Lampshade DIY

I wrote this post Monday but kept forgetting to publish it. Here goes!

One project that I actually completed this weekend is covering my lampshade with fabric. The old lampshade was blue like the wall and had peacocks on it. We tried buying a shade (pictured) but they were never the right size or color. So we decided to recover the original shade with a golden yellow fabric to match our new mustard yellow wall (pictures of the wall will be up shortly).

(Before)

(After)

At first, I messed up a bunch of fabric trying to cut it in straight pieces that just didn't fit the tapered shade. Then I googled around for a bit and found instructions on how to recover a lamp shade from About.com.

1. lay out old newspaper/paper bag
2. position the lampshade with the seam facing down on the edge of the paper
3. starting at the seam, roll the shade across the newspaper, tracing both the top and bottom edges as you roll
4. stop rolling when you get to the seam again
5. cut out your new template and use it as a guide to cut your fabric. Add 1" to the top and bottom
6. attach fabric to shade using adhesive
7. make small cuts at the top and bottom to help the fabric lie flat as you fold it underneath the shade

I had a hard time with the last step and would recommend NOT adding 1" to the fabric (step 5). Instead cut the fabric to the exact size of your template and then use ribbon to cover the top and bottom seams. For instructions on using ribbon, check out the Fat Orange Cat blog.

Vintage Shops

My blogging schedule's been thrown off lately. I planned on using a few posts to show you pics of all the changes we've made to the apartment. Unfortunately, I keep forgetting to buy batteries for the camera and the charger for the rechargeable batteries is broken. Batteries...just one more reason I hate my camera! I swear I'm going to get a new camera soon. If you have any recommendations, let me know. Something under $250 would be great!

Since I can't show you my apartment, I'll show you the next best thing: vintage shops.

First there's Artyczechs. Their awesome 1950's Bakelite Radio is so amazingly awesome that I just HAD to show you! I love the clean lines and futuristic design. It would go great with the rest of my radio collection.

Aside from great accessories (like the 1960's Bone China Vase below), Artyczechs also has an assortment of funky hanging lights. This glass Czechoslovakian chandelier is my favorite and seems to be in great condition.

Once you're done at Artyczechs, head over to Vintage Swank who lives up to their slogan of being "just plain cool!" Vintage Swank has everything from clothing to housewares. I love the Fabulous Fondues cookbook ($12). We have two fondue sets so this would definitely come in handy!

I've been drooling over these glass candleholders for quite awhile. I want them so bad I added them to my wedding registry!! I'm probably the only bride who has a registry full of vintage items. For those looking for something practical, check out this electric skillet from 1968, also from Vintage Swank. It's never been used...the cord is still coiled! For $75, you could definitely get good use out of it for short money. Not to mention, it comes in the original box with the original papers. Amazing!

Apartment 528 3rd Ward Contest

Apartment 528 is doing another contest. Yea! This time, you can enter for a chance to win a 10% discount on classes at 3rd Ward, a design center based in Brooklyn, NY. The contest starts today and ends Sunday, June 28th with the winner announced Monday, June 29th.

About 3rd Ward

If you're able to make it to Brooklyn once a week, I HIGHLY suggest looking into 3rd Ward. They offer classes in everything from woodworking, furniture making (my two faves!), and welding to jewelry making, illustration, and video production. They even have Etsy craft classes!

All of 3rd Ward's classes are super affordable...whether you're a hobbiest, DIY-er, or looking to develop your skills professionally, you'll be able to work a few classes into your budget. If you're looking to save a little while still getting the most bang for your buck, check out one of 3rd Ward's memberships, starting at just $39/month. By becoming a member, you gain access to their 20,000 sq. ft. space, discounts on classes, use of their studio space and media labs, exhibit space, and invites to their social events and networking opportunities. It's enough to make you want to move to New York!

Classes at 3rd Ward

I'm all about building so I will of course highlight their woodworking classes. To get started, you take Intro to Woodworking to get a feel for working with both hand and power tools. Then it's off to Furniture Design and Construction class. The class is taught by Steve Pino, a custom furniture designer who's done pieces for Brooke Shields and Steven Tyler, just to name a few!

