The Magic of Light
When the light turns on,
the artwork transforms
Every lampshade tells a story. When the lamp is off, the shade reveals its intricate patterns, textures, and handcrafted details. But when illuminated, the colors shift, the marbling comes alive, and the light becomes part of the artwork itself. These creations are designed to be more than just lampshades, they are functional works of art created to bring warmth and magic into your space.
The Story Behind the Light​
From Wire Flowers to Water Marbling
Before Ebru, there were flowers.
These sculptural lampshades were the beginning of my exploration into creating lighting that felt more like artwork than just an accent to a room. Made by hand from bailing wire, boldly colored satins, rainbow or sparkly tulle, and crystals.
They sparked the question that eventually led me to water marbling.​
Was there a way I could paint the satin to create something even more special?
A question that changed everything, discovering Ebru.
How could I paint satin in a way that would allow the light to bring the patterns and images I created to life, as if it was actually magic when the lamp was illuminated?
That curiosity opened the door to Ebru and the rest became a beautiful, and definitely unexpected journey.
With one click I found the answer. "Ebru," the ancient art of water marbling.
In 2023 I saw my first marbling video and needless to say, I hopped on that train and we hauled tushy to get out of that station! What started as a minor curiosity quickly turned into a beautiful obsession with color, movement, and the endless possibilities of what could be created on water.
Today, not only do I transform fabrics for my lampshades, I also share my passion for marbling through teaching. From my studio in Vancouver, WA, and beyond, I create marbled artwork and introduce others to the magic of this centuries-old art form.
Giving Old Frames New Life
I source lampshade frames anywhere I can. Sometimes I return to my original wire-sculpting methods, creating frames from scratch, and other times I rescue forgotten pieces from thrift shops and online marketplaces. No matter where they come from, I am always imagining what each frame could become.
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​​Through years of experimenting with my original flower lampshades, I discovered the importance of the diffuser layer, the hidden element that transforms a shade from simply beautiful to truly luminous. The diffuser softens the light, creating the perfect glow while allowing the colors and patterns of the outer fabric to come alive when illuminated.
From there, the design begins to unfold. Sometimes I have a clear vision from the start, other times, I swear the frame itself guides me toward what it wants to become.
I combine my hand-marbled fabrics with carefully selected materials that enhance the personality and theme of each piece. Velvet, fabric trims, fringe, beadwork, and other decorative elements are thoughtfully added to complement the unique patterns and imagery created on my marbling tray.
The result is a lampshade that carries its own story, one shaped by the frame, the materials, the marbling process, and the unexpected beauty that happens along the way.
An old passion finds its way home
Long before lampshades and water marbling, I spent decades creating beaded art and jewelry. Adding beadwork back into my lampshades has allowed me to reconnect with another longtime creative passion.The combination of marbling and embellishment creates pieces that are not simply lampshades, they become artwork you can live with.
The unpredictable beauty of water marbling ensures that no two color schemes and patterns are ever really the same, making every shade a unique work of art. Plus, you can use it! I do love functional art. Also, with marbling, due to its fluid nature there are small imperfections you might notice if looking closely enough that I think give each piece even a bit more character and makes them all truly original.
Because each shade is created entirely by hand, these pieces take time to complete. New lampshades will be added as they are finished.
To follow the journey please follow me on socials or sign up for emails back at my home page.
Thank you so much for your interest and encouragement!
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​​Please note: Each shade is sold WITHOUT the base unless otherwise stated.
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