Make this stylish lampshade in just one afternoon.


Not your typical lampshade, this metallic marvel is easy to make and cost-effective, too. And you don't need any special tools. Shim is so thin you can cut it using a regular pair of scissors.

You'll need
2 rolls aluminium shim
A4 size sheet of copper shim
Wire lampshade form
Scissors
Embossing tool or ballpoint pen
Ruler
All Clear Silicone Sealant
50cm long x 76cm wide wire mesh
Chalk pencil
28-gauge chrome beading wire
Wire cutters; flat-nose pliers; soft tape measure; cotton gloves

Here's how
Step 1
Lay the wire mesh on the work top. Place a piece of tape around one of the upright struts of the lampshade frame. Place the taped strut on the mesh. Roll the frame across the mesh, tracing the path of the top, then the bottom rim with chalk pencil. Roll and trace right around until the taped strut touches the mesh again. Use scissors to cut out 1 cm beyond the chalk line.

Step 2
Roll the frame over the silver shim, tracing the path of the top rim with a pen. Following the traced line, cut two 3cm-wide strips of shim, adding 1 cm each end. Hold one strip in place beneath the top rim, on the outside of the uprights, then wrap it around the frame. Glue the two ends together with the All Clear Silicone Sealant.

Step 3
Wrap mesh around the frame, overlapping the two sides. Using the wire cutters, cut a 10cm length of beading wire to stitch the two sides together. Push the wire through the two pieces of mesh around an upright strut, then twist the ends together with pliers. Trim wire ends and push flat against the mesh.

Repeat this process every 3-4cm. Fold excess 1cm of mesh inside top and bottom rims.

Step 4
Photocopy and enlarge or reduce the leaf templates, depending on the leaf size you require. Trace the straight-edged leaf onto the silver shim. Lightly go over the veins and cut out with scissors. Emboss the veins on the back of the leaf.

Tip: You'll find this easier if you work on a soft surface, such as a folded piece of fabric.

To give the leaf a slight curve, which will make it easier to apply to the mesh, hold the two ends of the straight edge and gently wrap it around a jar.

Step 5
Apply three dabs of All Clear Silicone Sealant on top edge of leaf back. Let leaf sit for 30 minutes while silicone becomes tacky. Set frame upside down on work top. Apply leaf to bottom edge, allowing point of leaf to extend beyond rim by about 4cm.

Apply the second leaf, overlapping the straight edge of the first by about 5mm. Continue around the bottom edge of the frame. When applying the second row, place the point of the leaf between two leaves on the previous row. Continue until frame is covered. Let silicone cure for 24 hours.

Step 6
Make copper shim leaves using the narrower leaf template. Cut out and glue randomly around the shade, pushing the top of each leaf up beneath the silver leaves.

Step 7
To neaten top edge, wrap second strip of shim around frame, flush with rim. Glue ends together.

Shopping: Shim - S&S Wholesale, (02) 9875 1155 for nearest stockist.
Lampshade frame - Handworks (03) 9533 8566

Templates can be enlarged to desired size.




Source: Better Homes and Gardens