Lampshades Available Now:
(Click on each image to open the product page)
My journey into lampshade design,
where art meets light.
The Magic of Light
​
Every lampshade tells a story. When the lamp is off, the shade reveals its intricate patterns, textures, and handcrafted details. However, when illuminated, the colors shift, the marbling comes alive. 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 or home.
When the light turns on,
the artwork transforms.
My story behind the light​,
​
from wire flowers to water marbling.
Before marbling, 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 a new and exciting curiosity in me!
The question that changed the course of my life:
"Was there a way I could paint satin to create something even more magical?
The answer was not what I expected and I can't believe how different and more fulfilling my life is now because of it.
Discovering Ebru and modern day marbling practice.
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.
A deep internet dive later 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 I could create on water.
Today, not only do I transform fabrics for my lampshades, I also create all sorts of items by marbling paper, wood, leather, and more. I also share my passion for marbling through teaching. From my studio in Vancouver, WA, as well as out in the world, 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'm always imagining what each frame could become.
​
​
​
​
​
​​Through years of experimenting after my original flower lampshades I discovered the importance of the diffuser layer. This was the hidden (literally), element that I hadn't thought of. It transforms a shade from simply beautiful to truly luminous. When a lamp is off, all you see is what the surface shows. When turned on, it's the diffuser that softens the light, creating the perfect glow while allowing the colors and patterns of the outer fabric to come alive when illuminated. Without it, what you see is altered by too much light shining though at the bulb itself.
From there, the design begins to unfold. Sometimes I have a clear vision from the start but more likely, most other times, I swear the frame itself guides me towards 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.
Beyond the soft-shade style lampshades I'm also playing with drum style, hardback lampshades. These I can decorate with fabric or paper and when choosing paper I have discovered the art of decoupage. When the light is off, the outside shows carefully sculpted designs. However, flip that switch and so much more can become a part of what you see. Incorporating designs behind the surface turns the design into stories from all walks of life. In these designs I'm finding endless possibilities and a brain full of excitement for what will become a different kind of illuminated art that I never imagined could be a part of my work.
An old passion finds its way home.
Long before lampshades and water marbling I spent many moons creating beaded art and jewelry.
It was and now is again such a beautiful way to combine color and texture and adding it into my lampshades has been the extra spice for me that makes me smile the most when I look at my finished frames.
The combination of marbling, beading, and fabric arts, create pieces
that are not simply lampshades, they are artworks that will enhance your life.
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 so love functional art, especially pieces that transform while in use.
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!
​​​​
​​Please note: Each shade is sold WITHOUT the base unless otherwise stated.​​