Tapered drum lampshades have been very popular at gilhoolie lately. Either restoration of an existing lampshade (as it's hard to find a replacement of the same dimensions) or made from scratch using a template. I particularly like restoring a client's tapered drum lampshade - it's always a happy feeling when I roll it along the… Continue reading Everyone loves a tapered drum…
Harris Tweed lampshades…
I have always loved Harris Tweed so was delighted when a client in Birmingham asked me to use some to make two very big and two small lampshades to fit bases they had purchased from Loaf.com. The fabric is about as thick as you'd want to go for a lampshade (you really need to consider… Continue reading Harris Tweed lampshades…
Map lampshades…
I'm at home with Arthur puppy today (just a bit poorly after a minor op). So I have finished off some lampshades for clients, but otherwise I plan to generally take it easy myself too (which is very rare!) I feel very lucky that I have the flexibility to be able to do what I… Continue reading Map lampshades…
Arthur puppy is one!
It's Arthur puppy's first birthday this week, I can't believe how fast the last year has flown! Life has definitely changed and to anyone thinking about getting a dog, (well a miniature schnauzer at least as I don't have experience of any others) I would definitely say go for it. I can't think of any… Continue reading Arthur puppy is one!
Arthur Titch Gardner!
Well, I'm home alone for the first day with our new little addition - Arthur the miniature schnauzer puppy! Otherwise known as Arthur Daley, King Arthur, Arf a cucumber!!! He came home with us on Saturday and had the best bank holiday weekend ever. Such an intelligent cheeky little chap, we love him to bits… Continue reading Arthur Titch Gardner!
1960s vintage lampshade restoration…
Restoring a treasured lampshade for a client has to be one of the best things I get to do at gilhoolie. Jules from Flackwell Heath had two 1960s, very unusual shaped lampshades that her mum had bought many years ago. They were looking very sorry for themselves but still in use by Jules. The lampshades… Continue reading 1960s vintage lampshade restoration…
Henley-on-Thames School of Art…
I discovered The Henley on Thames School of Art last year - when I was looking for something creative to do that fits around working and making lampshades.
Thank goodness I discovered it! What a lovely place it is! It's a warm, welcoming, sunlit studio at the back of Hart Street, with a little courtyard. You'd never know it was there, unless you spot the little sign at the entrance to the alleyway...
gilhoolie sign…
As I live on a main road I thought it would be a good idea (and excellent, free advertising!) to put a sign on my front wall, telling passers by about gilhoolie.
Finally, after lots of deliberating on the general design and size, it went up at the weekend. Yay! It should probably be bigger but it's a start, and all those people waiting in traffic outside might glance sideways and see it...
Annabel Smith Interiors…
My work often comes from clients who have searched for lampshade makers online but I also regularly take orders from local interior designers. Annabel Smith owns a small interiors shop in Wooburn Green which is where I first met her a few years ago. I've been making lampshades to go in her home and for her projects ever since. It's always exciting to see what fabric Annabel has sourced from her travels to be made into a lampshade.
New look gilhoolie website…
I recently realised my gilhoolie website wasn't mobile responsive so it was time for a new one. The old one first started in 2011, can you believe it?! (I can't!)
After several weeks of testing here it is. Not an awful lot different really as it was working how it was, but I hope you like the new layout and fresh new header images. Check out the new 'Testimonials' page - more coming soon.
