it pop! It demands attention when you walk into the room, and ties the damask(y) pattern on our bedspread with the black detailing in our furniture. I luuuurve it.

Here's how it all went down...

I didn't take a picture of my supplies because it all happened so fast. The idea struck me, and before I knew it, I was already painting like a madwoman. So, apologies.

But here's the list of supplies:

•  Lampshade that needs some added fabulosity in its life.
• Acrylic or fabric paint. I used acrylic paint simply because there is always more selection, it's cheaper (only 59 cents at Jo-Anns), and it's more versatile - you can use it on various surfaces.
• A stencil. You might recognize my stencil design. This is the same stencil I used for my canvas art.
• Cup or shallow dish to hold the paint
• Small brush
• Paper towels
• Painters tape (optional)

Here's what I did:

This part is extremely simple. So simple, I probably don't have to explain it. But here it is anyways.

1. Select what you want your design to look like and position your stencil on the lampshade. You can choose to use painters tape to hold the stencil still while you paint, but that step is optional. 
2. Paint over the stencil. 
3. When you are sure you've thoroughly painted within the stencil border, carefully remove the stencil from the lampshade. Be careful. The stencil may now have paint on the back as well as the front. In between each of my prints, I quickly wiped the stencil off with some paper towel.
4. Repeat the process until you have the design that you are going for. Let it dry, and you're done!

Here's the finished product in all its glory! Gorgeous, right?!

I can't believe how a simple concept and under $3 worth of supplies could turn an ordinary lamp into one with such impact and drama. Look how well it matches our already existing decor:

It just ties everything together. And at night, when its light is on - it has a velvety glow to it. Mmmm. I love it! I could not be happier with the result!