This next offering is probably number one on my list. Yesterday, I electrocuted myself while rewiring a hanging light into a sconce for my headboard. Not fun! If I'd taken 3rd Ward's Light Fixture class, maybe I wouldn't have mixed up the wires! The class, taught by designer Daniel Rossi, incorporates wiring and woodworking, all while using eco-friendly materials.

3rd Ward also offers classes in furniture refinishing, screen printing, handmade skincare, jean assembly, and much MUCH more. Check their website for a full list.

How do I win?

First, only participate in the contest if you're serious about taking a class at 3rd Ward. We don't want a good discount to go to waste!

Like last time, there are THREE ways to enter.

1. Post a comment below telling me which 3rd Ward class you'd like to take. Each comment counts as ONE entry.


2. Post a tweet about this contest on Twitter (@Apartment528) linking back to this blog entry. Put the link to your twitter post in a comment below so I can find it. Each twitter link counts as TWO entries.


3. Link back to this contest on your blog. Put the link to your blog post in a comment below. Each blog link counts as TWO entries.

The contest ends at 11:59PM on Sunday, June 28th. One winner will be chosen at random and announced Monday, June 29th.

Good luck!

Apartment 528 Lamp Giveaway!!

UPDATE (5/25/09): THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!! Congrats to Green Yogurt for winning the Lights Up! Devo Round Table Lamp.

Just when you thought this blog couldn't get any better (hehe!) it does! Today, I'm bringing you the first ever Apartment 528 Giveaway, brought to you by the fine folks over at CSN Lighting. That's right...one of you lucky readers will win one of the awesome lamps below!

CSN Lighting has just about any lamp or light fixture you can dream of. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself! It took me hours to sort through all the lamps in their home lighting section looking for the perfect lamp to offer my Apt528 readers. In the end, I couldn't pick just one...I found SIX lamps that I couldn't live without. Check them out below.

Sonneman: A Way of Light
With pieces designed by Robert Sonneman, Sonneman modern lights look like art but are totally functional at the same time. Since 1967, Sonneman designs have been sold and exhibited throughout the world. His passions for both contemporary design and architecture can clearly be seen in all of his designs. Unlike many designers who simply lend their name to a product, Sonneman remains deeply connected to all of his designs, from the conceptual stage right through to production.

Lamp #1: Sonneman Solid Table Lamp

Lamp #2: Sonneman Orbiter Double Floor Lamp


Lamp #3: Sonneman Essex Boom Floor Lamp

Lights Up!
The colorful pieces made by Brooklyn-based Lights Up! have the ability to fit right into any room of the house. With an offering that includes table and floor lamps, wall sconces and pendant lights, Lights Up! features a beautiful selection of printed shades made from 100% silk in exclusive patterns. All Lights Up! shades are manufactured to order at their Brooklyn headquarters.

Lamp #4: Lights Up! Oscar Boudoir Lamp
Base of lamp available in your choice of Carrot, Grass (pictured), or Olive

Lamp #5: Lights Up! Devo Square Table Lamp
Base of lamp available in your choice of Carrot (pictured), Grass, Olive or Soy

Lamp #6: Lights Up! Devo Round Table Lamp

Base of lamp available in your choice of Carrot, Grass (pictured), Olive or Soy

So how do you win one of these amazing lamps? Simple. First check out the info on the Sonneman and Lights Up! lamps featured above, then pick your favorite lamp. From there, there are THREE ways to enter.

1. Post a comment below telling me which lamp is your favorite. Each comment counts as ONE entry


2. Post a tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (@Apartment528) linking back to this blog entry. Put the link to your twitter post in a comment below so I can find it. Each twitter link counts as TWO entries.


3. Link back to this giveaway on your blog. Put the link to your blog post in a comment below. Each blog link counts as TWO entries.

The contest ends at 11:59PM on Sunday, May 24th. One winner will be chosen and announced Monday, May 25th.

Good luck and happy lighting!

The Old Switcheroo

One easy thing you can do to upgrade the look of a room is to change out the light switch covers. They're cheap, come in a gazillion different designs, and you can easily switch them out when your lease expires.

Here are just a few from the folks over at Etsy.

