Lamp Materials
There are three main components for creating your finished lamp:
- A corded lamp kit or "swag kit"
- LED light bulb
- Shade material
Swag Kit
The lamp cord set needs to be able to support the lamp. Key aspects to look for include a single socket, a cord that is long enough to hang the lamp, and a removable flange for attaching the lamp. Below are some affordable options that should work well for the project. As ever, we are not endorsing a particular vendor. Please use your own discretion to make a moral choice when deciding to make a purchase.
The hole diameter needed in your lamp material is 1-5/8" diameter (13/16" radius). If the hole is smaller, it will be too tight. If it is bigger by much, the flange on the socket will pass through the hole, making for an unsafe fit.
Cost Plus World Market
Cost Plus (worldmarket.com) has many colors of thread-covered swag kits available at local stores and online in Black and white, pink, gold, green and white, multi-colored, black, and red.
Colorcord
The online company, Colorcord.com, has a wide variety of lamps and custom parts, and is offering a student discount. From Colorcord:
For a project like this, our recommendation would be to use one of our Plug-In Pendants. Depending on the design and how the shade is attached you can choose from any of these pendants to complete your design. The AiO, Standard, Brass, and Classic Plug-In Pendants will come with a removable socket ring that can be used to attach the shade. Other pendants could be used if the design is meant to attach above the socket. Students can use the discount code SRJC20 to receive 20% off of any purchase. They are also welcome to reach out to us at "info@colorcord.com" or give us a call at 1-800-409-1070 with any questions.
Ikea
Our 3D-Design class has been using Ikea Hemma swag kits for many years. Most examples of student projects are created around these kits, but they are now difficult to locate. Here are some interesting Ikea options:
- E26 socket, ceiling mount with 5' 11" cord HEMMA, white or black
- E26 socket, ceiling mount with 5' 11" cord SUNNEBY, textile white
- E26 socket, ceiling mount with 4' 7"" cord HAVSDJUP, black or white
- E26 socket, ceiling mount with 4' 7"" cord JÄLLBY, textile, nickle plated or brass plated
- E26 socket, 15' 5" cord with switch HAVSRIS, black or white
- You can also find many other cord sets for smaller bulb bases, as well as several appropriate table lamp and floor lamp bases by searching here at ikea.com.
LED Bulb
You must use an LED bulb for this project. I cannot guarantee that your shade material will resist the temperature of other bulbs. LED bulbs do produce some heat, but they are significantly cooler than halogen or incandescent bulbs. An incandescent bulb filament reaches 4,500º F, while the globe portion of a 60-watt bulb is 200º F. This is a significant burn hazard. It is your responsibility to select the safest materials available to mitigate the risk of fire.
Module Material
Our standard material for many years was Synskin, which was a flexible fiberglass sheet infused with vinyl - described elsewhere in the module. Many of the examples on my pages were made from this material. Synskin had some appealing qualities: it came in rolls 48" wide by 300 feet long, was stiff enough for holding its form, could be cut with a knife or scissors, transmitted light and air well, did not hold a flame, and could be placed under a torch until till it began to glow red without coming apart. Syskin had some disadvantages as well: it was hard to find, being only available from three vendors who eventually ran out of stock; when first unrolled it smelled very strongly of solvent; because it was made from fiberglass rubbing it against your skin would cause itching; and over time when exposed to UV light it would yellow. The material went out of production, so an alternative material had to be found.
We have found that Warlon is a suitable substitute for Synskin. It has the advantage of being easier to handle than Synskin as it has no offensive solvent odor or itchiness, cuts easily with a knife, scissors and the Cricut, transmits light and color accuracy well, and at .3mm holds its form well. It cannot safely be laser cut because it contains vinyl, which releases chlorine gas when cut. Warlon comes in many patterns and thicknesses, as well as different surface qualities. Warlon much thinner than .3mm is too floppy. Thicker than .3mm is stiff and difficult to cut. Warlon has some disadvantages: although it will not hold a flame it will burn completely away while under a flame, it comes in fixed sheets 3' x 7' so it is not as economical or easy to nest than full rolls, it is non-porous, so air - thus heat - does not escape easily, it can delaminate if an edge or corner is caught, and if it gets wet water will wick through its edge.
Warlon Suppliers
- https://www.eshoji.com/laminated-plain/. NOTE: the .3mm may or may not be available. Call eShoji to confirm. Look for Laminated Paper 0.3mm White Plain 3 x 7, Product # C352-3x7
- http://www.shojidesigns.com/materials/warlon.html.
Flame test of 0.2mm Bamboo Paper from eShoji, product # C120. Two minutes long.
Here is a comparison video by Michael McGinnis of eShoji's laminated shoji paper product line. 7-1/2 minute video.
Alternative Materials
The following list includes a number of other options that may suit the project. It's important to perform tests for flammability to ensure you're using safe materials (please read Electricity and Heat: Safety Design Considerations). We have not personally tested all of these materials, so be sure to perform your own tests.
- Dura-lar is specifically described as heat resistant, although it may be too thin for some applications: https://www.grafixarts.com/products/dura-lar-film.
- Forcefield Fireguard, for fabrics. This spray makes materials flame resistant and can be applied to bristol and other kinds of paper. Comes in a spritzer bottle. As always, aerosolized sprays should be applied in a spray booth, outdoors, or in a well ventilated area: https://shieldindustries.com/product/forcefield-fireguard-for-fabrics-ready-to-use.
- Yupo translucent paper doesn't mention anything about flammability, but one student has used it so perhaps it is acceptable. Because it is made from polypropylene and thus contains no chlorine, it can be safely laser cut: https://legionpaper.com/yupo.
Glue (If Needed)
If you find that your design works best by gluing components together rather than utilizing interlocking tabs, there are specific adhesives for specific products. One type of glue will not necessarily work in all situations. There are several factors that make glue choice very important. One is compatibility: will the glue adhere to the material? Another is transparency: it is necessary that the glue does not affect the light transmission of your lamp unfavorably. It needs to be optically clear. Some glues are yellowish, some are greenish, and some are opaque to light. Glues that are crystal clear and do not change with age or UV exposure are preferred.
When making a lamp with Synskin:
Eclectic Products is a company that manufactures a family of adhesives that work well to bond polyester or PVC sheet goods to themselves. The specific products in that line are UV stabilized, so that the adhesive will not yellow or darken over time. They are transparent, allowing color and light to refract through it. After speaking with a representative at Eclectic Products, here are her recommendations:
- E6800 Links to an external site. (formulated the same as E6000, but with UV stabilizers)
- Amazing Goop II Max
- Amazing Goop Marine
When making a lamp with eShoji products:
This company suggests using a product made for corn starch: Shoji Nori Glue https://www.eshoji.com/shoji-nori-glue/ Links to an external site.. Nori paste is traditional for shoji screens. It is questionable weather it will be optically clear or not, and must be tested. eShoji provides a video on the use of Shoji Nori Glue, and says that it is usable on Hi-Tech Kozo paper and B2 Tough Top paper, but not for Surface Washable or Laminated paper.
