I really had hoped to score some inexpensive shades but I searched and searched. For an embarrassingly long time I searched. So, my back-up—‘Pottery Barn white linen large’ ended up being the (expensive) winner. 

I didn’t want to paint the monogram on. I have done this in the past. They work out ok, but when you paint on an open weave fabric such as linen, you have to use about ½ dozen coats of paint so that they look just as good when the lamp is turned on as it does off. 

Here is an example of another painted project. This is with the chandelier off: 
 

  And this is with it on (and I used A LOT of coats of paint):

 

 I decided to make my monogram out of felt. Felt comes in a ton of great colors,
 it’s cheap and most importantly--it doesn’t ravel when it’s cut.



My felt came from Foam and Fabrics in Asheville. They are sold in 9x12 rectangles
and I think they cost about 30 cents. (I have also seen them at Michaels)

Then my search began for the style of monogram to use. My daughter was the inspiration for the room so I was using her monogram--MRL. I played with different fonts on the computer.  

 They were feeling a bit too mature. So, I went on a google search
to see what other ideas were available.

I loved this idea. This was the one. 

 I started playing with my letters and the sizes. After creating one, I placed it in the copier
and created different sizes. I then placed each one on the lampshade to see how I liked it.
 {sorry the trim at the bottom is already attached--I failed to take the pics before it was attached so I am 'recreating'}
 

After I found the right size for the monogram, I needed to find the correct size circle
for the scalloped border. I searched where I always do for my circles—my kitchen cabinets.

This pottery plate was perfect.

Then I needed to find the ‘scallop’ shape? Where would you look?
 The refrigerator, of course! (who needs expensive Martha tools—not this gal!)

 The lid of my V8 worked perfectly! 

 Then, I cut out the paper template.



Because they don't lay down flat, I lightly spray glued the backs and then stuck them to the felt temporarily.

This way, you don't have to trace them--you simply cut out around the paper and the felt. I highly recommend this step, it really allows you to fine tune your cutting AND it doesn't leave any outlines.
  

  
  To find the placement of the monogram,  make sure that the seam of the lampshade is in the back. Then measure to find the middle of the lampshade.
  
 

 Start with the middle initial. The felt actually ‘sticks’ to the linen, so you can place them and then mark the top, bottom and sides of each letter on the lampshade with a very light pencil mark.  This way, when you remove them to spray them with glue, they get put back in the correct spot. (These can be erased when you are done)



Spray and attach the middle initial first, then the outside initials, and then the scalloped circle.

 

Look really carefully and you can see the light pencil marks.



The felt has some give to it so you can shape it a little bit if you don’t attach it exactly straight.  

The last thing I did was to glue some sweet trim to the bottom edge. I was so excited when I found this trim (also at Foam and Fabric). It’s a combination of rick-rack and tatting—reminds me of my grandmother!

 
 

This is the glue I used to attach the trim: 

These lamp bases are paper mache. I decided to paint the little birds pink and green.

  That’s it! If you try it, please send me a picture of your project!