Clockwise from top left: Beatles Let it Be Switch Cover, $8 (Tatty7); Custom Light Switch Covers, $4 (Bright and Beautiful); Dear in the Headlights Cover, $8 (Tatty7); Southwest Cactus and Yucca Double Switch Cover, $10 (Crochet and Craft); Plaid Light Switch and Outlet Covers, $6.50 (Lindsay's Lights); Faux Antique Brass Textured Floral Cover, $12.50 (Gina Parnell); Owl Light Switch Cover Plate, $30 (Bright Color Art)

Stray Dog - Products > Sale

Stray Dog's having a sale on lighting.

Started in Mexico's back roads, Stray Dog's products are created from recycled materials and handmade by local artists...earth-friendly AND people-friendly! To take things the extra mile, Stray Dog donates a portion of every purchase to a worthy cause with their Stray Giving program.

If that's not a good reason to shop, I don't know what is!

White Tree Sconces - $160

Randy Floor Lamp - $325

Branches Lamp - $295

Check out the "Made In..." section of the website to see where all of Stray Dog's materials come from.

Kanibal Home

I'm a big believer in repurposing and redesigning furniture. Why keep making new things when there are so many great pieces already out there just waiting to be unearthed. Another company that feels the same, Kanibal Home, an online home furnishings store that believes "'Pretty things' can make life better, but they can also be better for life. "

Browsing through their site, I found a cute black bamboo chair ($178) that would be perfect for a parlor room. Unfortunately, there's only one of the chair left so it would have to be a side chair.

Another find was this cork and chrome table lamp ($65). The shade doesn't come with it which leaves you free to pick your own. I'd recommend a simple white design.

Jerome's favorite things on the site were the vintage camera pillows ($58). They'd go great with our vintage camera collection. They also have armored pillows with tank designs and a very cheeky (pun intended) "body" pillow.

I happen to be going through an owl phase at the moment so the framed owl watercolor ($48) really caught my attention.

Wilkerson Furniture

I've been searching for an awesome vintage TV forever but have yet to find anything I like. Then I found this console by Wilkerson Furniture. No, it's not vintage, but it would definitely fit with my mid-century living room. I also like the Walnut Lamp II which was inspired by Eames' walnut stools.

(images via Wilkerson Furniture)

Check out their website for more wooden wonders.

Summer Cooking

With Memorial Day comes the start of everything summer. That means outdoor parties and backyard barbeques. In my case, it means front porch barbeques.

This past Friday was Jerome's birthday. In celebration, we had a few friends over to celebrate. But before the fun could begin, I had a lot of work to do to get the porch in party shape.

1. Lighting
Most times, adding festive string lights and tiki torchces is the easy way to transform an outdoor space for a party. If you only have a porch, like me, torches aren't an option. Neither are string lights if you don't have electricity on the porch. My alternitive, solar powered outdoor lights. Normally, you'd stick these around the edge of your lawn or walkway. Instead, I filled planter boxes with soil and rocks to hold the lights. Now for $40 I have eight, earth-friendly lights to keep the party going long into the night.


2. The Grill
Many cities have rules about the use of gas and charcoal grills on porches or rental spaces. One way around it, buy electric. My old roommates had the George Forman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill ($70, Lowes). Like the original Forman countertop cooker, this grill is great at cooking and is easy to clean. If you're willing to spend a little more, check out the Perfect Flame Dual Purpose Electric Grill ($200, Lowes). With extra cooking space and fold-down prep tables, this is a great grill for anyone planning to host a few BBQs this summer.




3. The Silverware
If you're looking to impress without making a mess, try First Impressions Plastic Silverware. It's just like regular, stainless steel silverware until you pick it up and realize how lightweight it is. Jerome's family used it for an event. I was truly convinced it was the real thing. His mom ended up giving me a pack...you know you're in when your future mother-in-law gives you the good silver!

If you're looking for a green (in color and eco-friendliness) option, try Diamond's Renew Dinnerware made of 100% recycled plastic. Even the box is made of recycled materials. The silverware features a unique cut-out design on the handle that uses 10% less plastic than normal disposable flatware. I don't know about you, but I'm all over any green idea that also allows me to party in style!

*Renter's Tip: Nowadays you can get everything from champagne glasses to dishes in paper or plastic for easy disposal. Many options look like their real counterpart. If you don't find what you're looking for at your local grocer, check online, at the wine store, or at a party supply store.

