DIY Network

Pressed-Flower Lampshade From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-147

advertisement

A nature-inspired lampshade using pressed flowers and rice paper adds warmth to a room. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G

Carole Jackman of Nature's Pressed® adds natural beauty to a lampshade by embellishing it with pressed flowers.

Materials:

Nature's Pressed Pressed Flowers
Adhesive-backed lampshade
Tweezers
Rice paper
Pencil
Scissors
Optional: brewed tea
Optional: white glue
Sponge

1. Remove the paper backing from the lampshade, and use it as a pattern to cut the rice paper to fit. Cut the rice paper 1" larger on both the top and bottom of the lampshade (figure A).
   

2. Position pressed flowers around the paper backing from the lampshade to determine the design and layout. Use tweezers to lift and place the pressed flowers. Flowers may be layered over each other (figure B). The stems may be broken with the tweezers by holding a leaf in one hand and the stem between the tweezers and twisting the tweezers (figure C). Portions of leaves may be used to create smaller designs near the top edge of the shade or through the center portion (figure D ).
   

3. Using tweezers, remove the layers of the design, and remember how they were arranged so you can re-create the design on the lampshade (figure E). Place the pressed flowers on the adhesive side of the lampshade in the desired design. The adhesive is very sticky, and once placed, the pressed flowers cannot be repositioned. If necessary, use a little white glue to hold flowers in place (figure F).
   

4. Place the edge of the rice paper along the seam of the lampshade, making sure to center it between the top and bottom so the fold-back extensions are even. Carefully smooth the rice paper to the adhesive on the lampshade, using your fingers. If the paper wrinkles, carefully peel it back and smooth it again.
   

5. Fold the top and bottom edges of the rice paper to the inside of the lampshade. If necessary, use white glue to hold the paper in place. Cut small vertical slits in the rice paper from the edge of the paper toward the lampshade frame to allow you to fold it back smoothly on the top and bottom (figure G).
   

6. Optional: Brew tea, and sponge a tea bath onto the rice paper to give it a subtle antique tint.