How to Make a Paper Leaf Pendant Lampshade

Customizing a lampshade quickly and dramatically changes the mood of a room. A pendant lamp takes up no floor or table space. Suspend one above a table for elegant dining, near two chairs for an instant conversation nook or over a desk as task lighting. Glue vellum designs to the interior and exterior of an existing lampshade to easily add dimension and personality. Whatever its placement in the room, a paper leaf pendant lamp effectively and economically brings warmth and beauty to your home.

White or ivory drum shade
Large sheet of vellum
Fabric measuring tape
Pencil
Scissors
2 or 3 tree leaves
Craft knife
Glue dots
Pendant lamp cord set

Instructions

- 1
  
  Careful measurements are the key to your project's success.
  
  Measure the diameter and height of your drum shade using the fabric tape. Add 1/2 inch to the diameter, and subtract 1/4 inch from the height. Cut the vellum to your adjusted dimensions.
- 2
  
  Varying leaf sizes and angles create a natural effect.
  
  Lay a leaf on the vellum and gently trace its shape onto the paper with your pencil. Place another leaf near your first outline and trace it as well. Continue tracing leaves all over the vellum, allowing at least 1/3 inch between shapes. Avoid overlapping your outlines or going over the edges of the paper.
- 3
  
  Precision cutting tools allow for finer detail.
  
  Cut the leaf shapes out of the paper using a craft knife. Use a sharp blade to prevent the paper from tearing. Set your cutouts to the side.
- 4
  
  Carefully roll delicate paper to prevent creases.
  
  Roll the vellum gently to form a loose tube. Place the tube inside your drum shade. Allow the vellum to unroll and expand until it rests against the interior of the shade.
- 5
  Adhere the top and bottom corners of one edge of your vellum to the interior of the shade, using glue dots. Attach the paper with glue dots every 2 or 3 inches along the top and bottom rims of the shade. The vellum will overlap approximately 1/2 inch at the seam.
- 6
  Affix the leaf cutouts to the exterior of the shade with glue dots. Overlap the interior vellum silhouettes slightly to create a natural falling leaves effect. Just a few scattered leaves or large clusters may be added, depending on your preference.
- 7
  Attach the updated shade to your pendant lamp.

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