How to Make Hand Made Paper Lamps

Paper lamps are beautiful additions to add mood and charm to any room. According to the websites of the Japanese National Tourism Organization and China Highlights, paper lamps have been used in China and Japan for centuries. While costly in stores and specialty shops, they require few items to make a lovely conversation piece or just to add a little light where a regular fixture or lamp would be too much. Try this project with your family or by yourself, and add a pretty accent to one or more rooms.

Instructions

1

Take the 16-inch to 18-inch sticks and lay them on a table. Cut a piece of wire about 5 inches long and wire the bottom of the sticks together about 2 or 3 inches from the end. Use the wire cutters to remove any wire sticking out.

2

Invert the sticks so they form a triangle shape. Spread them out as far as the can go without upsetting the wire holding them together. Take the smaller sticks and attach the end of one to the end of the longer pieces. Repeat for the other two pieces, gluing one end of a short stick to the end of a long stick. Allow to dry overnight.

3

Take the light in its base and insert it into the bottom of the lamp, which is the side made from the longer sticks. It is best to use a light, which has either a switch outside the lamp or goes on when you plug it in. Use a small amount of glue around the outer part of the base of the light. The plug should be left outside the lamp.

4

Decorate the paper by using India ink and a brush, markers or stenciled shapes. Allow the paper to dry for a couple of hours. You can lay the paper on cardboard and poke tiny holes with a pin for added effects.

5

Take the paper and lay it horizontally across the sticks. Gather at the bottom and cut off any excess. Start gluing with the hot glue, but only place the glue on the side of the lamp. Pull the paper taut as you go around the lamp.

6

Cut one small circle the same size as the bottom of your lamp. Pull the remaining paper up at the top and cut off any excess. Glue the circle to the bottom of the lamp. Cut a small "V"-shaped piece for the cord.