Whimsical Mod Podge Paper Lamp Shade

This DIY paper lamp shade is an easy-to-do decoupage project involving cut black paper and your favorite shapes. Get the tutorial here!

I’m a little obsessed with Mod Podge lamp shades over here at Hammer Like A Girl. I see a blank white shade and think “hmmm . . . how can I spice that up?” It’s like a little canvas that lights up.

This Mod Podge paper lamp shade is an easy-to-do decoupage project, involving cut black paper and your favorite shapes. I used birds and leaves – my favorite design motif. Keep reading to see how I made this unique DIY lamp shade!

DIY Paper Lamp Shade

You will need:

• Simple lampshade, preferably light in color
• Black paper
• Mod Podge Matte or Satin
• Sharp scissors
• Large sheet of paper for pattern
• Black marker
• Brush

First find a nice simple lampshade.

To create a basic pattern for your Mod Podge lamp shade, spread out a large sheet of paper and slowly roll the shade, marking the edges with a pencil as you go.

Continue until the entire shade is traced.

To better see the outline, draw over the top of the pencil line with a black marker.

Start cutting your shapes out of black paper. I cut simple leaf and bird shapes freehand – I think the irregularities add to the whimsy/fun of the design.

However, if you feel more comfortable using a pattern, you can copy it onto a sheet of printer paper and layer it over the top of the black paper and cut through both layers.

Keep cutting shapes and begin building your design by placing the shapes onto the pattern.

After a few hand cramps from the scissors, you’ll fill up the pattern.

When you’ve arranged your pieces and are happy with your decoupage lamp shade design, you can start transferring them piece by piece onto the shade. Working section by section, apply Mod Podge onto the shade.

Spread Mod Podge onto the back of the pieces.

Place the pieces onto the shade, using a brush dipped in Mod Podge to press down the pieces.

After all the pieces are attached to the shade, let it dry.

After the shade is dry (about 4 hours) completely cover the shade with a coat of Mod Podge. Repeat.

There you go – that’s all there is to making a Mod Podge lamp shade with paper! A little glowing forest in your living room.

If you enjoyed this Mod Podge lamp shade, check out these other projects from Hammer Like a Girl:

• Vintage inspired decoupage lampshade
• Vintage window photo transfer to glass
• DIY votives made from glasses
• How to create a vintage sign with decoupage
• DIY coasters using tree branches