I have loads of wallpaper remnants at home and I often think about how to use them so I was excited to be asked by Voyage Decoration to join in with their #VoyageWallArtChallenge (search the hashtag to see the other blogger projects). The challenge was to get creative with their beautiful wallpaper and I chose the Jayin wallpaper in the pacific colour way, which is part of their latest collection, Iridescence. There are so many different wallpaper crafts and DIY’s as it is such a versatile material but I eventually settled on making an origami lampshade as I thought this would complement the inspiration behind the Iridescence collection, which is based on the dramatic effect that light can have on colour.
Before you say it, I know this isn’t technically origami as it involves string and tape but this makes it so much easier for the origami beginners amongst us (me being number 1 in that group!).
You will need:
– Wallpaper (by the way, Voyage sell their wallpaper by the metre) 29.5 cm x 77.5 cm
– Pencil
– Scissors
– Cord or twine
– Strong tape
– Hole punch
Step 1
Cut the wallpaper to 29.5cm x 77.5 cm. On the reverse of the wallpaper draw out folding lines. You need thirteen vertical lines spaced 5.5cm apart (black). You then need to add diagonal lines to the left (pink) and diagonal lines to the right (aqua). Follow the pattern below.
Step 2
Fold the vertical lines first (black) and then fold the first set of diagonal lines (pink) and then the second set of diagonal lines (aqua). You can score the lines first for ease and precision. You need to always fold the paper in on itself so that the right side is always facing out.
Step 3
Punch holes along the top edge of the wallpaper length. Thread them with twine.
Step 4
Use strong tape (I have used coloured washi tape just so you can see it) to fix the two ends of the shade together. You must ensure that you overlap the two ends by 11cm so that the diamond pattern is retained.
Step 5
Stand the shade on its bottom and begin to the pull the two ends of the twine to draw the top of the shade together.
Step 6
Pull the twine tight, ensuring the shade folds in the right places. Don’t tie it up yet as the flex and bulb need to be put through the top of the shade.
Step 7
Place the flex through the top of the shade and then screw in a cold bulb (you can’t use a hot bulb as it will be too close to the paper). Now you can tighten the twine at the top of the shade and tie it together.
You can do the same to the bottom of the shade as you did to the top to make it more of a globe or you can leave it open.
Switch your bulb on and you are done!
This is such a quick and easy craft to do and it really does look quite special when the light is switched on. Thanks to Voyage Decoration for the creative challenge and their beautiful wallpaper to play with.
What have you made from wallpaper remnants?
Katy x
*This post was written in collaboration with Voyage Decoration
I’ve recently discovered your blog and I love it, so I just voted for you.
Author
That is so kind of you, Susan. Thank you and welcome to my blog! x
This is such a fab idea. Could I do it with gift wrap? Beautiful pattern on the wallpaper, by the way. love those colours.
Author
You could do it with gift wrap but you’d probably be better off sticking it to a piece of card first to give it more rigidity (use spray glue as gift wrap can wrinkle very easily). I love the colours on the wallpaper, too x
This is such a lovely idea – I can’t wait to give it a go! The effect when it’s lit up is just beautiful.
Author
It emits such a beautiful, soft light and I love how the pattern is highlighted. Would love to see a pic if you give it a go, Abi x
Oh Katy, that is gorgeous, so easy and so effective! I love it 🙂
Author
Thanks, Jen! Can’t wait to see your project xx
Looks amazing! I should absolutely try this..
Thank you…
Author
Thank you! It really is very easy x
Would you recommend also using a fire retardant spray on the paper first?
Author
I think it’s probably easier and safer just to use a cold bulb rather than a hot one x
This is gorgeous Katy! Such pretty wallpaper and what a clever idea x
Author
Thank you, Kate! X
That is pretty darn clever Katy, love a bit of origami (though like you said not technically origami but hey it looks fab!) Such good way to add a bit of individuality to a space.
This is such a great idea, I also have lots of wallpaper hanging around and have so far not been doing much with it except wrapping presents! Thank you! Mary
I love that!!!!! I’m doing it now
This is pretty 🙂 Right now I mostly use wallpaper for the backdrop of my hapinesswherever.com DIY tutorials but I’m slowly branching out and using them for other things too 🙂
What is a cold bulb and where can I buy them?