DIY: PATTERNED LAMPSHADE

I think the most exciting thing about DIY project is the process of combining your favorite elements together to create something that you would love. Somehow it reminds me of shibui/shibumi, a concept of inner meaning rather than superficial adornment, of simplicity, tranquility, subtle and unobtrusive beauty; because you put effort into it, you make plans, you use your imagination, and you have a ‘me time’ to learn, you put a little bit of yourself to the project. I’m not a real crafter. No, seriously, I’m not. But sometimes I like to create something just because I’m bored. Haha.

So one day my boss gave me 2 rolls of masking or washi tape. And then on one lazy Sunday, I had this idea to decorate my so-affordable-yet-cute lamp that I bought from IKEA with those washi tapes. SGD $5 people! God bless you, dear IKEA! Actually I liked the simplicity of it. It’s all white with scandinavian design. I don’t really like things with patterns – unless the pattern is really pretty, still I prefer stuff with plain nice color. The best thing of decorating stuff with washi tape is that it’s repositionable and removable for when you get tired of it. :D

It’s so simple. So you need:

1. Masking tapes (washi tapes)

2. Plain single colored lamp shade

3. Scissors

4. Cutter

First, decide what kind of pattern you want. You don’t have to draw it, just imagine and predict and measure it a little. I didn’t draw or measure. Haha. Remember, washi tape is removable. I decided to go with simple chevron(ish) pattern. If you want to have like complex pattern, then you need ruler and pencil. Start with the long lines first.

Use cutter to trim off the edges for top of the shade. You don’t have to do this for the bottom part, just drag the tape until it passes through the bottom edge of the shade, and stick it on the inner surface.

Move to the next round. This part is a bit tricky, but it’s still pretty easy. Make two lines from the second tape, stick the edges together, but don’t stick them to the surface of the shade. After you get the triangle shape, trim it off with scissors.

And..done! When you put the shade back to the handle, you can see the edges of tapes arranged nicely. Good luck with your experiment! :D

Hertiana Dwi Putri is an arts programme officer and freelance writer based in Jakarta, interested in design, alien, cryptozoology, and mythology. In love with music, good books, good movies, watermelon, coffee, sunset, and paperfolding. Sometimes she involves in a project that needs her average design skill and gets paid for it. Check out her blog, Sticky Bun Book to read her thoughts about random things and posts related to book and design.