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Home » DIY & Crafts » Craft Projects » Upcycled Lamp Shade Gift Basket

Upcycled Lamp Shade Gift Basket

December 9, 2015 By Amy 31 Comments

9 Dec
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I’m so glad I didn’t toss out an old tartan fabric lamp shade when we were moving because, as it turns out, I found a handy way to upcycle it into a gift basket. This one is pretty easy to do. I made mine in one afternoon.

How to turn a lamp shade into a gift basket. Upcycled lamp shade gift basket from Stow and TellU

How to make an upcycled lamp shade gift basket

How to turn a lamp shade into a gift basket. Upcycled lamp shade gift basket from Stow and TellUAs I mentioned, this tartan covered lamp shade came with us on the move. I even remember saying to myself, “Do you really need to keep that lamp shade?” It’s not like it was in bad shape, but the style just wasn’t going to fit anywhere in our home.

But I loaded into the hobby shed and wouldn’t you know, I suddenly needed a gift basket and it didn’t take me long to eye this lamp shade as a potential unexpected gift wrap candidate.

Supplies I used

Lamp shade

Piece of card board  (slightly larger than the part that will be the bottom of the gift basket)

Rope (for the handles)

Hot glue gun

Awl and pencil (to poke the holes for the handles)

Scissors

Chalk paint (optional – to paint the inside of the lamp shade)

Blue painters tape (use this if painting)

How to turn a lamp shade into a gift basket. Upcycled lamp shade gift basket from Stow and TellUStep 1)

My lamp shade was bottom heavy, so I flipped it and traced the new bottom of the lamp shade onto the piece of card board.

How to make a diy lamp shade gift basket and other unique gift wrap ideas from Stow and TellUI also bent down the bulb clips on the lamp shade frame.

Note:  Lamp shades vary in shape, size and age. Some of these steps would need to be changed depending on each lamp shade. Older and more vintage lamp shades are often more delicate and a different approach for making the basket handles may be needed. Just sayin.

cardboard-lamp-shade-bottomStep 2)

I cut out the circle leaving about 1″ extra all around.

Step 3)

I cut inward lines with the scissors all around, slightly overlapping the circle line.

Step 4)

I bent the outside pieces of the card board upward all along the circle line.

how-to-make-lamp-shade-gift-basketStep 5)

I applied hot glue to the back side of the card board flaps and then pushed the card board circle down as far as it would go inside the lamp shade.

diy-lamp-shade-gift-basketStep 6)

I taped off the outside of the lamp shade applied 2 coats of chalk paint to the inside.

add-handles-lamp-shade-basketStep 7)

To make the handles I marked two holes on opposite sides of the lamp shade nearer to the top of the basket. I poked the holes with the awl and then pushed a pencil through to make the holes bigger.

Reminder: consider a different method for more vintage lamp shades, such as gluing the handles to the inside of the shade and the attaching a piece of craft paper over the ends with decoupage.

diy-lampshade-christmas-gift-basketStep 8)

I knotted off two pieces of rope for handles following this diy rope handle tutorial from Lake Girl Paints.

Alternatively, I could have used my own simple rope handle tutorial (with out the coconut oil), but I really liked the idea of these knotted handles.

make-your-own-gift-wrap-lamp-shade-basketStep 9) Last but not least,

I filled the bottom of the basket with plenty of tissue and brown craft paper and then filled this pretty Celtic inspired Christmas basket with tea towels, candles, egg nog, potpourri and an evergreen seedling.

Lampshade upcycled into a DIY Christmas gift basket from Stow and TellUMy son’s grandmother is from Ireland, so I’m thinking this basket will be ideal for her gift, although I think I’m going to have to add some tea.

unexpected-gift-wrap-ideas-lamp-shade-basket from Stow and TellUI was concerned that the bottle of egg nog would make the basket too top heavy, but it turned out to be fine.

Although if I made similar ones, I would make sure to test it out if I were to add a bottle of wine.

I will also have to wrap this basket with cellophane and tie it off with a ribbon, but that’s for another day.

Repurposed lamp shade gift basket and other unexpected gift wrap ideas from Stow and TellUAs I continually try not to keep too much junk around, I was glad this lamp shade ended up in the keeper pile.

I think that all the rustic items I pulled together for this gift basket compliment the tartan fabric enough to make a lamp shade from the 1990’s a new and nifty unexpected gift wrap idea for the present.

How to make a diy lamp shade gift basket and other unique gift wrap ideas from Stow and TellUSo as you are getting ready to wrap up your Christmas and holiday gifts for the season, don’t forget to see if you have any lamp shades that you have on hand, or perhaps have been wanting to replace. Wouldn’t this make a great excuse for replacing them?

Hope you have a great holiday season!

~ Amy

Click HERE, or on the image below to see all the linked projects projects

Creative Christmas ideas

The Creative Christmas Link Party is hosted by Janet of Shabbyfufu and the the bloggers of Blogging 50. Please visit all of the talented bloggers below!
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Filed Under: Craft Projects, Holiday Ideas, Seasonal Tagged With: Gift Ideas, WINTER AND CHRISTMAS

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Comments

  1. Tammy says

    December 9, 2015 at 7:49 am

    Wow what a great idea! I think I have to do this I have a couple of shades, I could do without! I love how yours turned out so pretty

    Reply
  2. Cat @ Pocketful of Posies says

    December 9, 2015 at 8:04 am

    What a great idea and so simple! Your new gift basket looks amazing! I am pinning your idea!

