How to Turn a Bowl into a Lampshade

Professional glass crafters are usually the only ones who create a beautiful lampshade from a bowl. However, it is not impossible to do if you are careful and patient. Get the right tools and follow the directions. Of course, if your bowl is an heirloom, you should not take the risk of ruining it; rather hire someone who has experience. A simple idea is to get a glass bowl from a thrift store and practice before doing the real thing.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 inch Diamond hole saw
• Electric drill
• Water
• Large clamp
• 1/2 inch Hole template

Instructions

1. Secure your bowl to a wooden work surface, right side up. If you have a large enough clamp, try clamping it gently to the work surface.

2. 

   Place a 1/2 inch template over the area to be cut (usually included with drill bit), Without this, the drill bit will tend to skip around at first until a groove is worn in the glass. You can use a little rubber adhesive to secure it in place.

3. Pour about 1 1/4 inch of water into the bowl. This will act as a lubricant for the diamond drill bit and keep it cool.

4. 

   Start the drill at a slow speed and just place it gently on the glass. You basically are sanding away the glass as opposed to cutting it. Keep a very low pressure and slow speed on the drill. Be patient and let the drill slowly work its way through the glass.

5. Remove the template once a groove has been worn into the surface. Check the water level and continue drilling. It could take from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the glass. Cut all the way through until you start cutting into the work surface. Carefully unclamp the bowl.

6. Attach your hardware and hang for a beautiful light.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not rush this process, or your bowl will crack.