Paper Lamp Shades: How to Make a Paper Lamp Shade

Need to spruce up your room with paper lamp shades? How to make one is not as difficult as you think. Read this article to know more about how to make a paper lamp shade.

A friend of mine had a sudden urge for some instant home decorating. While helping her to discard some of her stuff, I came across few old paper lamp shades. How to make those lamp shades look classy by giving them a new look was the first question that came to my mind. We both took it up as a project and the final product was excellent. Given below is how to make paper lamp shades.

Lamps

brighten up a dull room, and give an elegant ambiance to your room interior. Read on to know how to make paper lamp shades.

What you will Need

You will require the following things to make a paper lamp shade.

Lamp Shade Frame

: You can make a paper lamp shade using an existing frame like we did or you can buy a new lamp shade frame. There are many stores that offer an array of lamp shade frames to choose from.

Thick Paper

: The paper should be thick enough to cover the lamp shade frame without tearing but not so opaque that the light from the bulb cannot shine through. We used rice paper as it has a translucent effect and glows when the lamp is lit. You can consult a nearby stationer or hardware store on the kind of paper that would be best for your lamp shade.

Stationery

: To make a paper lamp shade, you will need pencils, markers, erasers, scissors, heavy duty glue, etc.

Decorative Articles

: According to individual likings, you can choose the kind of material you want to use to decorate your paper lamp shades. You can select from beads, ribbons, shells, feathers, sharpener shavings, sand, lace, sequins, paints, dried flowers and leaves, small mirrors, candy sticks, small bells, etc.

Glue

: To make sure that all the above mentioned articles remain firmly glued to the paper, use heavy duty glue that does not smudge or stain. Using a tube of glue with a small opening would be better than a stick as most of the objects to be stuck are rather small.

Fireproof Spray

: The bulb in the lamp generates considerable amount of heat. Once the lamp shade is ready, it needs to be sprayed with fireproof spray so that the paper does not catch fire because of the heat.

How to Make Paper Lamp Shades Once you have the things required for a paper lamp shade, how to make it is the next question. Given below are simple instructions on how to make a lamp shade

of paper.

Method 1

Use a stencil to draw out whatever design you want on the paper. If it’s a complicated design, it’s advisable to practice on a simple paper first. Once the design is finalized, draw it on the main paper which you have cut out in the shape of the frame. Paint it using oil paint or fabric paint as they look brighter and more vibrant than water colors. After the paint has dried, stick the paper on the frame with the heavy duty glue. Let it dry for a while and your new paper lamp shade is ready to shine!

Method 2

Take a big sheet of rice paper and cut it out in the shape of your lamp shade. Keep the edges a little longer than the frame so that they can be glued easily to the frame. Draw the design of your choice on the paper. Use sparkling glue to outline the designs and paste mirrors and beads wherever you think necessary. Stick a shiny ribbon or lace on the rim of the lamp shade. Allow everything to dry completely and then place it on the frame. Instead of beads and mirrors, you can use any other material that you think will highlight your individuality the best!

Method 3

Using a strong and sharp pair of scissors make a wonderful paper cutting design on the paper that you intend to use. In this case, it is better if you use just the wire outline of the lamp shade frame. Once your design is ready stick it carefully around the wire frame and place it on the lamp base. Switch on the bulb and you’ll be delighted with the patterned light dancing on your walls!

Method 4

Apart from the above mentioned methods on how to make paper lamp shades, you can also create a personalized masterpiece by trying out some of the following ideas.

• Cut out the paper in the shape of the frame and have handwritten messages (in different colors) from your kids on it. When the lamp lights up, it will look absolutely lovely.
• Blow up a nice family picture and cut it out in the shape of the lamp shade. Paste it onto the frame and place it on the base. Use this in the family room. It is sure to get a lot of compliments!
• Ask your kids to paint their favorite cartoon and stick glitter on the picture. Stick this picture on the lamp shade frame. Also go through these kids crafts ideas and help them nurture their creativity.

These were some innovative paper lamp shades DIY tips. After reading this article on paper lamp shades, how to make it won’t be a problem for you! You can enhance your home décor with lamp shades to a great extent! So go ahead, awaken the craftsman in you!