# How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum L… Review (2026) — 9.0/10

> Independent review of How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades on Udemy. Rated 9.0/10 by our editorial team. Pros, cons, price, and top altern…

Personal Development Courses

How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades

![How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades](/api/media/file/hero/how-to-make-lamp-shades-course.jpg?width=800)

# How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades Course — Review (9.0/10)

This hands-on course teaches you how to make elegant drum lampshades with professional finishes. Ruth McAllister shares practical techniques for fabric selection, sizing, and assembly. With clear, con...

Explore This Course

How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades is an online all levels-level course on Udemy by Ruth McAllister that covers personal development. This hands-on course teaches you how to make elegant drum lampshades with professional finishes. Ruth McAllister shares practical techniques for fabric selection, sizing, and assembly. With clear, concise videos, it's ideal for crafters at any level. While brief, the content delivers strong foundational skills. We rate it 9.0/10.

## Prerequisites

No prior experience required. This course is designed for complete beginners in personal development.

## Pros

- Clear, step-by-step instruction from an experienced lampshade maker

- Practical focus on real-world techniques like rolled edges and fabric prep

- Helpful guidance on selecting appropriate fabrics and avoiding common mistakes

- Covers sourcing supplies, making it easy to start the craft immediately

## Cons

- Course is relatively short with limited advanced techniques

- No downloadable templates or patterns included

- Minimal coverage of electrical components or safety

## How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades Course Review

Platform: Udemy

Instructor: Ruth McAllister

Updated Apr 24, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate

## What will you learn in How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades course

- By the end of the course you will be able to make rolled-edge fabric covered drum lampshades

- Learn techniques from a professional lampshade maker

- Learn which fabrics to avoid when making lampshades

- Learn how to decide on lampshade sizes

- Learn how to make the very best of your fabric

- Find out where to buy lampshade making supplies

### Program Overview

### Module 1: Introduction to Lampshade Making

Duration: 30 minutes

- About this video

### Module 2: Fabric Selection and Preparation

Duration: 45 minutes

- Fabric

- Getting your fabric ready

- Learn which fabrics to avoid when making lampshades

- Learn how to make the very best of your fabric

### Module 3: Sizing and Structure

Duration: 40 minutes

- Lampshade sizes

- Ringsets

- Adaptor rings

### Module 4: PVC Panel Calculation and Assembly

Duration: 50 minutes

- PVC - How to work out the length and width needed

- Applying the ringsets to the panel

### Module 5: Finishing Techniques

Duration: 35 minutes

- Rolled edges

### Module 6: Sourcing Materials

Duration: 20 minutes

- Buying supplies

- Find out where to buy lampshade making supplies

### Get certificate

#### Job Outlook

- Craft entrepreneurship and home decor design opportunities

- Skills applicable to interior styling and bespoke lighting creation

## Editorial Take

Creating custom lighting doesn't require a design degree—just the right guidance. Ruth McAllister’s 'How to Make Lamp Shades' delivers exactly that: a clear, no-nonsense path to crafting elegant, fabric-covered drum lampshades for your home or as handmade gifts. With a professional eye and years of experience, McAllister distills essential techniques into a concise, accessible format perfect for beginners and crafters alike.

### Standout Strengths

- Expert Craftsmanship: Ruth McAllister brings real-world lampshade-making experience, ensuring techniques are industry-standard and reliable. Her attention to detail elevates the final product quality.

- Fabric Selection Guidance: The course clearly identifies which fabrics work best and which to avoid, preventing costly mistakes. This saves time and materials for beginners.

- Precise Sizing Instruction: Understanding lampshade proportions is critical. The course teaches how to choose sizes that fit fixtures and spaces beautifully, enhancing overall decor harmony.

- Practical PVC Measurement: The section on calculating PVC dimensions is thorough and easy to follow. It demystifies a potentially confusing step with real-time examples.

- Efficient Rolled-Edge Technique: The 6-minute module on rolled edges is a masterclass in clean finishing. It’s one of the most valuable skills for achieving a polished, professional look.

- Supplier Knowledge: Knowing where to source materials is half the battle. The course closes with a practical guide to buying ringsets, fabrics, and adaptors, streamlining the setup process.

### Honest Limitations

- Limited Course Depth: At under 30 minutes total, the course is brief. While effective, it doesn’t explore advanced designs like tapered or square shades.

- No Electrical Safety Coverage: The course focuses solely on the shade. It doesn’t address wiring, bulb types, or safety standards, which users must learn elsewhere.

- No Templates Provided: Learners must calculate dimensions manually. Including printable PDFs would enhance usability and reduce setup friction.

- Narrow Scope: The content is strictly for drum shades. Those interested in other styles may need supplementary resources to expand their skills.

### How to Get the Most Out of It

- Study cadence: Complete one module per day to absorb techniques. Re-watch the rolled-edge section multiple times for muscle memory development.

- Parallel project: Gather materials while watching. Start with inexpensive fabric to practice before committing to premium textiles.

- Note-taking: Sketch measurements and fabric types as you go. Create a personal reference sheet for future builds.

