The Art of Paper Lampshade Making

Rosi introduces the different types of paper she works with, from screen-printed to handmade papers, and shares where she sources them and what to look for when choosing your own.

Choosing the right paper is central to a successful lampshade. Rosi shares where she finds inspiration and how to test your choices against your home before committing to a design.

A practical guide to choosing your papers, covering everything from cost and weight to the safety considerations you need to keep in mind when making a lampshade.

Rosi explains why she prefers to make her own trims rather than buy them ready-made, sharing her approach to choosing colour and finish.

Rosi takes you through the key elements of a lampshade, so you can choose the right combination with confidence, whatever lamp you're working with.

Before you begin making, Rosi runs through the tools and equipment you’ll need for the projects ahead, including where to find them and which items are worth investing in - none of it needs to be expensive.

Rosi begins the first project by preparing the frame and attaching the paper to the template, ready to be cut into shape.

With the paper attached, Rosi shows you how to cut accurately around the template to create the basic shape of your lampshade.

Rosi prepares the seam that will join the paper when the flat template is formed into a lampshade, setting up a neat finish for the next stage.

This is where the flat template starts to become a lampshade. Rosi shows you how to attach the rings and carefully form the paper into its curved shape.

Rosi seals the seam and prepares both the top and bottom edges with tape, ready for the trim to be added.

Rosi shows you how to turn a simple piece of cotton fabric into your own handmade lampshade trim.

With the trim prepared, Rosi shows you how to attach it neatly around the bottom edge of the lampshade, ready to be tucked in.

Rosi shows you how to tuck the excess fabric behind the frame to create a clean, finished edge.

Rosi repeats the process around the top of the lampshade, with some extra care needed to work neatly around the frame's struts.

Rosi reveals the finished lampshade and shares some final thoughts on checking the finish and finding the right place for it in your home.

For the second project, Rosi shows you how to paint your own striped cotton trim by hand, opening up a whole new range of colours and patterns.

Rosi reveals the finished wall light and shares some thoughts on experimenting with colour, stripe width and pattern when creating your own painted trim.

For a larger lampshade, Rosi shows you how to join two sheets of paper and match the pattern as closely as possible at the join.

Rosi reveals the finished ceiling lampshade and shares her thoughts on how it works in her dining area.

Join Rosi in her kitchen, the room where her interest in lighting first began, as she shares how she uses colour, pattern and different light sources to make a large room feel warm and inviting.

Rosi shows you around her sitting room, sharing how clusters of lamps and inventive paper techniques can create warmth, texture and atmosphere, both day and night.

In the bedroom, Rosi explores the relationship between scale, colour and pattern, including how using the same design in different colourways can create a sense of visual balance.

Rosi shares how she uses lighting decoratively in her bathroom, including lampshades and fittings that don't need to be wired or functional to have an impact.

As the course comes to an end, Rosi offers some final words of thanks and encouragement, and invites you to keep experimenting and making lampshades of your own.