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By Jenna Ferguson
Mica lamp shades date back to the 1930’s, makings its appearance along with the earliest electric lamps. These beautiful mica lamp shades produce a warm soft light; bringing a sense of soft beauty and style into the bedroom, living room. Mica is group of silicate minerals and the word ‘mica’ is derived from the Latin word ‘micare’ which means ‘to glitter’. Mica produces a marble look and mica lamp shades are easy to make and you can do it yourself as well.
Before you start on your mica lamp shades project, you should check if you have a tape measure, a metal lampshade (with strong frame) and shears. Now purchase the amount of mica sheets you require to make the mica lamp shades. It comes in four colors, dark amber, standard amber, stained amber and white. If you have a lamp shade that you may already have at home and decide which area you would be adding the mica too, or if you plan to do a full mica lamp shade, then measure the entire shade. Once the amount is decided purchase your mica sheets.
Cut the mica sheets into the desired measurement. Slip it into the metal lampshade or fit into desired areas. Hold mica sheets in place with glue or tape or if you have tabs at the back of the fold, fold them in to hold the sheet in place. Mica lamp shades can be designed by using circular or square or even rectangular shaped rims.
If you don’t have a metal frame to make your mica lamp shades, don’t worry there is another option, though it may require a little more work! Take 4 or 6 coat hangers. Bend one of those hangers into the shape of a circle. Use a mug or a round container to get the desired shape. Do the same with another hanger and make it larger so that it can be the lower rim. Take 3 or 4 hanger pieces cut to the same measurement and connect both rims with them leaving equal spaces between them. Now comes the slightly harder part.
Take 3 hanger pieces which have been put to the same measurement. Taking a separate hanger bend it to the shape of a small circular, large enough to rest on the bulb rim. You can attach these by using thick wire and then attach it to the lower rim. Then place it on the blub rim. Make sure it is properly balanced. Now take the mica sheets and drill small holes in the corners each sheets (4 holes). Taking 3 inch sections of craft wire attach the mica to the rims, both up and down. Check if it is firmly placed. And now you have your very own home made mica lamp shade. You can use stencils and paint on your lampshade to add a little bit of color if you desire.
Making of mica lamp shades is an interesting project. Would you like to start your project today?
About the Author: Jenna Ferguson is an interior designer and furniture enthusiast, has written over a 150 tips and reviews for home owners e.g. trendy iron chandelier for lighting, how to improve home decor and make stylish flooring with carpet remnants and shug rug.
Source: isnare.com
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