4. Flooring
A nice way to spruce up any porch party? Add a rug! Not only will you give the deck that comfy, warm feel, but you'll also provide a nice place for guests to hang out flip-flop free! I used a rug to cover up some paint marks and give the porch some style. Make sure to keep the rug away from the grill and any open flames! Pottery Barn's Palm Leaf rug ($99-399) is my favorite...gotta love a little tropical flair!

6. Furniture
Outdoor furniture is a must for any summer soiree. My tip, go for something out of the ordinary. Can't afford to get anything special? Don't underestimate the power of paint. Krylon makes a paint just for plastics that will transform your ugly white plastic lawn chairs into colorful pieces. If you have wood or metal furniture, make sure to use a paint that keeps the rust out and protects wood. If you're still looking for the perfect chair, don't forget second-hand options. Craigslist is full of people practically begging you to take their patio sets off their hands. They're usually in great condition with little work needing to be done. You can find anything from cool picnic tables to cool retro chairs. We were able to get our metal cabinet for free on craigslist. With a couple coats of spray paint, it's now the perfect place to store our grill accessories.

5. The Little Things
Now that you've got everything else you need for a party, it's time to add the important thing: decorations! Lanterns, candles, sconses, and outdoor fireplaces are great options. Hanging plants are great for summer, though be careful to read the care directions before buying anything. I bought a gorgeous Fuscia plant and didn't realize till I got it home how difficult it is to take care of. For color mix in a few bowls of lemons or limes or put out frozen berries. If you're looking for some real fun, add a few glowsticks to the ice chests for a neat glow that looks great bouncing off the ice.

Don't mean a Thing if it Ain't got that SWING!

My latest unique furniture find, Obsessive Furniture by Johnny Swing. If the name sounds familiar, it's because he's a former team leader on the TV show "Junkyard Wars." Johnny, an artist and sculptor, creates unique furniture and sculptures from everyday items. Everything from baby food jars to coins becomes an artistic medium in his eyes. Make sure to check out his website for some of the amazing pieces he's made, many of which are featured in museums and showrooms.

Perhaps I'll break open the piggy bank tonight and build a quarter table!

Eureka!

Can't find the perfect light fixture? Try this bare-bulb idea from our friends over at Modern in MN. They never cease to amaze me with their new projects. This is a great look to play around with if you're going for a modern look and would be awesome in a lounge area. You could try differnet colored cords, hanging the bulbs at different heights, and adding a small shade or cover to some of the bulbs.

I'm always looking for new sites to check out and new design ideas to try. If you see something, feel free to post it in the comment section or shoot me an email.

Scan Here -->

We decided to go with barcodes down the hallway.

Weird, I know, but I like to be different. I got the idea while watching a design show where they put stripes of varying sizes on a guy's wall. Though the design on the show was just stripes, I decided to take it a bit further and turn them into barcodes, complete with numbers. With all the taping involved, it's turning out to be a long project, especially with our peeling walls. Peeling walls are nobody's friend. Thankfully our problem is isolated to a small area so I can fix it in patches.

So far I like the barcodes. For numbers, Jerome and I came up with dates that mean something to us and I'll stencil them on the bottom after all the UPC's are up.



I'm still trying to decide what color I want the trim. Originally, it was going to be black. Black, red, and white are the three colors that pop up in the our three main rooms so it made sense to carry them through the hallway. That said, I don't think the black is working for me. We'll see what happens with that.

I'm still working on that stupid light fixture in the dining room. Turning a lamp into a chandelier is pretty darn easy. All you have to do is cut the lamp cord, split the two wires, and strip the plastic from the ends. From there, you need to TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY from your fuse box and simply connect the wires to the wires in your ceiling using the end caps.

Of course, I couldn't have it that easy. Whoever put up the original light in the dining room didn't do the best job and has some interesting wiring going on in the ceiling. I tried to take it out and insert a new electrical box, but the old one is so old and rusty it won't come out. I tried to use the box they already have but the screws are too short. I tried getting new screws at Home Depot, but they're a weird width that is no longer stocked.

The day I get this light hung up will be the best day of my life! I'll probably have a party to celebrate!