Post #403407 by tobunga on Sat, Aug 23, 2008 2:01 PM

Hey everybody! Thanks for the great feedback, it's most appreciated.

I found an interesting bamboo lamp shade at a thrift store for two bucks, and I figured I could make something out of it... so I made a lamp!

Here's the lamp shade (1)
I had a shadow box from the Dollar Tree Store that was perfect for the base. (2)

I popped off the back of the shadow box and unscrewed the door to make it easier to handle (3). Then I attached it to the bottom of the lamp shade (4).

I didn't have any authentic tapa cloth, so I decided to make my own version of it. I drew out the pattern I wanted to use, and then made stamps of the separate elements. The original drawing is on the left. I changed the shape of the tiki, to make it a simpler shape. I liked the re-design better!

I stamped a piece of cloth to make the pattern(6). When it was dry, I tied it to the lamp shade with twine and glued the bottom to the base. The clamps are holding the cloth and base together to dry. (7)

I made a wire support to hold the light in place and re-attached the door to the bottom and painted the wood. I also painted a tapa design on the glass. The cool thing about the door is that it opens easily to replace the bulb!

Here's the lamp lit:

Not bad for three bucks!

Thanks fer lookin'!