ACCESSORIES MAKING
LAMPSHADES
These styles are for simple
frames: you can buy them ready to cover, or strip the covers off old shades
that are the right shape but the wrong color for the base and the room scheme.
For the techniques shown here, you will need conical or coolie shapes, with a
suitable fitting to hold the shade on the lamp. If you are buying a frame, it
is a good idea to choose plastic-coated wire, which will not rust.
1 A PLEATED PAPER LAMPSHADE
A simple shade should be made from stiff card. You can buy plain colors from
art shops, but if you want to use a pattern (wrapping paper or wallpaper, for
example) to blend with other furnishings, use lightweight white card and paste
the patterned paper to it.
1 Ensure the
circumference of the lower nng and multiply by 1 !-2, depending on the fullness
required. Measure a vertical strut, and add 2.5cm(1 in) for a slight overhang
at the top and bottom of the shade. Cut a piece of stiffened patterned paper to
these dimensions.
2 Decide on a suitable size for the pleats: 12 mm (! in) will
suit most frames, but you may want to make the pleats smaller for very small
shades. Mark the pleat fold lines vertically down the card lightly in pencil,
working across the width of the panel. Use the back of the blade of a pair of
scissors to score the card: score every other fold line on the right side of
the shade, then turn over and score the alternate lines on the back of the
card. Fold the card concertina-v the scored lines: this is easier if rule as a
guide, folding the ca the ruler.
3 Trim the end folds (or wa can lap one end
neatly ove glue in place.
4 Use a fine punch to mal pleats, 12 mm (! in)
from of the card, centering the holes b lines. Thread cord or ribbon holes. Fit
the shade over the f up the cord. Tie the ends in a d or fasten ends together
in cons the shade. 5 To hold the shade to the strong thread to stitch OVI the
frame between each pleat, the lower edge in the same w fitted shade.
