Lampshade Updo

The post previous to this one is about this metal lampshade I found for six bucks at the Habitat for Humanity Restore.

The first thing I had to decide on was what color spray paint to use.  As fun as it would be to go for something fun and bright, I decided on a muted color by Krylon called "Celery."  I also needed something to cover the brass so I found a brown hammered paint I had in the cupboard.

As much as I liked the simplicity of the lamp, I thought it would be fun to spice it up with some homemade glass "tassels" to be hung from the base of the shade.  I was thinking something like what you might find hanging from a chandelier...but slightly different.

After visiting good ol' Hobby Lobby, I came home with some glass beads (which were all 50% off and totaled $15.00.)  Because I didn't have the tools or know-how of making the "tassels" I drove down to the nearby Bead Shoppe where an employee led me to the necessary crimp beads, wires, hooks, and tools to use.

She also gave me a copy of some directions I found useful.  Instead of taking step-by-step pictures for you, I took a picture of the directions.  Genius....and easier!

Here they are, my completed tassels.  I made a total of 8, four shorter ones with a larger bead at the bottom and four longer ones with a shorter bead at the bottom.

Here's a close-up of the top...an earring clasp.

Before spray painting the shade, my husband drilled 8 small holes along the base of the shade so that the tassels could be hung.

And after a couple of coats of spray paint, it was finished!