How to Make a Straw Lamp

A contemporary straw lamp is made from different-colored drinking straws. The drinking straws are used to create a barrel-shaped lampshade that adds texture and color to any room. The lampshade is displayed on a table lamp or from a hanging lamp. The uniqueness of the lamp provides a conversation piece to all who admire the design. The whimsical appeal of a lamp made with colored straws creates a lamp that fits into a child's bedroom, family room or game room. Make a more sophisticated-looking straw lamp using all-white drinking straws.

Things You'll Need

• Round-top lampshade ring with washer top
• Fabric tape measure
• Marker
• Roll metal hardware cloth with 1/2-inch grid
• Wire cutters
• 22-gauge craft wire
• 1,500 drinking straws

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of the lampshade ring. Add 1 inch to the measurement. Measure, mark and cut a piece of 1/2-inch grid metal hardware cloth the measured width and the desired length. Depending on the circumference of the lampshade ring, the length will be between 10 to 18 inches. There is no set length. This depends on the location for hanging or the placement on a lamp.

2. Secure the metal hardware cloth to the lampshade ring with 22-gauge craft wire. Overlap the hardware cloth to form a cylindrical shape. Wire the overlap together.

3. Cut each of the 1,500 drinking straws in half. It is not necessary to get this measurement exact. The uneven length will add to the texture of the straw lampshade.

4. Bend one cut straw in half. Insert the two ends of the straw through two holes side-by-side on the inside of the lampshade. Pull the straw through the metal hardware cloth until the fold is flush against the back of the lampshade. All straws are placed through the hardware cloth from the inside of the lampshade to create the straw lamp.

5. Bend a cut straw in half. Place one end through a hole that contains a previous straw. Place the opposite end through an empty hole. Repeat this process until the entire lampshade is covered. Each hole on the metal hardware cloth will contain four pieces of straw. The straws hold themselves in place.

6. Add a second layer of bent straws along the bottom and top rows. This creates a finished look and locks the straws in place so they will not move.