How to Make a DIY Lampshade from Paper Plates

This guide provides instructions on how to create a unique lampshade using paper plates.

Materials Needed:

• 23 paper plates
• Lampshade frame (cylinder, height: 13 cm, diameter: 13 cm)
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Butter knife

Instructions:

Step 1: Create a Template for Marking

To streamline the process of folding the paper plates, it is recommended to create a template. Cut a paper plate in half and then cut 0.5 cm into one of these halves. Use this template to mark the two fold lines on the remaining plates.

Step 2: Mark and Score the Fold Lines

Place the template onto a paper plate and use a pencil to mark the fold line. Then, position the template on the opposite side and draw a parallel line to the first. These two lines will create a 1 cm wide edge, which will later be used for attaching the plates to the lampshade frame. To facilitate easier folding, lightly score the two marked lines with the back of a butter knife. Fold the plate along these scored lines.

Step 3: Attach the Folded Plates to the Lampshade Frame

Attach the pre-folded paper plates vertically and centered onto the lampshade frame using hot glue along the bottom edge. To keep the folded plate from opening, secure it with a small amount of glue. Ensure the paper plates are placed closely together so that the lampshade frame is no longer visible. The example used a lampshade frame with a height of 13 cm, but frames up to 16 cm in height can also be used.