Saturday, March 1, 2008

Blogging: Day One!

I am attempting to make a blogging site, so please bare with me! This is difficult, I don't even know what I'm doing! I make lamps and lampshades. Cottage style. I have been making them for about seven or so years now. It all started when I was antique shopping and saw the cutest little antique half doll. I wanted to make a lamp finial out of it, but it cost about $70. A lot for a lamp finial! Since I was taking a class in china painting, and doing plates and such; I noticed that my teacher had a reproduction half doll that she had painted. She told me that one of the other women in another class actually poured them and sold them. Well, I started having her make some for me and I painted them myself. When they were complete, my wonderful husband, Roger machined the metal screw and filled the inside of the half dolls with an epoxy and waa-laa! A reproduction half doll finial for my lamp!
I had been collecting vintage doilies, lace and other textiles for quite some time. So I used some of these things and made a lamp shade for myself. A lot of my friends loved it, and asked me to make them one too! I kept that first shade because I had put a button on it that was from my grandmother's wedding dress. (And also because I had made lots of mistakes in those first lampshades!) My daughter now has that shade in her bedroom!
I looked all over the internet and elsewhere and could not find anyone else who made the same shades and finials that I made. When we moved to Oregon, I had my lamps in an antique mall and sold quite a few of them. But alas, that store closed and what is a girl to do?
I have taught myself how to make the shades from start to finish. I usually use old frames and sometimes buy new ones. I wrap them myself with twill tape. Then the process starts: I line them and put pieces of linens and lace, etc., together and also use fine quality fabrics to make a shade that I think is cute! I finished off the inside as well. Most of the time, when I am finished with a lamp or shade, I like it so much I want to keep it. But Roger says: "You're in the business to SELL them, remember?" Ok, Ok!
Well, I think that's about it. My husband is retired and keeps busy either in our yard or making 1/8 scale train engines and parts. But more about us at a later time!

10 comments:

Charmingdesigns said...

These are just BEAUTIFUL!! Welcome to blogging...I will email you, just wanted to say Hi. I will mention you on my blog so everyone can see your wonderful lamps! Laurie

Kathleen Grace said...

Gorgeous! I love your shades! Welcome to blogging, I am sure you will find that it is lots of fun with lots of kind and lovley people:>) So glad you showed us your beautiful shades!

Kathy said...

I saw your blog mentioned on Charming Designs......who was mentioned in Kari and Kijsa's newsletter. Best wishes as you begin blogging. You will love meeting all of the lovely folks out there in blogland. Your work is just wonderful---so creative!

Debe said...

Kari and Kijsa mentioned Charming Designs and she talks about you. Amazing how bloggers find their ways around. Beautiful lamps! Now just let us know how to buy one if we can. Really pretty.

The Feathered Nest said...

Hi Marilyn!! Welcome to the land of Blog ~ it's so nice to have you here! Your lamps and shades are GORGEOUS!!! Each one is such a work of art. I love love them!!! You will so enjoy blogging ~ Laurie such a sweetie, she sent me here! Have a wonderful day, xxoo, Dawn (You'll get the hang of the posting and pictures thing...)

Lisa Johnson said...

Welcome to blogging Marilyn! I am an Oregonian too! Love your beautiful lampshades. Stop by my blog for a visit sometime.

Lisa

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

WELCOME to blog land! You are going to love it here!
There are so many wonderful, fun, loving gals here!

I love your shades, they are absoultely beautiful!
Will you be selling them on your blog any time soon?

Hugz, Dolly

Meggie said...

Howdy Marilyn! Found you by way of Laurie at Charming Designs. Welcome to the world of blogging. Your creations are so original and sooo lovely. Good luck with selling them!

Vicki Chrisman said...

I heard about your blog and your gorgeous lamp from Laurie (charmingdesigns)... and she was SO right... she said I'd love them... AND I DO!!!

The Cutest Cottage Lamps said...

I can't believe it! 9 comments already, Wow! I have to say "thank you" to Laurie at Charming Designs because all of you mentioned that is where you heard about my new blog. And thank you ALL for your wonderful comments! As soon as I learn how to sell my lamps online, I certainly will be doing that. And I really appreciate any suggestions or help anyone has to offer!
xxxooo Marilyn