a fun striped lampshade {tutorial}

I smiled as I leafed through my Real Simple Magazine that came today.

In it, they featured a project that I've done several times through the years & my best friend recently asked me for a tutorial on.

How to update a boring lampshade by adding fun stripes using fabric, ribbon, and other colorful items.

I made mine long ago before I began blogging, so sadly I don't have any how-to photos.

If you don't have the magazine, simply click here for an easy tutorial.

This lamp sits in Anton & Laith's room and used to be a terribly boring and generic lampshade from Pottery Barn.

The lampshade originally had only two rust colored bands, which might be my most hated color...ever.

{did I mention it was originally a $40 lampshade that I got for $3.99?}

I knew I could make it better and more playful for a little boys room.

Sometimes you find the right thing when you're out and about and don't need to do a thing...

The ones next to Ben & my bed are from Target.

I love them, but I'll admit...it kind of drives me nuts that they didn't attach the grosgrain ribbon completely straight.

But maybe I'm being a little too picky.

. . . . . . . . . . .

It seems that striped shades are everywhere right now, so if you don't have time or aren't feeling crafty, there are tons of options out there.

What is it about stripes that adds such a fun punch to a room? Even the least daring of decorators could find the perfect one.

Would you try striping a shade??