How to Make an Akari Paper Lamp Shade

Use a basic lampshade as the base for your Akari.

In the 1950s, the artist Isamu Noguchi began crafting paper lampshades that mimicked the traditional look of Japanese paper lanterns. Each lampshade consists of several pieces of paper folded in different ways that give the light more dimension and texture. The shades complement modern lights as well as antique lighting fixtures because the paper diffuses the light source, creating a soft glow. Save money by making your own Akari paper lampshade rather than buying one.

Things You'll Need

• Old lampshade
• Tissue paper sheets
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Hot glue gun
• Old newspaper
• Fire retardant spray

Instructions

1. Find an old lampshade that you like and strip the existing fabric or paper. Use the old lampshade as the frame for your new Akari design.

2. Hold the tissue paper in one hand and clench your fist, creating a small ball of tissue paper. Unwrap the ball and lay on the ironing board. Gently run an iron across the surface of the paper, using the lowest setting. The iron leaves the crease marks, but smooths the paper flat. Repeat the process for any additional sheets of tissue paper used in the project.

3. Turn the hot glue gun on its lowest setting and lay a thin layer of glue around the top of the lampshade frame. Place the tissue paper on the top of the frame, folding a small flap of paper over the back. Apply more glue to the back of the lampshade frame and press the paper flap down.

4. Run the hot glue gun over the bottom edge of the lampshade frame. Pull the paper down and press the end against the bottom edge. Turn the lampshade upside down and use more glue along the back edge. Wrap the tissue paper around the back and press against the glue. Repeat with additional sheets of tissue paper until you completely cover the lampshade frame.

5. Move the lampshade outside on a layer of newspapers. Place the lampshade in the center and apply a thin and even coating of fire retardant spray. The spray protects the lampshade from the heat off the light bulbs.

Tips & Warnings

• The amount of tissue paper you need for this lampshade varies depending on the size of your original lampshade.

• Use several colors of tissue paper for a highly decorative look or use just one color for a shade that looks more like a real Akari.

• Use low wattage compact fluorescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs create too much heat for safe use with paper lamps.

References

• YouTube: The making of Akari Light Sculpures