We all know the lighting is very important in a room decoration. Nice lamps and appropriate light can make a big difference. Somehow, it can be very challenging to find it at an accessible price. So, today I’m gonna show you how to transform a simple paper lantern into a fab’ copper orb lampshade.
Supplies:
- an old paper lantern
- cardboard
- small cable tie
- copper spray paint
- scissors
- glue
First thing to do is take measurement of the paper lantern. You need the girth dimension (yellow dots) and the girth without the opening (orange dots).
Once you have the two length, you can cut into the lantern and take off the central metallic part and the top hoop. We gonna use them to make the orb lampshade.
With two cable ties, fix the circle on the top of the metallic part. The same way it was on the paper lantern.
Cut 5 strips in the cardboard, 1’ width. The length must be the girth without the opening + 1’ (for the folded part).
Fold the ends of the strip and glue it around the hoop.
Do the same for the other 4 strips. If you choose a bigger lantern you may have more strips to glue. But the process is the same.
Cut a square of cardboard and glue the bottom of the first strip on the bottom of the metallic part.
Glue the bottom center of each strip on top of each other to make the orb.
Cut 3 strips 1’ longer that the girth. Glue the ends together to have 3 cardboard circles the same dimensions as the girth.
Slides the first circle on the orb, and glue it in the middle with the other strips.
Slide the other 2 circles diagonally and glue them.
The orb structure is done, you can now spray paint it. I choose a copper color.
Once the paint is dry, hang it and enjoy! As we work with cardboard, I will recommend to use energy saving bulb. They don’t heat and are environmentally friendly. If you are looking for more lighting inspiration you may like this recycled lampshade or this geo pendant light.
Ama always comes up with such cool projects!