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 make an upcycled lamp shade gift basket
As 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)
Step 1)
Step 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.
I 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.
Step 2)
Step 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.
Step 5)
Step 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.
Step 6)
Step 6)I taped off the outside of the lamp shade applied 2 coats of chalk paint to the inside.
Step 7)
Step 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.
Step 8)
Step 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.
Step 9) Last but not least,
Step 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.
My 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.
I 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.
As 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.
So 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
Tammy says
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
Cat @ Pocketful of Posies says
What a great idea and so simple! Your new gift basket looks amazing! I am pinning your idea!
Cat
Cathy says
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
kahleen says
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}
Jill Flory says
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!
chris aka monkey says
amy you continue to amaze me this is so darn cute love it and pinned xx
Amy says
Chris, you are too sweet, thank you for all of your encouragement. You rock!!
Lucy @ Patina Paradise says
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)
Kathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home} says
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}
Carrie says
This is genius! You are so creative. I love it!!!
Heather C says
That is a really cute idea for a lampshade, you never cease to amaze. Have fun getting ready for Christmas.
Doreen@househoneys says
You’re incredible Amy! I absolutely love this. I love baskets, I love plaid, and I love repurposing. The trifecta!
Sara @ Shabby Grace Blog says
Oh my GOSH!!! This is genius!!!!!! You rocked this challenge!!!!
Kim @ Hunt & Host says
Brilliant. I mean, this is a great recycle. I love it!!!
Tania says
Oh My Goodness… are you KIDDING me!!?? This is just genius!!
Tania
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage says
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!
Feral Turtle says
That is just an incredible use of a lampshade Amy. I love this idea!! Pinning!!!
Bliss says
Well how creative! I barely saw an old lampshade in it, certainly not a cool gift holder – now that is “visionary”.
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Such a fun, fun idea! Great way to upcycle a lampshade. Visiting from Recipe and DIY Linky party.
DIY Home Sweet Home says
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/
Linda says
This is AMAZING!!! And fun. Best wishes, Linda @Crafts a la mode
Amy says
Thanks so much, Linda!
Debrashoppeno5 says
Best upcycle ever. Now I know what to do with the green lampshade. 🙂
Amy says
Thanks Debra. A green lamp would make a perfect Christmassy gift basket! 😛
Meegan says
Oh Amy! I am loving this idea! Your creativity blows me away.
Thanks for sharing.
Amy says
Meegan, that’s so sweet to hear. You made my day! xox Amy
Barbara Chapman ~ says
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. 🙂
Florence @ VintageSouthernPicks says
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.
Libbie says
Super cute idea!