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My second lamp project. Description coming in a short while.... I got the idea to this lamp when I wanted to get something unique and nice looking ficture for my new TV-stand.
After browsing around in various shops I found that all of them were either too expencive or not the kind I was looking for. So I decided to make one by myself. Everything needed to make this lamp, can be bought from your local hardware and textile shop. I didn't have any instructions and my rough plans were drawn to a piece of paper, so I designed things as I went on... - First thing that you need is a piece of fabric. Something not too thick, so the light can pass through it. When choosing fabric keep in mind the size of the lamp, so that you can have the pattern fitted nicely.
- Second thing is to get a piece of plexi glass. Make sure it is thin enough so that you can bend it to shape. Ask your local hardware shop for advice, that which kind of plexi glass is suitable for bending (some of them might crack).
- I had the plexi glasses cutted to size at the shop, so it was ready when I bought it. I placed the plexi over the fabric and marked the edges. Then cut the fabric by siccors. (Make sure you leave plenty of extra fabric on the sides, because you can always cut the extra away later, but is it impossible to add more if you need...)
- Next step was to make the plexi glass matte, since it was too much see through and I wanted to have more soft / even lighting. I used sandpaper to sand the surface. This also helps the fabric to be glued on the plexi glass, because the surface has something to "grab onto".
  
- After sanding I cleaned the plexi glass throughly.
- Next step was to measure and mark the places for holes, on the sides of the plexi glass. The holes would be used to tie two plexi glasses together later on. I made the holes 2 cm. apart from eachothers. Any closer and I thought I might break the edge when making holes...
  
- Measurements done and time to drill holes to the plexi. It is a good idea to drill through both of the plexi glass pieces at the same time. This way you will surely have matching places for the holes.
- To glue the fabric to the plexi glass, I used a see through, re-attachable, spray glue. I think the brand was M3. When applied to the plexi glass it felt kind of sticky and the with some force the fabric could be removed and re-attached again. Even though it might sound like the glue was not good for permanent setting, it worked very well. (Half a year later and I still have the fabric fitted firmly on the plexi, with no signs of coming off.) Also the glue stays soft and flexible, which is good because the plexi glass needs to be bended into shape later.
  
- The fabric glued to the plexi glass...
- A metal rodI had plenned to put on the both sides of the lamp. My plans were to keep them longer so they extend from the bottom of the lamp and could be used to make a stand for the lamp. (Later on I cut the rods to match the lamps height and didnt use any kind of stand. basically the rods are not necessarry, but they might make the lamp more rigid, so I kept them there..)
  
- Fitting the metal rods beteween the two sides...
- I fastened the sides from top and bottom with strong metal wire, just to keep them strongly together.
- Next step was to sew the two sides together with some thick blackstring. Here is when the earlier made holes came to play.
  
- In order to make the lamp oval shape, I inserted some round pieces in between the two sides. I didn't need to fasten them in any way, because there was enough pressure to keep them in place.
  
- At the bottom of the lamp I inserted a metal wire from one side to the other and back again. I fitted it a bit loosely, so I could fit the lighting ficture in the middle of it. A little bit hard to explain how it works, but I was somehow able to come up with a way to attach the lighting ficture inside.
- Finally the lamp was done. I added some black rubber on the top, to make it look more "professional" :)
- As for the lamp inside,after few tries I was able to find a good balance between enough light and still not too bright, so the pattern from the fabric can be seen nicely. Perhaps using two lamps with lower power could also work good. Or to use a dimmer...
  
The whole project costed a bit more than I expected, because I bought too many things... some that I never used. Well.. that is all part of creating something new and without any plans. Excluding the trips to the shops, it took me 3 evenings, after work, to make the lamp. Oh and by the way... this was where I made it all.. at the living room floor. So anyone can make this, anywhere ;) 
Happy crafting and do drop me a comment if you have made something like this yourself also.
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So it is
that's true