Diy Cardboard Lamp Shade

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  Step 1

  Firstly decide the size of the lampshade before making the base. You will need to cut out 5 pieces out of cardboard for the base. The shade I made is 5 X 5 inches wide, so for the bottom part of the base I had to cut out a 5.5 X 5.5 inches piece of cardboard and 4 strips (1.5 X 5.75 inches) for the sides of the base.

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  Step 2

  Cut a small hole on any one strip to draw the wire of the light fitting (see second picture of this step). Place and glue the light fitting on the bottom part of the base.

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  Step 3

  One by one neatly glue the sides. Color the base and use duct tape to cover the corrugated areas of the cardboard around the sides

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  Step 4

  The height of the shade depends on your choice but once you've made the base you'll have to adjust the width of the shade according to the base. The shade should be at least 1 cm smaller (in width) than the base. Cut a piece of cardboard (4 times longer than the width of the base + extra 0.5 inch) and height of your choice, mine was 8 inches long.

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  Step 5

  Draw shapes on the cardboard piece, such as square, stars, lines, triangles etc. Use an x-acto knife to cut them out.

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  Step 6

  Cut the shapes out carefully and as neatly as possible. You will also need to cut out a piece of cardboard to cover the top of the shade. You may also cut out shapes on the top.

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  Step 7

  Paint the shade as you want. I've used black for this one.
  Parts you have to paint for the lamp shade:- 1) The Shade, 2) Top of the shade and 3) Base. Allow the paint to dry. You can decorate the shade as you want. I've used gold acrylic paint to color the borders of the stars. Color neatly and allow the paint to dry.

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  Step 8

  After the paint dries use hot glue to join all the parts together. First fold the shade 4 times equally and glue the extra 0.5 inch with the side next to it.

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  Step 9

  I think it's better to use light bulbs not more than 40 watt and even better if you use CFL light bulb. Fix the light and simply place the lamp shade on the base. You can make as many lamp shades you want, change them when your bored of the same shade. You may also make shades of other shapes but it has to adjust with the base. Enjoy!

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Katie B. · Romeo, Michigan, US 2nd July 2015

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