Using natural fabrics and materials in crafting, like string and twice, can add different textures. This tutorial uses a mix of jute and waxed linen twine. They are different weights—the linen twine is much thinner—but this gives contrast. The frame used is quite an unusual shape. It is more likely that you will find a cone shape, so there are instructions for both. This lamp is finished with a cloth-bound flex that came as a kit with all the light fittings. These are easy to buy now and the flex often comes in a huge variety of colours. Make sure you get an electrician to wire it for you. As you get used to wrapping the twine around the frame, you build up a rhythm that is repetitive and soothing.
YOU WILL NEED:
Twine— this tutorial uses three different colours of 2-ply twine and some waxed linen twine (they usually come in 20 yard/20 meter balls)
Wire lampshade frame
Scissors
METHOD:
1. Unwind about 6½ yards (6 m) of twine and wind it up into a long thin shape that you can pass through the spokes of the frame. This will make a stripe about 2¾ in. (7 cm) wide on a frame that is 6 in. (15 cm) tall. Tie the end of the twine around the top ring of the frame. Take the twine across to the other side to start.
2. If you are using a frame like the one pictures, take the twine down to the circle of frame at the end of the top straight section. Take the twine under the wire to the back and wind it around the wire, bringing the twine to the front.
3. Take the twine down to the base of the frame, taking the twine under the rim and back up to the top. Bring the twine over the top and start the sequence again. Continue wrapping around in this way, making sure that you push the strands tightly together at the top. As the lamp frame splays out in a cone shape, the twine will have gaps between them as they come down to the bottom. Even these out, so that the gaps are roughly the same.
4. When you want to change colour, cut off the string when you have bought it back up inside and where it is level with the top. Let the twine go so that it falls back down and out at the bottom. Join the next colour twine to this end with a knot. Trim the ends back to ¾ in. (2 cm). Then you can take it back up to the top to start winding again. If you do this each time you change colour, the ends will all be placed roughly at the same level near the top, and be hidden, because the strands of twine are tight together here.
5. When you have covered the whole frame, untie the first strand that was tied across the top and tie it to the last piece of wound string. This time it will be easiest to tie it from the top. Try to position the knot down from the top on the inside, so that it doesn’t show. Trim the ends to ¾ in. (2 cm).
6. If you are using a simple cone shaped frame, the instructions are the same but you simply wrap around and around from top to bottom. The knots are best placed in the same position, about 1¼ in. (3 cm) down from the top, on the inside, so they don’t show.
This project is from The Mindful Maker by Clare Youngs. To get more free projects like this one - direct to your inbox - sign up to our mailing list here.