How to Make a Transparent Lampshade

Pull the first wire hanger apart at the top where it twists around itself. If necessary, use the wire cutters to make a straight line. Bend the hanger into a circle; the exact circumference will depend on the desired size of the lampshade. Twist the circle closed and snip off the excess.

Twist the second hanger open and snip it in half. Create a smaller circle to hold the top of the lampshade. The circumference of the second circle depends again on the desired lampshade size, but the smaller circle needs to measure at least an inch smaller than the first circle.

Pick up the excess hanger and twist one end around the big circle while the other end is twisted around the small circle. The design is determined by the creator; commonly the connecting wires are straight rather than curved.

Measure the clear plastic or shower curtain to match the circumference of the bigger circle on the bottom and the smaller circle on the top. Be sure to leave an extra half inch of material on both sides, the top and the bottom to allow for overlapping. The resulting design will not be a square, rather, it will be a parallelogram with the sides slanted inward. Cut out the plastic.

Line the top and bottom sides of the plastic with double sided tape one inch below the edge. Pick up the wire structure and place each circle on the tape. Roll the wire piece while picking up the clear plastic and attaching to the wire.

Overlap the excess after rolling and secure with double sided tape. Tuck the extra inch of plastic on the top and bottom and attach with the tape.