I'm a creative person and I want to make my own handpainted mica shade for an antique lamp but I having problems locating any instructions. I have also considered paper but if I'm going to put alot of effort into design I'd like it to last a long time.thank you for any advice.

below is a link to a publication for plans for a lamp and shade. it has been a while since i looked at the plans, but i think it is a mica shade and lists sources for sheet mica.

http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/plans/index.cfm/plan_details/5/83/1890

below is a link for mica sheets to use for shades. knew i had seen them listed somewhere.

http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=941-273

link with instruction on painting and forming mica sheets.

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_home_accessories/article/0,...3255_2227904,00.html

Thanks Don,I need that info myself. I built a lamp some time ago but the plans don't even mention the shade, it is difficult to get the scale right. I've done a couple of cardboard mock-ups but it looks goofy.

i need to make a shade as well, either for the SOC lamp base or another lamp base i have on the drawing board.

mock ups are great tools.

i am also making a mockup out of foam board for a table i am working on now. has some strength and stiffness.

Another option for shades (in general) is to make the frame out of sheet copper (or your metal of choice) by cutting, bending, and soldering or rivetting. There's a c1910 Popular Mechanics reprint book out called "How to Make Mission Style Lamps and Shades" that has patterns and dimensions. I've also had the idea of someday finding a semi-beat up old copper or brass bowl that would be the right size for a shade, and all you would need to do is cutout the shape you want for the mica panels, solder some holder tabs, and maybe hammer up and patinate the metal for effect. You could also do a punched hole design, or add coloured/stained glass chunks, or try to copy a Roycroft or Heintz pattern somehow etc. You could make this either a finial attachment or a spider supported shade.

...and finally, shouldn't this topic be in the lighting forum (Fred or Ralph could move it if they want, but no biggie)

Stonecat,

I am not certain I know how or have the ability to move the post to the lighting sight. I will explore my options and see if I can. (IT WORKED!)

I have not worked in mica yet and have read that the sheets have to be heated and then molded to the shape you wish. When they cool they will maintain that shape. copper tabs are the method of choice for holding in the mica sheets. It seems to be as simple process I am not certain what the best method for cutting the large sheets.

Fred

although the site that sells them says they cut with any tool, saw, router etc, i think i would try a small corner, and do a scoring and break like glass or laminate.

just a suggestion

I've made a few mica lamps. Yes, you can cut it with shears or score with an exacto/ utility knife. It can be heated to shape, which is nice, and any flaking can be fixed with heat as well. As for the copper frame, good luck! I don't have the metal working skills for that. I've made wooden shades.

I have loads of mica on my property and would be interested in forming the mica into sheets myself. I need advice on how to form the mica into sheets. I saw a closed topic on this site which asked the same question but no satisfactory response ... does anyone know how to from the mica into sheets?

To Be the Best at making something, one MUST EXPERIMENT & Research on ones own. Only endless experimentation and fastidious note-taking can lead to a Good Salable Product. So, get started NOW ! )

Hello Don,
Thanks for the link to the Woodworkers Journal as I ordered the Arts and Crafts - Summer 2005 (Special Interest Publication) Item number 22315 for $5.99 + S&H.

Fred, You can move this post to the correct post by doing it the same as you did while consolidating my History of the Arts and Crafts Movement but, since there have been so many replies on this post I say just leave it alone.

Now for the Mica it can be purchased from Rockler and or Van Dykes and I have found it very easy to work with. Should one decide to form or bend it with heat I suggest using a heat gun or a 2500w hair drier and while it is still warm/hot wear a good pair of leather gloves and mold it to a custom form that you made or had someone to make and clamp till it cools. The best clamping method I have used for it are web clamping as they draw the mica down good and tight with no harm to either.

This has been a very interesting topic and I am glad to see how many folks are now using these forum.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

I'll put in a plug for my favorite source of sheet mica: Merritte's in Pasadena. They're at www.micalampshade.com. This is the good stuff, not cheap & thin like you find in lower end lamps.