Francesca, Beaded Lampshade with onyx and golden, vintage lamp base

Francesca is a one-of-a-kind, beaded lampshade paired with a vintage onyx lamp base, refurbished and accented in gold.

The lace for Francesca was made and purchased on my recent trip to Merida, Mexico, where I'd gone for a painting retreat and ended up doing just a bit of shopping ... I wanted to buy the whole shop!

The beads are hand-strung, layered over a set of golden, glass beads, and accented with tiny keys. One tiny key holds a place of honor in the top right-hand corner on the front and back. I love these little keys and wonder what surprises they might unlock!

I chose to name this shade, "Francesca," because she brings me feelings of romance and nobility. Besides, I love the way it sounds! According to Google, the name has Italian origins and means "Freedom."

You can see her in person at the Red Trillium Gallery in May, unless someone buys her first!

"Shahin"

Introducing "Shahin," a very unusual shade that I've designed specifically for this vintage, Middle Eastern, genie teapot. The name Shahin is of Persian and Arabic origin, meaning "The majestic royal white falcon." Shahin represents elegance, strength, and nobility. 

Two types of silk were used in the construction of this unique shade, one is sheer with subtle pleats. I added a ring at the bottom of this frame to highlight the texture and the light that passes through the silk... This unifies the shade's crown and perimeter. 

The body of the shade is made with luxurious silk in a hue of pale sage and adorned with intricate, teardrop-shaped paisley motifs. It's beautiful whether or not the lamp is lit. 

As mentioned, I designed Shahin specifically for this statuesque, brass water pitcher.
The pitcher is also known as an ewer, aftaba, or surahi. Crafted in the mid-20th century and converted into a lamp for my purpose, this genie lamp features an intricate hand-etched floral motif. I can't imagine using it to serve tea or coffee! I just want to give it a firm rub each time I pass it in anticipation of releasing the bottled-up genie within.

Just FYI, according to Wikipedia, "A genie lamp is a magical oil lamp from folklore, famously featured in Aladdin, that contains a powerful, wish-granting spirit (a genie) bound to serve whoever rubs the lamp. These lamps often resemble old bronze oil lamps, sometimes with teapot-like spouts, and are symbols of hidden power and desire, appearing in stories, toys, and decorative items."