DIY Network

College Student Living Room Learn how a funky flower lamp and puzzle table are created. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-204

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Covering the Lamp Shade

If the shade is attached to the base, find a way to prop the entire piece so that the widest part of the shade is facing down. If the shade is unattached, simply lay it on plastic with the widest part as the bottom.

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1. Cut the shapes out of the handmade paper that resembles the shape of the frame—like petals. If necessary, try using the shade itself as a pattern. Make sure to leave yourself 1/4 inch or more to wrap the paper around the wire frame.

2. Mix one part white glue with 3/4 part water.

	Figure C
	Figure D

3. Soak the pieces in the mixture, and then remove the excess using your fingers (figure C).

4. Lay the pieces over the frame, and then work from bottom to top, making sure to leave enough paper on all sides and the top to wrap around the top of the form. This will keep the paper from sliding down the wire. Wrap all of the edges around the wire.

5. Try doing every other "petal" first. It gives them a chance to set up and dry slightly before adding the others. It also helps by creating clean lines on the seams and is easier to work with.

6. Set the lampshade in front of a fan to dry.

7. Flip the shade upside down, and then repeat the process to the inside to sandwich the wire frame with the paper. Apply a new color for contrast (figure D).

8. Make sure the widest edge is as clean as possible. If not, use something like feathers to hide the edge.

9. After everything is completely dry, consider further embellishments with acrylic, airbrush or spray paints, and then spray a water base clear polyurethane coating or try spraying the polyurethane first and then painting for a slightly different result. Allow to dry.

10. After testing the weight of the shade with the base, determine if you'll need to add a wider base. If so, consider using a small tray, metal plate, or ceiling medallion. Be sure to prime any metal of the lamp base before painting. Otherwise, the patina accelerator will continue to eat into the metal of the lamp. Use paint base with copper surfacer. Let it dry completely. Paint a second coat of the surfacer. Before it's completely dry, apply the patina accelerator. It will take 24 hours for the full affect of the patina to appear.

Tip: If you don't have enough patina, use household ammonia. The finish will be more blue and green, which could be a more desirable look in some instances.

11. After all of the shades and bases are dry, connect any shade that isn't connected to the base, along with the wiring for each lamp.

Tip: Before permanently attaching the flower shade together, check to see if the lamp is wired correctly.

12. Embellish the flowers with feathers, trim, lace or jewels to create the individual character of the lamp.

Project Expense:

Lamps: $75
Paper: $42
Materials: $15

Total: $132

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