How to Make a Teacup Lampshade
When it comes to projects there’s almost nothing I love better than repurposing something… giving it a new life as something completely different.
I think it’s really important to have a little fun and whimsy in your home’s decor…. things that make you smile, and maybe even chuckle a little, every single day.
When I saw this box of 34 vintage teacups and saucers at my local thrift store for $2… (yes I kid you not) how could I possibly resist?
Like any self respecting junker I had faith that I would someday think of something to do with them
Well… time passes fast, and several months later that box of teacups was still sitting in my greenhouse/studio.
Finally… when I was spending some time in there checking out my stashes it came to me… and I got so excited that I had to start right away
.They have England engraved on their bottoms, and at first glance these teacups look rather unremarkable. (I was tempted to make a wreath out of them). But as we all know, first impressions can be deceiving… because…
TA DA!!!!
Aren’t the colours fabulous? And so unexpected!
Sometime in the future I’ll have to think about what to do with the 34 saucers.
But for now … it’s all about the teacups.
Also in my greenhouse I had this set of thrifted ivory coloured planters. They look delicate, but they’re made out of heavy duty metal and are very strong. They passed Miss Pixie’s inspection.
Here’s what the larger one looked like this past summer.
I tried the larger one on the lamp for size and it fit beautifully.
I cut myself twenty pieces of jute twine about 20″ long…
…borrowed the guest room lamp base because I needed something to hang the lampshade on while I worked… and I started tying.
The next day I hunted through my stash for a roll of thrifted lace, and wove it through the heavy wire slats.
Over and under,
Over and under.
I alternated how I did each section because I thought 8 bows at the top would be a little too much.
The lace is just to lessen the glare of the light bulb a little.
It was still missing something so once again I dove into my stashes, and I came up with this silver toned tea pot.
I drilled a hole through the bottom, starting with a small metal bit and working my way up to slightly larger bits until my hole was just the right size.
The lamp finial is screwed on inside the teapot.
Here are some pics of the brass lamp from when I thrifted it last summer.
But I loved the brass lamp base…
with all its colours.
But I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep it.
Here it is with its ‘Wonderland’ lampshade… complete with teacup fringe.
Please share on your favourite Pinterest board!
I still had 14 teacups leftover and I used some of them to make this vintage teacup pumpkin.
Check them out, and spread some whimsy somewhere today… and smile!
Thanks so much for reading, and until next time…
keep on keepin’ on!
XOX
That is crazy. Crazy Good!! What a very cool idea. I think it turned out grand. Where the cups already that color on the insides or did you paint them? I also like how you displayed the plates on the wall next to it. Very cool with the fabric and the frames for the plates! Can't wait to see what you do next
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanks so much Roxanne! The teacups came looking just like that, in those beautiful colours. I couldn't believe it when I saw them. I was so lucky to find them.
That is awesome Tuula! Those teacups are spectacular. I love this project too because nothing except the teapot was changed and can easily be disassembled and used again for a different project some day. Your creative vision amazes me….:) Thanks for sharing….Vicky
This was such a fabulous project Tuula! It will be featured everywhere!!!
Only you could turn a planter into a lampshade and make it work!! I am still in love with those teacups.
Enjoyed going over how you put this lovely lamp together and the fun you had creating each part to music. We're always young at heart with that inner youthfulness ready to jump out at any moment. Sometimes I have to tame myself from getting carried away!
That's unique, clever girl. I love the tea cups. I'm Connie at http://hotflashncraftn.blogspot.mx/, a new GFC friend, I popped over from Ivy and Elephants to see this awesome new lamp you made. Thanks for sharing it.
I was questioning my sanity for a moment. I knew I had seen your beautiful lampshade and then it hit me, Ms. Junkin' Jewel! I still love it and hope soon for a post about the saucers.
That is the BEST lampshade I've ever seen! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I have a lampshade down in my dungeon that I've been saving–now I need to find teacups. Mine will most likely be mismatched pieces as I'm never lucky in the treasure location at my thrift shops. ♥♫
Tuula…where do you come up with these genius ideas?!? Awesome!
Andi
This is so cool… and using hooks instead of jute, it would make a wonderful storage option!
Wow, very creative! I buy stuff on "faith" all the time…those are usually the best purchases 🙂
Such a very creative idea. Amazing!
Hugs,
Patti
I'm still jealous of those tea cups and your lamp is beautiful!
I love this post! And I relate to every single song you were listening too! Although when I create it has to be quiet or I mess up!! Your inner child did a fabulous, creative job on that lampshade. I pinned it to my "I've Got To Fix My Lampshade" board where I am gathering ideas for a lampshade I want to fix! Visiting from A Bouquet of Talent!
That is so awesome! I just love it 🙂
I love your teapot lampshade! Very whimsical and appealing in an offbeat sort of way. Would look great with an
Addams Family twist.
what a totally fun and unique idea! love it 🙂 Can't wait to see what you do with the saucers!
I love the insides of the cups! & I love the originality of your post!
Soo cute and creative! Great job! 🙂
Susan
That is lovely Tuula! I love everything about it!
Florence
Thanks Florence! This is one of my favourite projects that I’ve ever done, and I use it in the master bedroom. It’s one of my favourite things!
I love how the colors inside the cups relate to the colors on the engravings on the brass lamp, it’s almost like it was planned that way…very cool
Thanks very much Kathy! That was a happy coincidence. 🙂
Tuula, I just saw the teacup lamp and I know I’ve said it before, but I have to keep saying you are one of the most imaginative thrifters I have ever known!!! The colors in the cups and the colors on that lamp base are a perfect match!! Just loved it!
Thank you so much Karolyn! That’s so sweet of you to say. I do absolutely love repurposing things, and my teaacup lamp is one of my favourite creations. 🙂
I truly love the tea cup lamp,I wish I had a wonderful imagination like you, you have made something beautiful out of items that most of us would have just given to good will. Keep making these wonderful projects.
Thank you so much June! I really appreciate you leaving such a lovely comment. 🙂