First you will need the template files:

 Page-01.pdf  |  Page-02.pdf  | Page-03.pdf  |  Page-04.pdf  | These are on A4 sheets, suitable for any home machine. Print 'em & let's get started.

You will need:

• printed templates (obviously)
• 1 sheet 4x100x915mm balsa wood
• 1 sheet 8x100x1220mm balsa wood
• 1 bog standard light cord, with switch (from most lighting stores). if you cannot find one, then buy the parts & we will show you how to MacGyver one.
• A3 sheet 240 gram card stock
• dollop of wood glue & spray glue
• bulldog clip
• large feta cheese tub inner lid
• 1 x 40watt bulb

Spray glue the main spine template (page 1) to the 4mm balsa sheet and cut it out carefully (generally multiple light cuts over the same line gives a neater cut). Next spray glue the foot support (on page 2) to the 8mm balsa & cut out. If you don't have a feta cheese lid, then cut out the circular template on 4mm balsa (this hold the light bulb & stiffens the lamp shade).
Print pages 2 & 3, cut them out & stick them together (tape is fine) then sprayglue (lightly) the tamplate onto your A3 paper stock. Cut out the lamp shade & score the dotted fold lines to help the folding.

Next glue the larger of the two smaller balsa pieces (cut for page 1) to the folded section of the lamp shade (the image below shows 2 pieces, which was a test gone wrong).

Glue the smaller of the two smaller balsa pieces (cut for page 1) in between the bottom of the 2 main spines. Slot the back of the lampshade in between the top of the 2 main spines & clamp the back with the bulldog clip. Slot the foot support (from page 2) into the spine (glue optional), and then you have:

Cut a hole in the centre of the feta ring, slip in the bulb fixing & tighten up. Use the template if you don't have a feta ring. This connection must be nice & tight.

If you cannot find a fully fitted light cord, then buy the components (bulb fitting, through switch, plug and 2m of white 0.5mm mains cable. Connect the bulb fitting to one end.  Pull the cable in between the to spines (below the shade). Connect the through switch about 500mm down (brown wire = live, blue wire = neutral), then connect the plug to the end.

Put in the 40w bulb & push the assembly up into the lamp shade. Make sure it fits snuggly & shapes the shade. It may fall out if you move the lamp too roughly, but you can just put it back, so no problem.

There you go, all done now find a plug, a dark corner & switch on.

Now you can pimp your lamp with different shades or prints on paper, plastic etc. Bear in mind that this design was conceived in an attempt to use basic tools & materials. It is not the strongest structure, but you can always have your templates laser cut onto stronger ply board or perspex.

We are always looking for new DIY Design ideas. If you have something good, please share. Simply contact us.

Disclaimer: This design remains the copyright of Sebastian van Greunen. It may not be copied, sold or used for commercial purposes without prior written consent. it is free to use personally, however we do ask you to give credit to the author. Neither the author, nor find-design.co.za accepts any liability for the manufacture of this design. It is to be used entirely at the users risk.