How to Make an Accent Lamp Shade with Chopsticks

The use of accent lamps can add a certain ambiance to any environment, however, they are often lacking in style. Make an accent lamp shade with chopsticks to soften the lighting in a room. Even though you may find it difficult to eat with chopsticks, it takes a lot less dexterity to make this quick, inexpensive chopsticks shade.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10" bamboo chopsticks (40 pair)
• hot glue gun and glue sticks
• wax paper
• popsicle sticks - preferred (or 4 disposable 8" chopsticks)
• large rubber band
• large multi ties OR 2" corner brackets (qty 8 each)
• craft scissors
• accent lamp
• 40 Watt bulb
• double sided tape (optional)

1. 
    

   To begin making an accent lamp shade with chopsticks, pick up a chopstick and run a small bead of hot glue down one side. Placing this chopstick on wax paper, slide the next chopstick over and firmly attach both together.
   
   Remember to alternate the top and bottom of the chopsticks as you glue them together. Continue in this manner until you have four equal sides with 20 individual chopsticks per side.

2. 
    

   Use popsicle sticks (or bamboo chopsticks as shown) to act as a brace on the back of each side. If using disposable chopsticks, angle these; if using popsicle sticks, place one 3" from top and one 3" from bottom horizontally.

3. 
    

   Secure three sides of the accent lamp shade together. Hot glue on the back of a 2" end bracket or cut a 5" length section of the multi tie, glue the back of this and secure.
   
   With either, first firmly attach one side to the inside of the chopsticks, then quickly attach the other side of the glued bracket or multi tie to the adjoining section of chopsticks. Stand the three connected sides of the accent lamp shade upright.

4. 
    

   Place the remaining side of the chopsticks accent lamp shade in position and secure with a large rubber band around all four sides. For extra stability, you may wish to temporarily adhere a small piece of double sticky tape at the inside corners of the last group of chopsticks.

5. 
    

   Use either the end brackets or a 5" section of a clear multi tie to secure the last side in place. Make sure to use either eight end brackets or eight ties to secure sides together, or you may find it easier to use a combination of the two.

6. 
    

   Set the accent lamp in place and cover with the chopsticks shade. Make sure to align the electrical cord sideways between two of the chopsticks at the bottom of the accent lamp shade.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll notice in step 3, I had to use a razor blade to cut away a portion of the disposable chopsticks in order for the adjoining sides to fit flush. You can avoid this by adjusting the length of the disposable chopsticks brace before gluing in place. Better yet, using a popsicle stick will eliminate this annoyance altogether.
• Look for these 10" chopsticks at any oriental food store. You can often find these in packages of 10 pair (20 chopsticks) between $1 - $2.
• If you prefer to recycle used chopsticks, this is a good way to do that. The process is the same except, of course, wash and dry the chopsticks well. You could apply a wood stain over the natural finish for a different look.
• You can purchase these accent lamps in any lighting shop or home improvement store. I got mine at Lowe's for less than $8. If you have trouble locating them in the store, just ask the clerk in that department. The box will be labeled "accent lamp".
• Use no more than a 40 Watt bulb with these lamps.

Resources

• 101 Easy Craft Project Ideas

[jull14]

on 6/9/2009 A beautiful lamp, thanks for sharing with us. The instructions are very easy to follow. Thanks

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 6/9/2009 Great accent lamp that's really unique, just like you!

[admiller]

on 6/3/2009 This is awesome! I know exactly where I can put this (after I make it). I love creative interior design ideas.

[cadence]

on 5/27/2009 This is so cool! I love this idea!

[pondripples]

on 5/26/2009 Cool idea. I really appreciate that you've documented the steps with photos.