Dannells, using their position as a longstanding specialist in lampshade manufacturing, successfully pivoted from traditional production to empower a new wave of independent makers with its Needcraft Lampshade Making Kits. Originally developed to revitalise the business after much of the UK’s lampshade manufacturing shifted to China, the kits have sparked a global micro enterprise movement by turning a simple craft into a viable business model.
From Hobbyists to Entrepreneurs: 1,500 Makers and Growing
Tapping into its manufacturing expertise, Dannells' user-friendly kits quickly resonated with hobbyists and creative professionals alike, and since launch, Needcraft Lampshade Making Kits have helped over 1,500 businesses worldwide evolve from hobby operations into thriving SMEs. Many of these ventures blend lampshade making with other crafts such as printmaking, graphic design, or textiles—creating bespoke, artisanal lighting products with a personal touch.
Turning Waste into Wealth: Supporting Adjacent Trades
Recognising a gap in the market, Dannells also provided new revenue opportunities for curtain and blind makers, who now repurpose leftover fabrics into high-margin lampshades. To support this growing community, the company developed tailored product packs—including the Lampshade Manufacturers Pack, Workshop Pack, and Business Start-Up Pack—designed to offer value, quality, and convenience for scaling businesses.
Trend-Driven Design: Staying Ahead in a Creative Market
By closely monitoring interior design trends, Dannells has kept its product line relevant, launching sought-after styles such as scalloped edge and scalloped shape lampshades. These innovations have helped customers remain competitive in the handmade home interiors market.
Empowering Maker Brands in the Digital Age
The rise of e-commerce and the growing demand for sustainable, handcrafted products have only accelerated the success of Dannells’ maker community. Many kit users have built award-winning brands—such as Cheeky Pickle, Candid Owl, and Detola and Geek—featured in Dannells’ Meet the Maker blog series, which showcases how making a lampshade kit became the foundation for full-time creative careers.
Social Impact: Flexibility and Empowerment for Women
Importantly, this makers’ movement has also delivered social impact. With a predominantly female user base, Dannells' kits offer flexible working options that support better work-life balance, particularly for those balancing childcare or secondary employment. The initiative has enabled many to build meaningful, sustainable careers in creative industries.
Business Support Beyond the Kit
Dannells continues to invest in its community by offering free business resources, expert advice, and guidance through its BEAM (Business Expertise and Advice for Makers) blog series. Topics range from lighting regulations to optimising sales on platforms like Etsy and Shopify.
A Thriving Online Community That Powers Growth
Dannells commitment to customer support is further reinforced by its thriving online community. With over 6,000 members, the Lampshade Makers Facebook Group offers peer-to-peer engagement, mentorship, and inspiration. Complemented by social media and blog promotion, and its Lampshade Makers Directory and Lampshade Workshop Directory, Dannells places its maker community at the heart of its business strategy—championing creativity, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
Find out more about Dannells Ltd on their member profile page here
Member-created content 2 weeks ago | From members