DIY Lampshade from Slide Film

Turn old slide film into a stunning lampshade with our step-by-step guide. Get creative and add a unique touch to your home. Let's light up your space with nostalgia and style!

Hey there, I'm excited to take you on a creative journey and show you how to transform mounted slide film into a lampshade. It's a project that's as fun as it is artsy, and it'll instantly jazz up your home decor.


Materials You'll Need:


Step 1: Getting the Slide Frames Ready

We're kicking things off by preparing our slide frames. Start by using that 1/8 inch 3mm hole punch to create holes on all four sides of the slide frames. These holes are key to connecting them with 8mm jump rings. The great thing about the hole punch I used is that it provides the perfect measurements for the slides, making the process a breeze.

Step 2: Determining the Size

Before we dive headfirst into the assembly, let's figure out how many slide frames we'll need to wrap around the lampshade. Begin by attaching the first slide onto the lampshade ring and continue connecting the slides in a line around the shade. This will help you determine the circumference of the lampshade with the slides.


Step 3: Creating the Slide Sheet

Once you’ve determined the circumference of the lampshade ring, let's make the assembly a bit easier. Instead of attaching the slides directly to the lampshade ring, focus on creating one massive sheet of slides as wide as your frame circumference and as long as you desire. Connect them until you reach your desired length. Once you’ve created a sheet of slides you can attach them to the first row of slides on your lampshade frame.

Step 4: Adding Support (Optional)

If you want to add some extra flair and support to your lampshade, consider adding a bottom ring. This ring not only holds everything together but also ensures that your lampshade hangs evenly and looks totally rad. 

Just a quick tip: Be mindful not to hole punch the bottom of the last row of slides if you opt to not add the bottom ring.


And there you have it - a unique and eye-catching lampshade crafted from old slide film. Sure, it might take a bit of time and patience, but trust me, the end result is worth it. It becomes a conversation starter in your home decor.


Bonus Tip: Slide film, as cool as it is, can fade when exposed to sunlight for extended periods. So, keep your masterpiece away from direct sunbeams to maintain those vibrant colors. And here's a little secret for longevity - swap in a color-changing LED light bulb in your new slide film lampshade, and you'll enjoy that groovy ambiance for a long, long while.


So, let your creative juices flow, gather up those old slides, and embark on this journey to turn them into a functional work of art for your home. Enjoy every moment of the process, and let your imagination run wild!

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