How to Make a Metal Mesh Lamp

Wire crafting mesh provides a sturdy, malleable medium for making modern, endlessly changeable lampshades. If you don't want a traditional shade but don't have the funds for a designer piece, create your own from wire mesh. You can form it and leave it in a permanent configuration or mold and shape it every day to suit your moods. The mesh also comes in a wide array of colors, giving you plenty of choices that will match your décor.

Crafting mesh
Scissors
Music ligature
Table lamp
Novelty lightbulb (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Spread out the crafting mesh of your choice and cut out six to eight pointed-oval petals about 7 inches wide at their widest point and about 12 inches long. Cut off one of the points of each oval, making each 11 inches.
- 2
  Remove the shade, bulb and lamp harp from your lamp. Slide a music ligature down over the lamp socket assembly, letting it rest on the shoulders of the lamp. You can get music ligatures at most instrument-supply stores. These little rings tighten and loosen to keep instrument pieces in place.
- 3
  Slip the flat end of each wire mesh petal into the music ligature, splaying them out around the light socket assembly. Tighten the ligature until the petals feel snug and won't come out when you pull on them.
- 4
  Gently arrange, twist and bend the mesh petals to your liking. The pieces will stay in place until you decide to rework them.
- 5
  Screw a light bulb into the socket. You may use the old bulb from the lamp or replace it with a novelty bulb. Silicone-covered bulbs and chandelier bulbs are a few of your options.

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Lighting