    Cat

    Reply
  3. Cathy says

    December 9, 2015 at 8:09 am

    Who knew a lamp shade would make such a pretty basket. I love this and will have to find an old shade to make one myself. And I love the idea it can be used well into the new year. Great job Amy. Cathy

    Reply
  4. kahleen says

    December 9, 2015 at 8:34 am

    This is fabulous! I never would have thought of it, not in a million years! I have been holding on to some lampshades for year, now I know what I can do with them! I think it would also make a great idea just for everyday storage décor. Love those rope handles! xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}

    Reply
  5. Jill Flory says

    December 9, 2015 at 8:58 am

    And now I’m wishing I had a plaid lampshade lying around! Seriously all these ideas are so awesome! Just think how amazing the pile of gifts under my tree would look if I used them all! And I just might! I just might go to a thrift store to find an old lamp shade and cover it with plaid paper or something! I’m so glad you didn’t toss that shade – it’s total perfection!

    Reply
  6. chris aka monkey says

    December 9, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    amy you continue to amaze me this is so darn cute love it and pinned xx

    Reply
    • Amy says

      December 9, 2015 at 10:17 pm

      Chris, you are too sweet, thank you for all of your encouragement. You rock!!

      Reply
  7. Lucy @ Patina Paradise says

    December 9, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    Oh my word Amy, this is just amazing! I was thinking of doing a gift basket but would never have thought of using a lampshade! And if you don’t have a plaid lamp shade, you could always cover it with plaid fabric. You are a repurposing genius! So happy to have you join our group! ;o)

    Reply
  8. Kathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home} says

    December 9, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    Now aren’t you glad you held onto that shade?! The plaid is so perfect. Love the rope handles and how you finished off the inside of the shade as well. So professional looking! xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}

    Reply
  9. Carrie says

    December 9, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    This is genius! You are so creative. I love it!!!

    Reply
  10. Heather C says

    December 9, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    That is a really cute idea for a lampshade, you never cease to amaze. Have fun getting ready for Christmas.

    Reply
  11. Doreen@househoneys says

    December 9, 2015 at 8:20 pm

    You’re incredible Amy! I absolutely love this. I love baskets, I love plaid, and I love repurposing. The trifecta!

    Reply
  12. Sara @ Shabby Grace Blog says

    December 9, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    Oh my GOSH!!! This is genius!!!!!! You rocked this challenge!!!!

    Reply
  13. Kim @ Hunt & Host says

    December 9, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    Brilliant. I mean, this is a great recycle. I love it!!!

    Reply
  14. Tania says

    December 9, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Oh My Goodness… are you KIDDING me!!?? This is just genius!!

    Tania

    Reply
  15. Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage says

    December 10, 2015 at 10:30 pm

    What a fabulous idea Amy, and that tartan is so fun. l’ll never look at lamp shades I see in the thrift stores the same again. There are so many possibilities with this project. You really rocked it!

    Reply
  16. Feral Turtle says

    December 11, 2015 at 10:20 am

    That is just an incredible use of a lampshade Amy. I love this idea!! Pinning!!!

    Reply
  17. Bliss says

    December 22, 2015 at 9:29 am

    Well how creative! I barely saw an old lampshade in it, certainly not a cool gift holder – now that is “visionary”.

    Reply
  18. Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says

    November 14, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Such a fun, fun idea! Great way to upcycle a lampshade. Visiting from Recipe and DIY Linky party.

    Reply
  19. DIY Home Sweet Home says

    November 15, 2017 at 6:56 am

    Darn. I just tossed a lamp shade that would have been perfect for this. Would love for you to stop by and link this up to More The Merrier Monday.

    Jamie
    http://diyhsh.com/

    Reply
  20. Linda says

    November 16, 2017 at 9:58 am

    This is AMAZING!!! And fun. Best wishes, Linda @Crafts a la mode

    Reply
    • Amy says

      November 16, 2017 at 5:56 pm

      Thanks so much, Linda!

      Reply
  21. Debrashoppeno5 says

    November 19, 2017 at 7:52 am

    Best upcycle ever. Now I know what to do with the green lampshade. 🙂

    Reply
    • Amy says

      November 21, 2017 at 7:59 pm

      Thanks Debra. A green lamp would make a perfect Christmassy gift basket! 😛

      Reply
  22. Meegan says

    November 21, 2017 at 6:58 am

    Oh Amy! I am loving this idea! Your creativity blows me away.
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      November 21, 2017 at 8:06 pm

      Meegan, that’s so sweet to hear. You made my day! xox Amy

      Reply
  23. Barbara Chapman ~ says

    November 21, 2017 at 7:16 pm

    Hi Amy! What a great idea! When we get all of our stuff brought over from California when we buy our next home {hopefully next year}, I have several lamp shades that are just out of fashion ~ definitely will use this idea in the future! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. It has been fun being with you on the Creative Christmas link party this season. 🙂

    Reply
  24. Florence @ VintageSouthernPicks says

    November 21, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    How clever & creative this is! I never would have thought of using a lampshade as a gift basket, but it works great & I love the tartan look. It’s so Christmas-y looking. How lucky that you saved it.

    Reply
  25. Libbie says

    November 22, 2017 at 6:04 pm

    Super cute idea!

    Reply

Trackbacks

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