Review : Lampshade Making at 'Homemade London'

My first review! I bought a vintage standard lamp last year and have been looking for the right lampshade ever since. I was given a birthday voucher for a workshop at Homemade London. Perfect - let's give this a go. No more naked bulbs!

Homemade London is a craft salon offering various workshops, as well as offering sewing cafe sessions where you can hire their sewing machines (all prices include tea and yummy cakes!) It's hidden away behind Marble Arch in an area called Portman Village. A peaceful city haven from busy London life.

Seymour Place, London, W1H 5BH

Homemade London say that their "classes are small, to ensure that you will get the personal tuition you need to create objects of desire, beautifully packaged to take home. The workshops are social experiences; you can enjoy a glass of wine and a light supper or an afternoon tea as you work." The other people on the course ranged from complete beginners like me, to others who have worked with fabric before. All were friendly and keen to share ideas and chat as they worked.

As soon as I arrived I was made to feel very welcome by Nicola (the owner) and Elizabeth (the course teacher). I poured myself a cuppa into a beautiful vintage tea cup and I was ready to get making.

I had spent aaages choosing my material prior to the course and in the end went for some thick plain cotton from John Lewis - in a colour that I call 'Mad Men Blue', as it pays homage to Don Draper's office door. I was very excited to find some mustard yellow trimming in the ribbony treasure trove that is VV Rouleaux. All other materials needed were provided - you just needed to take your own fabric but there is some available to buy at the studio.

The studio is full of gorgeous bits and bobs that caught my magpie eye. A bowl full of vintage buttons, anyone who knows me will understand how much joy this brought to my heart!

It was lovely to watch the excitement on my fellow crafter Natalie's face as she rolled her lampshade and it became a useful object! And it's so pretty too! (She was as hopeless at ironing her fabric as me, which made me feel better.)

And...ta daa! The three hours passed by really quickly and I had a great time. I will definitely be making more lampshades in the future, and fancy drawing onto fabric as part of my next lighting creation. I love that I've now got a new skill I can use, and pass on to others.

I would definitely recommend Homemade London workshops, Nicola is really welcoming and friendly. Learning something new is fun and so satisfying - and I've got a beautiful new lampshade which has already been introduced to it's new home. Elizabeth was a calm and helpful teacher, who taught in an easy to understand and non pressurised way. I felt really comfortable to ask any questions (there were a few!) The studio is very tranquil, with a fab soundtrack and delicious refreshments. Homemade London is the perfect place to learn new skills and meet new people.

Now what can I sign up for next?