Make light a shade better

A lampshade is a lampshade is a lampshade is a lampshade ... right? Yes, but not if you are making the one I show you today. This hanging lampshade can also be used as a hanging flower pot.

STEP 1

Draw a triangle (whose base is 35cm and height is 27cm). Cut it into two pieces from the centre. Draw a design on one half (If you do not have a design that can be used, you could copy the design I have made). I have used a marker pen to show you clearly; you could use a pencil to sketch the design.

STEP 2

Get a sharp knife or a pair of scissors and cut out the inside of designs. Now you have a pattern to use. This pattern will be used twice. Because the design is made on half the triangle, copy it on the other half to ensure that symmetry is maintained.

STEP 3

Now, take a piece of thick cardboard (buy carboard that is differently coloured on each side) and draw four triangles on it. Place the cut-out design on the triangles and copy it on each of them as shown.

STEP 4

Buy around 1cm of PVC (plastic leather) and cut it into four pieces. Make sure the pieces are slightly larger than the triangles. Apply white glue on one of the pieces of plastic and stick it on the white side of the cardboard. Repeat this process with each of the triangles.

STEP 5

Leave the pieces to dry. After one hour, use the knife to carve out the insides of the design. Also make sure that you even out the edges by trimming any piece of protruding plastic.

STEP 6

Now apply all-purpose glue to a strip of paper and use it to stick the sides of the triangles, as shown in the picture.

STEP 7

Now prepare the connections for the cable and the bulb. Don't forget to cover the back of the bulb holder. As you can see in the pictures, I have used gold-coloured string to line the joints to make the lampshade to conceal the folds.

STEP 8

The hanging leather lampshade is now ready. Adjust the balance and place the bulb holder inside it. Knot the cable so that the holder does not slide down. Now all you have to do is plug the cable and turn the switch on!

STEP 9

As you can see in the above picture, you can use the lampshade as a flower holder. All you need to do is invert it and place flowers in them.

— Gulsen Dikturk is a UAE-based art enthusiast