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Some of you may remember my first faux capiz shell lampshade that I made for Sunset. I was going for the mod look but didn’t quite pull it off. Then I discovered, after two years of use, that the colored rice paper fades badly. The white circles still look beautiful, however, so I decided to redo it. I used a different type of thread this time, which made all the difference. Overall this new lampshade is easier, cheaper, and classier—if I do say so myself.

Faux capiz shell lampshade

Supplies

  • laminated 24-inch by 36-inch sheet of white rice paper (I bought the rice paper at University Art and took it to FedEx Office for lamination)
  • white polyester thread
  • lamp base
  • slip uno top ring (the top ring of a lampshade. I bought a cheap lampshade at Target, then removed the paper shade. The sticky residue came off with lighter fluid.)
  • compact florescent light bulb (for safety’s sake and the earth’s sake)

Tools

  • sewing machine
  • scissors
  • 3 circle punches: 1-inch, 1-1/4-inch, and 1-1/2-inch sizes (I found these at Beverly’s)

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1. You can skip this step: I took apart my old lampshade to salvage the white circles. I discarded the colored circles.

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2. First, punch some circles. From experience, I knew I needed 180 circles of each size. Your quantity will depend on the diameter of your shade and the height you want your shade to be.

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3. Sew the circles together with your sewing machine. I used a small-medium-large sequence of 18 circles for each strand. Feed each circle through one-by-one. Use your longest stitch length. Let the machine stitch once in between each circle. Backstitch a couple times at the first and last circle in each strand. Trim the excess threads.

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4. Fold each strand in the middle and drape it over the lampshade ring.

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5. Continue to hang all the strands (I made 30) and space out evenly. You’re done!

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