A Bit of Light Entertainment

Reading is clearly in the middle of a very enjoyable creative surge which is just fab. There are a lot of local people doing some imaginative and original work including the team at Make & Do,  makeanddoworkshops.com up on the hill in Caversham. There are also a lot of people beavering away on an independent and personal level to share their cleverness and artistic flair.

Natalie Macdonald is one such smart, wonderful and scrummy cookie who likes to keep it vintage; so we thought we'd throw some light on Natalie's fresh (and may we say stunning) take on a featurette of home décor - the lampshade. There is a selection of Natalie’s one-off shades for sale in the shop.

How long have you been making the lampshades?

I first learnt to make lampshades at a workshop at the Vintage at Goodwood Festival in 2010. My first shade was made from a floral skirt! I enjoyed making it so much that I purchased a take home kit - although admittedly that stayed in the bag for quite a few months before I made it, but I surprised myself by remembering how to! I then didn’t want to stop!

After meeting up with a friend we decided to arrange a stall at a local vintage fair which gave me the perfect outlet to sell lampshades and make them! So in December of last year I got to work and hit The Real Vintage Fair in Reading with my first 'for sale' lampshades!

Where did you get the idea/inspiration?

I’ve always kept a collection of fabric, but I am not one for dress making. I have always had a love for interior design and almost studied a degree in it (but opted for Mathematics and Management instead!) After the workshop I had a perfect purpose for the fabrics and a good excuse to keep up the collection! I’m constantly looking round for new fabrics and lampshade ideas.

What are the lampshades made from?

The lampshades are made from heatproof carding acquired from a specialist company which allows me to use any fabric I wish. The rings are also purchased from a lampshade materials supplier although I have recently started to reuse the frames of shades and recycle when possible as opposed to always buying brand new; since the fabric is pre-loved it seems to make sense to recycle where possible.

Where do you find the gorgeous material?

Most of the materials I use were something else in a previous life including scarves, dresses, tablecloths, curtains etc. There really are no boundaries as to what can be used. For me it has to be unusual. My aim is to make the lampshade a feature in a room - a talking point; so often they become lost in a corner with just a plain shade. I have a love for floral and retro patterns so they always draw me in, but bright colours also help as the shade completely transforms once the light is shining through it. I try to use genuine vintage fabrics but also love materials which have retro inspired patterns or just great colours or prints. Most are purchased from vintage fairs or charity shops and more recently I have been searching for more unique, vintage fabrics which can be more expensive but all contributes to creating a one-off feature for the home.

Any plans to add to your range?

Yes – my next step is to learn to crochet having just purchased a vintage lampshade crochet pattern, although perhaps a lampshade is quite an optimistic style to start with. Oh and square shades will be coming soon! I’d also love to be able to re-cover the traditional standard lamp shades so that is also something that I’d like to learn.

How would you describe your own style of home décor?

My home consists of an eclectic mix of pieces which I have collected on my travels from an around the world trip, nick-nacks from my Gran’s home as well as books and bags! Although the décor and furniture is relatively simple I love to decorate with unusual items - my favourite ones being a number of different coloured crochet doilies and Babysham statues! (One of my favourite items feature in the photos!)

Being an all round gifted lady Natalie also designs and makes her own unique vintage inspired jewellery which can be viewed on Natalie’s website laceypearl.com

So, tell us a little bit about your jewellery?                      

I began making jewellery at the beginning of 2009, starting with a Saturday silversmith course at Reading College. I learnt about traditional styles and methods, but I really wanted to make something a little bit different! It wasn’t until I moved to Australia later in the year that I took my jewellery more seriously and invested in tools, chains and charms and started my own stall at the local artists’ market.

I’ve also just completed my first term of an upholstery evening course, which I love! Watch this space for coordinating chairs and shades!

The lowdown: The lampshades range from £15 for a table lampshade to £35 for a standard lampshade. Besides selling through Frock&Roll the lampshades are also available to order in any size and Natalie has a selection of fabrics available and is constantly adding to the collection.

Let your light shine, amen!

Love Frock&Roll