What You Will Learn

Whether you plan to make just one or two, start a side-hustle or make lampshades your business, this course will teach you what you need to know and you'll have two really glorious lampshades at the end.

I have taken all of the knowledge amassed from working with students at our in-person courses to make sure that all aspects are covered in-depth. I have filmed everything from different angles and you can stop, start, rewind and even ....... fast-forward if you reach Jedi Lampshade level super-fast.....which of course is my goal for you!!

You'll learn how to create a secure base structure for your frame - binding is the most critical stage of any lampshade. For the Gathered Lampshade you'll be walked through in minute detail how to measure, cut and attach your Balloon Lining, as well as how to make and attach your external fabric and we'll take the same care to show you how to gently pleat your lining and prepare the external Fabric.  Finally you'll learn how to finish your shade off with your own material or a trim. Each chapter comes with both videos and notes to help make the course as easy to follow and as much fun as possible.  


The way our Gathered & Pleated course is structured is that you begin with the Gathered Style and follow up with the Pleated as in our experience this is the easiest order in which to learn.  


You'll be joining a growing international crowd of Lampshaders who are learning this lovely craft and making their own bespoke creations.  If the feedback I've had so far is anything to go by - you'll soon be inundated by friends, family & clients asking you to make them lampshades too. 


The full course curriculum is at the bottom of this page and if you need any more information please feel free to drop me an email.

Testimonials

From Recent Students

“I had been searching high and low for an online course on how to make gathered fabric lampshades, so when Minerva Workshop released their own online course, I was delighted! The course is extremely well put together, with clear, professional, informative videos, demonstrated by Lottie, who expertly guides and encourages you through the lampshade making process. The production of the course is very high quality and comes with notes as well as videos, which are useful to refer back to. I am completely hooked now and cannot wait to start my next shade.”

Darran - Ireland

“What an amazing video and learning experience. You are so calm and encouraging in the video it just flows effortlessly. ”

Elei - UK

“I was very impressed. The videos are so well produced and organized, it exceeded my expectations. Despite trying to learn on my own over the last couple of months, there is nothing like seeing the steps in action. I only wish I had this instruction from the beginning, it would have saved me so much trial and error.”

Kate - USA

“I am so sorry this has taken so long so say how fantastic your little on line course was for me living in Australia. So very easy and clear to follow as I have done all sorts of sewing over the years and now found my passion . Do keep me posted with any other information as you were a great price. I just LOVE lamp shade making”

Bettina - Australia

“I have wanted to learn how to make fabric lampshades for a good while, and was delighted to find such a great online course. It’s lovely to sit and stitch along with Lottie, the instructions are very clear and I am delighted with my new lampshade! The option of buying a kit with supplies is a great one, it gets you stitching quickly. I now know the next three that I would like to make, such a good skill to learn.”

Jane - Ireland

Pricing options

There are two price points - with a kit and without a kit. You can also choose to pay in full, or in two monthly instalments.

Instructor(s)

Lottie Cole

Founder

Lottie founded Minerva Workshop in 2019 and since then has curated a successful programme of artists and artisans who come and share their expertise. She's super excited to be bringing Minerva Workshop courses to you, wherever you may be in the world.

1:1 Live Coaching via Zoom.

If, having done the course, you feel that you'd still benefit from some personal guidance I offer 1:1 Zoom sessions, from £100 per hour. Please get in touch [email protected] I would love to hear from you.

Coming soon!

Here in London we are working on more courses from 'Pleated Lampshades' to 'A Variety of Different Linings' to 'Collage & Illustration' with Tracey English. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear when these courses go live.

Testimonials

From Recent Students

“The workshop was wonderful. The tutor was excellent, taking us slowly and carefully through the process and sharing her expertise. So pleased with my finished lampshade. Minerva is a really lovely studio and Lottie is a great host. Highly recommended.”

Faith - UK

“The most fantastic course! I couldn’t recommend it more - such a fun way to spend a weekend and amazing knowledge taken from it.”

Felicity - UK

“Absolutely inspiring, totally enabling. I had such a fun experience and learnt a totally new skill. Feeling epic.”

Elei

“I completed the gathered lampshade course yesterday which was absolutely fantastic! All the steps were so well explained and made what seemed like a tricky task something so enjoyable. ”

Amy - UK

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Why You Should Take This Course

    • Promo Final
  • 2

    What you will need

    • How to approach doing both styles

    • This lesson goes through everything you'll need to start making your Gathered Lampshade

    • Lampshade Stitch Demonstration

    • The List of Everything You Need

    • Gathered & Pleated Lampshade Instructions - for all the chapters - you can print off the whole thing now or use the text chapter, by chapter.
  • 3

    Binding the Frame

    • Binding The Frame

    • Accompanying Text
  • 4

    Fitting the Balloon Lining

    • Fitting the Balloon Lining

    • Accompanying Text
  • 5

    Preparing the Outer Fabric

    • Preparing The Outer Fabric

    • Accompanying Text
  • 6

    Attaching the Fabric

    • Attaching The Fabric

    • Accompanying Text
  • 7

    Sewing The Fabric with Lampshade Stitch

    • Sewing The Fabric with Lampshade Stitch

    • Accompanying Text
  • 8

    Fitting the Lining & The Gimbal Tidy

    • Fitting The Lining & The Gimbal Tidy

    • Accompanying Text
  • 9

    Trimming the Lining Excess

    • Trimming The Lining Excess
  • 10

    Creating the Bias Binding

    • Creating The Bias Binding

    • Accompanying Text
  • 11

    Attaching the Bias

    • Attaching the Bias

    • Acccompanying Text
  • 12

    Pleating the Fabric

    • Binding The Frame

    • Preparing the Outer Fabric - Pleated

    • Attaching the Fabric

    • Sewing the Pleated Fabric

    • Trimming the excess
  • 13

    Preparing the Pleated Lining

    • Preparing the Pleated Lining

    • Making the Gimbal Tidy
  • 14

    Trim & Thank you!

    • Trim

    • Sewing the Trim