Shirt Sleeves Make Snazzy Lamp Shades (DIY)
Fabrikblumentopf Lampshade; a DIY shirt sleeve lamp. Image via Jay Cousins.
Well here is a decorative way to upcycle a worn sweater: From Open Design City, is an open source shirt sleeve lamp made with starch plastic and recycled textiles. Whether you're in the mood to DIY or to purchase a one-off light shade, conveniently available online at Jay Cousins Shop on Etsy, we have the details (and more photos, too) after the jump:
All images via Jay Cousins Shop on Etsy.
Prices range from $40 to $50, and proceeds support the Open Design City's Open Materials Lab, which supports their activities and research.
DIY: How to Make an Old Shirt in to a New Lamp
Now, on to the fun stuff: The lamps are made with a discarded sweater sleeve, mixed with starch plastic, and stretched over a bin; They are secured to a cable with a clothes pin. Follow the DIY instructions, below, courtesy of Open Design City's Open Materials Lab.
- Mix Starch Plastic in a saucepan - Recipe: 14 parts water, 3 parts starch (corn, potato, rice etc.), 2 parts vinegar.
- Heat until it forms a consistent goo
- Allow to cool
- Cut off sleeve of jumper
- Mash Starch Plastic into fabric until fabric saturated with material
- Apply oil to mold (note mold must be glazed, if not then cover with plastic, metal molds will stick even with oil).
- Stretch sleeve over mold
- Allow to dry (1-4 days depending on fabric and climate)
- Cut to shape and remove from mold
- Product is for use with a 15 Watt energy saving bulb
More: Open Design City Open Materials Lab
Will you try this at home? Tell us in the comments section, below.
