- 1). Strip the fabric or canvas off an old lampshade with a utility knife. Remove any adhesive from the wire frame with a cloth and rubbing alcohol or chemical adhesive remover.
- 2). Measure the shade from the top wire to the bottom and add about 4 inches so you have extra length for tying. Cut pieces of wax-coated string at the determined length and tie the end of one to the bottom wire of the shade. Tie five or six tight overhand knots to secure it. Cut off the excess string.
- 3). Feed crystal beads onto the string and hold it up to the top wire to see where to stop adding beads. Tie the end of the string to the top wire when the beads are in place. Tie three or four tight overhand knots to secure the string and cut off the excess string. Repeat this process until the strands of crystals cover the entire shade.