Shades of Light by Ruth De Fraga Gomes
Traditional lampshade-making has, for many years, been a sadly overlooked craft, as cheap to buy and readily available modern card shades have become the norm. However, with the resurgence of public interest in make-do and mend and home crafts, as well as the desire to find something unique in a homogenous sea of chain shops, traditional fabric lampshades are becoming more popular. An invaluable practical reference guide, which includes both clear written instruction and helpful illustrations, this book explores the history of lampshade-making, its trends and design inspirations. It looks at the technical elements required, shows the techniques needed to make the shade properly in the traditional way and then explores more advanced techniques such as chiffon swathing and knife pleating. Once the reader has understood the potential of the hand-crafted shade, he or she can begin the design process, even using creative skills from other disciplines. The great thing about lampshade-making is that it doesn't require a large financial outlay and can involve a lot of reusing and recycling. Only a small work space is needed and there is little specialist equipment to buy. So if you want to create something beautiful, unique and practical but don't have unlimited resources or a wealth of technical skills, this entertaining and satisfying home craft could be just what you're looking for.
'Gomes is an expert on making lamp shades, a "craft that has enabled me to develop my interest in fabric, color, design, trim, and embellishment" In this reference book, she distills her 15 years of experience into a concise guide to the craft, as well as an overview of the surprisingly interesting history of lamp shades. Every kind of shade is presented, along with details and sketches to make the ways of creation clear.' Publishers Weekly This invaluable practical reference guide, which includes both written instructions and illustrations, explores the history of lampshade-making, its trends and inspirations. Crafts Beautiful 'Lampshades are a fashion statement for any room, serving both decorative and utilitarian purposes. Craftswoman and instructor de Fraga Gomes tackles a rather underrepresented topic: how to make your own lampshades. A historic overview of lampshade development shows an affinity to women's fashion trends of the time. Detailed dissection of frame styles, types, and related elements serves as a great foundation for the fledgling lampshade maker. There are very few books on this specialized topic, so any addition to the field is important. A confident do-it-yourselfer could certainly build on the foundation of this sophisticated guide. Recommended where diversity of DIY and repurposing works are in demand.' Library Journal
Ruth De Fraga Gomes comes from a fashion background, but retrained whilst her children were small so that she could work from home. She continues to glean inspiration from fashion and indulges her passion for fabrics, trim and embellishment through the craft; some say she is actually a frustrated milliner as her shades often resemble glamorous hats! These days, Ruth works on lampshade commissions and re-coverings from a small studio and teaches lampshade-making courses in colleges and creative workshops.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780719811050 |
| ISBN 10 | 0719811058 |
| Title | Shades of Light |
| Author | Ruth De Fraga Gomes |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | The Crowood Press Ltd |
| Year published | 2014-07-01 |
| Number of pages | 176 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |