Lampshade - Up-cycled Old Slides to Make a Lampshade

David_UK
by David_UK
4 Materials
$30
4 Weeks
Advanced

I had a box of old slides in the back of a cupboard that I used for teaching art (pre-internet). Pinterest inspiration led me to create a lampshade.

Step 1 - Getting tools ready


I made sure I had the right sort of pliers and drill bit. You'll be connecting rings to all of your slides, so the pliers are very important.

Step 2 - Drilling holes


I poked six holes in each slide (2 on each of the longer horizontal sides, 1 on each of the shorter vertical sides) so that they could all be linked together.

Step 3 - Calculating the number of holes and jump rings needed


These are the 7mm jump rings I used. I purchased from eBay - £2.98 for 200.

4 - Making the frame


I used 2mm brass rod and lampshade frame. I joined the two with brass electrical connectors minus the plastic.

5 - Rolling the joined slides onto a homemade frame


Once I had the slides joined (not an easy task!) I was ready to roll it on the handmade frame! I just wrapped it around and secured the sides.

Close-up of slides joined together

Here's a close-up of the slides joined together.

Here's the finished product in the day.


Positioned near the window to catch sunlight during the day.

Here's the finished product in the night. Only use a low wattage LED bulb for this kind of lampshade. Normal tungsten bulbs can create too much heat and therefore a risk of combustion/fire.


How unique and beautiful is that?!

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  • Holly McElhiney Holly McElhiney on May 22, 2020

    That is a very impressive project!! Bravo!

    I was curious if you arranged the slides in any particular order? Also wonder if they’re of you, or someone you know that travels, or anything in particular? I’m thinking “story lamp”??

    And on a side note do you know whether the sun or light in general would deteriorate the slides over time?

  • Teresa Teresa on May 22, 2020

    So very cool! What did you use as a base? Do you think this would work with film strips? Teresa

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