| The right rawhide lamp shade can make a perfect | | | | the size of the shade out of paper or cardboard. For |
| lamp. But the wrong size shade can make a beautiful | | | | example, use the lower edge of the cardboard for |
| lamp look out of balance. And ordering the wrong | | | | the base line. Measure up the height of the shade |
| size lampshade is inconvenient and expensive. Make | | | | and draw a horizontal line parallel to the base line |
| the right choice the first time. | | | | which will represent the top edge of the shade. Now |
| Our specialty is rustic lighting and southwestern | | | | draw a vertical line straight up and down from the |
| rawhide lamp shades but the technique we use will | | | | base line to the top edge line. If you imagine the |
| work with any lamp shade, rawhide or otherwise. | | | | base line, vertical line and top edge line as the capital |
| Give it a try to help choose the right shade for your | | | | letter "I" you are on the right track. |
| lamp even before you order. Follow this simple | | | | The next step is to mark the top and bottom |
| procedure to help make the right choice the first | | | | dimensions of the shade on your pattern so that you |
| time. | | | | get the correct slant for the edge of the shade. |
| First, we need to understand how lampshades are | | | | From the center line measure and mark the top |
| measured. You will need three measurements, | | | | diameter of the shade. If the top diameter is 5" then |
| bottom diameter, top diameter and height. The | | | | measure to the left and right of the center line along |
| height of a shade should be measured straight up | | | | the top edge line 2.5" on both sides and make a |
| and down vertically...not along the slant. | | | | mark. Those points are the top corners of your |
| Measuring Tip #1: The reason we measure height up | | | | pattern. Repeat along the baseline using the shade's |
| and down, "vertically" is that the height measurement | | | | bottom diameter. If it seems confusing, it's really not, |
| of your lamp from bulb socket base to top of harp is | | | | but very simple and quick. See our full color shade |
| probably the minimum vertical height you will want to | | | | measuring graphic for a visual aid. |
| cover with your shade. | | | | Finally, cut out the pattern and have someone hold it |
| Measuring Tip #2: The height of your lamp can be | | | | in place over the lamp, while you step back and look. |
| adjusted with a shorter or taller harp to be able to | | | | Even though it is flat, you will be able to get a feel |
| use a standard shade rather than ordering a custom | | | | for how the shade will look on your lamp and order |
| lampshade in many cases. | | | | with confidence. It's not full proof but it is a quick and |
| Now, here is the trick to ordering the right shade. | | | | easy way to make sure that you are on the right |
| You probably have an idea of the approximate size, | | | | track in your shade size selection. This simple idea has |
| so simply consult a list of rawhide lamp shades and | | | | helped our clients save a lot of aggravation and |
| select the one you are considering. Each shade's | | | | money over the years and we trust it will benefit |
| measurements should be listed as described above. | | | | you too. |
| Next, make a simple two-dimensional "flat" pattern | | | | |