Post #147176 by OnaTiki on Wed, Mar 16, 2005 9:14 AM

Thanks for all the kind words. The fabrics came from a woman in Samoa.

As for the shell lamp, I'm not really sure how other ones are made, but here is the idea I came up with.

First make a frame (a strong frame as the shells are heavy)

Then add the wire screen. Make sure it goes on straight. Keeps the rows even when tying the shells on.

Finish off the bottom of the lamp with whatever material you're using. I used hot glue to attach it.

Next, drill the shells. This lamp was roughly 12" around and 6.5" tall and it took about 200 2" shells. Happy drilling!!

I then tied the shells to the mesh with fishing line (triple tied). Overlap for the scalloped effect.

Now finish the top like you did the bottom. Add the lamp fixture.

The abaca cloth and seagrass rope came from OA and the wiring components can all be purchased from Home Depot.

If and when you attempt one of these. PM me for a few more tips. Beware....the shell lamp is very labor intensive but well worth the effort.

Mahalo

[ Edited by: OnaTiki on 2005-03-23 19:29 ]