Transformation of Ida Rose!

Ida Rose has a Cinderella story to tell!

When I first saw Ida Rose in an antique shop in Washington, she had good "bones" but was dressed in rags. Her fabrics were tattered and less than fragrant, her frills had also lost their color and appeal.

She yearned for a Cinderella transformation and wouldn't let me go. For the next six months, she woke me up in the middle of the night with suggestions, inspiration and insistence ... Ida Rose wanted it all! She wanted silk and lace, roses and sparkling jewels. She dreamed of romance and elegance.







Once she was stripped down, cleaned and wrapped, I was able to get a better sense of her potential. I chose a heavy silk that, due to difference in warp and weave, has a golden hue on one side and deep pink on the other.




I worked on Ida Rose in stages between commissions and have really enjoyed watching her transformation. I wanted an old fashioned look for her rose petals and experimented with my silk. I came up with a unique "burnt edging" technique.





Like Cinderella preparing for the ball, she's looking for the perfect match ... I'm looking forward to showing her off until she finds her "Happy Ever After" new home. I hope you like her as much as I do!

Copyright © 2017 Shades To Remember, All rights reserved. I've added you to this list since you've voiced interest in having one my shades for your lovely home!!! I'll be sending out a Quarterly Newsletter in an effort to stay in touch, update you on my latest creations, promotes interaction and referrals! Our mailing address is: Shades To Remember 1419 NE Market Dr Fairview, OR 97024 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

My husband says, "It's All In The Hunt!"

I must admit that shopping for silks and beads, lace and trimmings is one of my favorite pastimes! Since establishing Shades to Remember in April of 2015, I've spent many joyful hours in the colorful aisles of Fabric Depot, the Button Emporium, Jo-Ann's Fabric, and every bead store I could find. I've turned down every road that offered a garage sale, perused many hardware and art stores, and skillfully assessed too many second hand shops to count. 

In addition to collecting supplies, I've collected a whole new group of friends and fans. Though I'll continue to welcome new clients and collaborators, I've become more selective in my purchasing decisions! Recognizing that the joy may be in the hunt, I'm running out of space! Besides, clutter and over accumulation can kill creativity!

Having a grandson along at a sale is really fun too!

Florence, Hot off the WorkBench!

I am consistently inspired by the styles, clothing and art of the Edwardian and Art Nouveau era. "Florence" reflects that fascination. She's bold and colorful, warm and almost funny. I was going to display her in a local shop but she's found a spot near my husband's favorite chair in our living room ... Florence may become a permanent resident!

Here's a few more photos of her from start to finish ...
The beginning always looks a bit messy. That's when I have to be really patient and trust that the shade will "reveal" herself! Once "I know what I'm doing,"she stops waking me up in the middle of the night with suggestions!

Check out my website, www.ShadesToRemember.com 

Petina Rose, Vintage Sconce

Here she is - finished and complimented with a lovely wooden just-for-looks lamp post mounted under her!

Because I love "The Process" and I love seeing how other artists design and execute their work, I've posted the "in progress" photos here!

I began by selecting and wrapping the frame. I'm also in cahoots with a work worker who crafted the decorative stem that you see in this photo.





The next step was to decide on the right lining. I really like the warmth of the gold silk. Here I've clipped both the gold and a white to the frame to help me decide.

Lining the shade makes it stronger and more durable. Also, I don't like seeing a bare bulb shine through a shade.

Layering my chosen outer fabrics over my choice of linings helps me decide which one to choose.

Then I cut out my cover fabrics and clipped them in place so I could look for balance and pattern.

Stitching the lining in place is one of the most gratifying parts of making the stage. I start by stitching the center - pulling it taunt, pinning and pegging it in place with little clips. Then I ease out to each side.

I set each of the panels in place - stitch and glue so they adhere to the lining and don't shift while I'm working.

The gimp goes on next. It's important to think ahead and apply the pieces of gimp in reverse order. Ribbon, matching bias tape, and cording can be used as gimp.

Once the gimp is secured, it's time for the trim/fringe.

And here she is! The light source can be incorporated into the sconce or wired into the wall. The decorative stem is optional.

 

Celebrating my first year as: Shades To Remember!

It's been just a year since I began pursuing a life-long dream of working/playing as a full time artist! In April 2015, I made (and sold!) my first lamp shade. The business has grown steadily and I'm exploring ways to get the word out, become part of an active community of textile artists, and encourage others to find their path to creative expression too.


Check out my website, www.ShadesToRemember.com