How to Create a Glow: Shibori Lampshade Design

I recently was lucky enough to be asked to design a large drum lampshade to light the central display area for the Artworks Gallery in South Brent, Devon.

The gallery wanted to create to create a lovely warm glow as you looked through the window, consequently I decided on a gold colour. The design of the shade was up to me.

I want to share the process with you.

The Process Step by Step

1. The Design of the Lampshade

I love making leaf shapes in shibori, therefore I decided to create a design of twining leaves and small berries.

A drum lampshade design requires a surprisingly long piece of fabric. The design needs to be thought about in a linear way as well as in the round. In shibori lampshade design I always have to think about the seam. Consequently the design needs to take that into account. This meant I made 3 blocks of branches and leaves so that where the seam occurs it will not be noticed. I sketched and played about with these until I knew how many I wanted to go around the drum shade 235cms deep x 20″ diameter.

2. Transfer the Design to the Fabric

I drew the shibori lampshade design at full scale on detail paper. This is for ease of transferring it to the fabric and to ensure I will get the design in the right place. With washable marker pen I drew the design on the fabric.

3. Stitching

In this design I have used miru shibori to create the leaves. Also I have used boshi shibori for the small berries and awase ori nui for the winding stem. I stitched all of the design and then gathered all my stitching up before dyeing.

4. Dyeing

I used a special mix of Procion dyes that I have used before. If I need to create a new colour for a project I would always do lots of colour swatch samples to find the colour I need or to match existing fabrics or decor.

If you are interested in my lampshades and lamps please go to my Etsy Shop or to the commissions page here.