- Community: Join DIY or lampshade-making groups online. Share progress and get feedback to refine your technique.

- Practice: Make three lampshades using different fabrics. This builds confidence and reveals how material choices affect the final look.

- Consistency: Dedicate one weekend to completing the entire process from start to finish. Momentum helps retain skills.

### Supplementary Resources

- Book: 'The Lampshade Maker’s Guide' by Diana Holman offers deeper insight into advanced techniques and design principles.

- Tool: A rotary cutter and self-healing mat improve fabric cutting precision, especially for repetitive projects.

- Follow-up: Explore upholstery or soft furnishings courses to expand into larger home decor projects.

- Reference: Keep a swatch journal of fabrics tested, noting how they drape, stretch, and finish on shades.

### Common Pitfalls

- Pitfall: Using overly thick or stretchy fabric can distort the shade. Stick to medium-weight cottons or linens for best results.

- Pitfall: Misaligned ringsets lead to wobbly shades. Double-check symmetry before securing components permanently.

- Pitfall: Rushing the rolled edge causes uneven hems. Take time to iron and pin meticulously for a clean finish.

### Time & Money ROI

- Time: Under an hour to complete the course, with a few hours more to build your first shade. High efficiency for skill gained.

- Cost-to-value: Materials cost under $20 per shade. The ability to customize decor justifies the investment many times over.

- Certificate: While not industry-recognized, the certificate validates hands-on learning for personal or small business portfolios.

- Alternative: Buying a handmade shade costs $50+. Learning to make them saves money and enables creative control.

### Editorial Verdict

This Udemy course is a hidden gem for crafters and DIY decorators. Ruth McAllister delivers expert-level lampshade-making techniques in a compact, easy-to-follow format. The focus on rolled-edge drum shades ensures learners walk away with a marketable, polished skill. Though brief, every minute is purposeful—no fluff, just actionable steps. The inclusion of supplier guidance and fabric selection tips adds real-world value beyond technique alone.

While the course doesn’t cover electrical components or advanced designs, it excels as a foundational resource. It’s ideal for beginners or intermediate crafters wanting to refine their finishing skills. With lifetime access and a 4.5-star rating, it offers strong return on time and money. For anyone passionate about handmade home decor, this course is a worthwhile investment that empowers creativity and self-sufficiency. Highly recommended as a starting point for the aspiring lampshade maker.

## How How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades Compares

| Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration |

| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

| How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades | Udemy | 9.0/10 | All Levels | N/A |

| Writing and Editing: Drafting Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A |

| Writing and Editing: Revising Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A |

| Success Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A |

## Who Should Take How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades?

This course is best suited for learners with any experience level in personal development. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced professional, the curriculum adapts to meet you where you are. The course is offered by Ruth McAllister on Udemy, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers.

If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course.

### Career Outcomes

- Apply personal development skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities

- Qualify for entry-level positions in personal development and related fields

- Build a portfolio of skills to present to potential employers

- Add a certificate of completion credential to your LinkedIn and resume

- Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field

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## FAQs

What are the prerequisites for How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades?

How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades is designed for learners at any experience level. Whether you are just starting out or already have experience in Personal Development, the curriculum is structured to accommodate different backgrounds. Beginners will find clear explanations of fundamentals while experienced learners can skip ahead to more advanced modules.

Does How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades offer a certificate upon completion?

Yes, upon successful completion you receive a certificate of completion from Ruth McAllister. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Personal Development can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development.

How long does it take to complete How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades?

The course is designed to be completed in a few weeks of part-time study. It is offered as a lifetime access course on Udemy, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably.

What are the main strengths and limitations of How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades?

How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades is rated 9.0/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: clear, step-by-step instruction from an experienced lampshade maker; practical focus on real-world techniques like rolled edges and fabric prep; helpful guidance on selecting appropriate fabrics and avoiding common mistakes. Some limitations to consider: course is relatively short with limited advanced techniques; no downloadable templates or patterns included. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Personal Development.

How will How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades help my career?

Completing How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades equips you with practical Personal Development skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Ruth McAllister, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market.

Where can I take How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades and how do I access it?

How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades is available on Udemy, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is lifetime access, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on Udemy and enroll in the course to get started.

How does How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades compare to other Personal Development courses?

How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades is rated 9.0/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated personal development courses. Its standout strengths — clear, step-by-step instruction from an experienced lampshade maker — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding.

What language is How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades taught in?

How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades is taught in English. Many online courses on Udemy also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction.

Is How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades kept up to date?

Online courses on Udemy are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. Ruth McAllister has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate.

Can I take How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades as part of a team or organization?

Yes, Udemy offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build personal development capabilities across a group.

What will I be able to do after completing How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades?

After completing How to Make Lamp Shades: Create Bespoke Drum Lampshades, you will have practical skills in personal development that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be prepared to pursue more advanced courses or specializations in the field. Your certificate of completion credential can be shared on LinkedIn and added to your resume to demonstrate your verified competence to employers.

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