How to Make a Homemade Suspension Lamp Drum Pendant

Cut away the fabric cover from an existing drum lampshade using a utility knife. Cut down the length of the fabric, taking care not to cut the styrene with the fabric. The styrene is the plastic inner core. If necessary, cut the trim along the edges of the lampshade off first and then remove the fabric.

Remove the styrene shell. Generally when you remove the fabric covering, the styrene releases as well. However, if it does not, use your fingers to carefully pry the styrene away from the frame. Keep the styrene intact.

Place a piece of decorative paper, such as scrapbook paper, on your work surface facedown. Trace the shape of the styrene onto the paper. Cut out the traced shape using a utility or craft knife.

Spray the back of the paper with spray adhesive following the manufacturer’s directions. Place the styrene on top of the paper, center it and smooth it with your fingers.

Apply high-temperature hot glue on all outer surfaces of the drum shade frame. Working quickly, place the styrene side of the decorative paper against the drum shade frame. Line up the edges of the paper with the frame edges and press it into the glue. Where the edge of the styrene-backed paper overlaps itself, apply a line of hot glue to seal it.

Measure the circumference of the top of the lampshade. Add 1 inch to the measurement. Cut a piece of 1-inch ribbon to match that measurement. Apply hot glue down the length of the ribbon near one of the edges. Fold the ribbon in half and put the ribbon over the top edge of the lampshade. Press the glued edge to the ribbon onto the lampshade once you are happy with the placement. Repeat the entire process with another piece of ribbon on the bottom of the lampshade.

Insert the cord of a swag pendant light cord set through the spider fitter of the lampshade. Spider fitters are the wire fixtures at the top of the lampshade that attach to the harp of an upright lamp and looks like a washer. Place a lightbulb in the socket. Hang your lampshade from an eye hook in the ceiling or suspension pendant hardware.