Egg Crates Transformed to Elegant Pendant Light Shade

This lamp shade is a true example of how creativity and thinking outside the box can help us convert items that normally one never gives a second thought to but to simply throw into the trash and transform it into something that is beautifully unique. First I will list supplies needed for this project, then I will take you step by step on how its made and lastly show you how it looks when its completed.

• 2 Large egg crates (same style) *
• blade knife
• needle
• thread
• acrylic paint
• paint brush
• glue gun
• glue sticks
• Pendant light electrical cord
• wire (approx. 15 in)
• gems, feathers and beads (as desired for decor purposes) **

* In the photo I show a purple and grey crate. both hold same amount of eggs but very different I will show you the differences in a photo in step 3. It is best to use the same style crate.

**feathers and beads not in photo

Step 1: Let there be light!

In this step you will need the egg crates and the blade knife. We will be cutting out areas in the crate that you would like light to shine through when your light is on. Take a look at both sides of the crate (pic 1 & 2), as you can see they are different. Decide what side you would like for your shade. For this project I chose the side that appears to have texture (pic 2.).Picture 3 shows where Id like the light to shine through the blue indicates where I will cut out the holes. In pic # 5 the blue circle shows some of the cuts I've made. Continue to cut out those areas on the entire crate then do the same on the second crate.

Step 2: Ill be using blue colors,This shade will be used to accent a room with peacock theme Paint both crates to the color of your liking. I've used navy blue with a touch of turquoise and lime green to match the decor in the bedroom. It is not necessary to paint both sides, unless one prefers to. Also we will go back in the end to touch up any areas not fully painted.Let fully dry to move to the next step.

Step 3: In this step we will be sewing the crates together.The reason it is sewed and not glued is because it makes the crates more flexible. Find the sides that are similar to each other and line them up side by side .Grab your needle and thread and begin sewing the crates to each other, then repeat on other side.

Step 4: In step 4 paint any areas that need to be painted or be retouched. After doing this allow for the shade to dry completely

Step 5: In step 5 we will add any decor desired. I will be adding rhinestones to give my shade a touch of sparkle.In addition I will also be using feathers and beads. Use hot glue gun to glue on rhinestones And lastly adding a small wire to use for hanging purposes.

In this step you will need your pendant light electrical cord and the lamp shade. This cord came with the clips shown in the pictures. I hung the shade on the clip as shown in picture 2. Lastly find a spot where you'd like your light to hang, then plug in!!