Tutorial - How to make a paper mache lampshade

In May 2020, I made a lampshade from paper mache. It was during the corona lockdown period, when I needed a break from working continuously on the computer keyboard, and wanted to do something very different from what I normally do.

I was so happy with the result of a casual attempt, that I thought of sharing the experience with all.

Paper mache is nothing but literally mashed or pulped paper. It's not as difficult as it sounds and each piece is unique and gives a unique feel of satisfaction when it is done.

Step 1

First soak the paper pieces in water. Any paper will do but thin ones are easier to work with. It can be newspaper, exercise book paper, thin pamphlets, receipts, thin magazine paper (not glossy ones though), tissues - anything that allows itself to become soft in water. May take 3-4 days. During the time, it is good to keep tearing and squishing the paper pieces inside the water with hands.

Step 2

When the paper pieces become thoroughly soft and gel with water, squeeze the paper to remove the water using a sieve or just using the fist method.

Step 3

Pound this paper pulp further with a mace or stone, or with plain hands. Add some cornflour or wall putti powder, some glue, 2 pinches of salt and a few drops of oil, to this mix and knead to make a dough with as few cracks as possible.

Step 4

Prepare the mould for the item. It can be a steel utensil or a tiffin box or something innovative like a child's football or even a balloon (the last one needs you to be careful as it is delicate). I used an upturned wok. Apply vaseline or oil on the mould where you will cover with paper mache.

Step 5

Spread the paper dough on the mould as uniformly as possible, smoothening it as you do so. Make a hole enough for a bulb end to get in for fixing it on the power outlet. Keep for drying.

When dry, the item will undo itself from the mould, which you need to keep in sun for drying the inner side also thoroughly. Sun drying is very essential as it hardens the paper stuff.

Step 6

Paint both the inner and outer sides with plain white paint, and then paint the desired design. Let the painted surfaces dry thoroughly. Spray or apply varnish for durability.

Step 7

When done, fix the bulb through the hole onto the wall.

Thanks to #DesignDecorandDisha channel for the instructions.