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Paper shade

NOTE: To ensure safety, use only 25W light globes in each of the lamps featured here.

Materials

Wire box frame (available at selected craft and hobby outlets)

Japanese momigami double-sided paper or other handmade paper

Scissors

Masking tape

Craft glue

Blunt knife

Step 1

Measure the height and width of the frame to calculate the size of the paper sheets needed to cover it. Allow 2cm for top and bottom and allow for a 1cm overlap where the sides meet. (We used two sheets of paper 44cm x 68cm).

Apply masking tape to one 68cm edge of one sheet of paper and to one 44cm edge of the other sheet of paper. Cut each sheet of paper into 4cm-wide strips cutting from the edge opposite the masking tape close to the masking tape. Do not cut through the masking tape but leave the strips attached at this side.

By repeating this on both sheets you will eventually create two sheets of paper with a fringed effect.

Step 2

Lay the cut sheets of paper on a flat surface, one on top of the other. Align the edges and smooth out the strips. Begin weaving the strips on the top sheet through the strips on the bottom sheet. Each strip should be woven over and under repeatedly until the whole strip is woven. Continue working in this way until the strips are all woven together to form one large piece of paper with a double thickness. Adjust the strips to create good tension.

Step 3

To secure the woven paper around the frame, apply a thin line of glue along one upright of the frame. Place the paper on top, press it firmly in place then fold the allowance under and tuck the ends in using a blunt knife. Allow to dry. When dry, roll the frame over the paper, folding in the allowances on the top and bottom edges as you work. Adjust the tension of the paper on the frame where the sides meet and trim the strips as necessary to create a neat finish. Apply a little glue between the paper layers where the sides overlap and press these layers together firmly to secure them in place.

Credit: Lampshades designed and made by Ivana Perkins

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