If you've been thinking about booking a lampshade making workshop but aren't quite sure what to expect, this post is for you. Maybe you're wondering whether you need any artistic ability, whether you'll manage to finish in the time, or what happens if you make a mistake. These are all completely normal questions, and the honest answer to all of them is far more reassuring than you might think.
Here's everything you need to know before you book.
Do I need any experience or artistic ability?
Absolutely not, and this is probably the question I get asked most often. Every workshop I run is designed for complete beginners. You don't need to be able to draw, sew, or have any previous craft experience whatsoever. Lampshade making is a skill, and like any skill it can be learned, I'll guide you through every single step of the process from start to finish.
What you do need is a willingness to have a go and a little patience. The rest I can teach you.
What workshops are available?
I currently offer two main lampshade making workshops, each teaching a different style and technique:
Contemporary Drum Lampshade Workshop - 2.5 hours
This is a great introduction to lampshade making and the perfect choice if you're new to craft or short on time. In 2.5 hours you'll learn to make a contemporary fabric drum shade using a hard PVC backing, a clean, modern technique that produces a beautiful, professional-looking result.
You'll make either a 20cm or 30cm diameter drum shade in a fabric of your choice. All tools are provided, you just need to bring your fabric.
This workshop is held at Starling Studio in Fiveways, Brighton, and costs from £40.
Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop - Full Day
This is a more immersive experience for those who want to learn a truly traditional craft skill. Over a full day you'll learn to make a traditional hand-sewn bowed empire soft shade, the kind that's been made by hand for generations, using cotton tape binding, hand stretching, and hand sewing techniques.
It's a longer and more detailed process than the drum workshop, but enormously satisfying. By the end of the day you'll have made something genuinely beautiful and acquired a skill you'll want to use again and again.
This workshop is also held at Starling Studio in Fiveways, Brighton, and costs from £130.
Will I manage to finish in time?
For the drum workshop, yes, absolutely. 2.5 hours is comfortably enough time to complete a drum shade, even for a complete beginner.
For the traditional workshop, the honest answer is that it depends on your pace. There's a lot to learn and a fair amount of hand sewing involved, and some people finish, while others may have a small amount to complete at home. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about, you'll leave with all the skills, confidence, and printed instructions to finish independently, and I'm always happy to answer any questions afterwards.
What if I make a mistake?
Mistakes are a completely normal part of learning any new skill, and lampshade making is no exception. The good news is that most mistakes in lampshade making are fixable, and I'll be there throughout the workshop to help you correct anything that isn't quite right. Nobody has ever left one of my workshops without a lampshade they're proud of.
The traditional workshop in particular involves techniques that take a little time to master, hand stretching fabric evenly and getting the tension just right doesn't always happen first time. But that's exactly why the class size is kept small, a maximum of 6 people, so that everyone gets the individual attention they need.
What should I bring?
For the drum workshop:
- A piece of fabric - 75cm x 25cm for a 20cm shade, or 110cm x 30cm for a 30cm shade
- A light to medium weight fabric works best - cotton, polycotton, or linen/cotton mix
- All tools are provided
For the traditional workshop:
- At least 1 metre of fabric in a light to medium weight cotton, linen, or cotton/linen mix
- Matching thread
- Your lunch - there's a 45 minute break and lovely cafes nearby in Fiveways
- All other materials and tools are provided
Not sure about your fabric choice? Get in touch before the workshop and I'll advise, it's much better to check in advance than to arrive with something that won't work well.
What's the atmosphere like?
Relaxed, friendly, and genuinely enjoyable, that's the feedback I hear most often. Classes are kept deliberately small so the atmosphere is always personal rather than classroom-like. People arrive not knowing what to expect and leave feeling genuinely proud of what they've made.
Here's what some recent workshop attendees have said:
"I left feeling super inspired and can't believe I made it myself."
"A really productive way to spend a morning - Jo is a brilliant teacher and made everything feel achievable."
"I was nervous before arriving but Jo made everyone feel so welcome. I'll definitely be back."
Where are the workshops held?
Both workshops are held at Starling Studio, 107 Havelock Road, Fiveways, Brighton, BN1 6GL - a beautiful dedicated art and craft studio that's the perfect environment for a creative day out. Full joining instructions are sent on booking.
I also offer private group workshops for up to 8 people, available at Starling Studio or at my own private studio in Hove. These are perfect for hen parties, birthdays, or any group occasion. Get in touch to find out more.
How do I book?
You can browse all available workshop dates and book directly through my website. Gift vouchers are also available if you'd like to give a workshop as a present, they're valid for a year and can be used against any workshop booking.
Browse workshop dates and book →
Still have questions?
If there's anything else you'd like to know before booking, please don't hesitate to get in touch, I'm always happy to help.
I'm a professional lampshade maker and workshop teacher based in Hove, East Sussex, and I've been teaching lampshade making workshops in Brighton for over 10 years. Find out more at Lume Lighting.
