DIY Network

Seed Lampshade Dress up lampshades — with seeds! From "B. Original" episode DBOR-306

Grow a new look for your lampshades.

Lampshades can be the perfect canvas for your creativity: Everyone needs them, they're easy to swap between lamps and, if you hit the right yard sales, a "fixer upper" shade can be dirt cheap.

Michele Beschen gives lampshades an all-natural makeover in this project with designs made from seeds and other natural materials. The B. Original host shows how seeds, beads, dried herbs and similar items can turn even a boring lampshade into a new work of art.

Scroll down for Michele Beschen's how-to, and start lighting up your creativity!

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Seed Lampshade

Materials:

lampshade
seeds, beans, grasses, spices, herbs
white glue or fabric tack
cotton swabs
bamboo skewers
tweezers

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• There are literally thousands of different seeds out there in every shape and size. They're easy to find and inexpensive to buy – especially since you don't needs the seeds to germinate. Check you garage or garden shed for old seeds, and look for end-of-season sales at discount stores or garden centers.

• Also check the grocery store for attractive beans, whole spices, herbs or bird seed.

• It's important to make sure that any seeds, beans or other materials used in this project are completely dried out.

• The lampshade for this project can be plain or already have detail of its own.

• Follow your creativity: Create an original design, or enhance a design that's already there.

• Use a cotton swab or bamboo skewer to apply a touch of glue to the lampshade. Make sure to choose a glue that dries clear and will have a strong hold (figure A).

• Use tweezers to pick up small seeds and press them into the glue (figure B). Continue adding seeds until you're happy with the look (figure C).

• If the lampshade is plain, you can create some of your own designs. Watermelon seeds (figure D) make great stripes (figure E).

Figure D

Figure E

Remember: You're only limited by your own creativity. So get busy and B. Original with seeded lampshades!