Materials:
12-gauge wire (5 to 7 yards for a 5"x6" lampshade)
two spools of 18-gauge wire
spool 20-gauge wire
lamp base
side cutter pliers
needle nose pliers
round nose pliers
wire jig - optional
embellishments such as beads, buttons, glass pieces, flat marbles, shells or stones
Steps:
- Cut one 16" piece of 12-gauge wire to create the top of the lampshade. Form the piece into a circle, and connect the ends by wrapping 20-gauge wire around the 12-gauge wire. Place the 20-gauge wire about 2" from one end and wrap it around the wire, moving toward the end of the wire.
- Connect the two ends to form a circle and continue wrapping wire over the opening and onto the other side, covering about 4" or 5" total.
- On the opposite side of the circle, make a matching 4" or 5" coil using the same technique.
- Cut one 24" piece of 12-gauge wire, and follow the previous three steps to create the bottom of the lampshade.
- Cut eight 10" pieces of 12-gauge wire. Using round nose pliers, form each piece into an S-shape. Once it's formed, the S should be about 5-1/2" to 6" long.
- Attach the S-shapes in groups of two to the top and bottom of the lampshade. Use 20-gauge wire to secure each shape. The S-shapes should form large upside down hearts when tops and bottoms of the Ss are placed next to each other.
- Cut two 10-inch pieces of 12-gauge wire to create the bulb clip. Form the bulb clip by mimicking a lampshade you already have. Recreate the bulb clip shape for you lampshade by making a U-shape. gather both wires of the U together and wrap 3" of 12-gauge wire 2-1/2" to 3" from the bottom of the U.
- The U-shape will have wings that can be connected to each side of the top of the lampshade. Bend the 12-gauge wire around the top circle to create a closed hook. Use 20-gauge wire to attach wings together for added support.
- Cut and shape small pieces of 20-gauge wire to secure embellishments to the lampshade. Create additional wire embellishments if desired using wire jigs and/or other wire shaping tools.
Resources colored wire
Contact Artistic Wire for a local retailer.
Artistic Wire - wholesale only
Website:
www.artisticwire.com
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