A new studio means it’s time to redecorate! Today, my staff and I run you through how we created our very own Paper Mache Pulp Lamp. The process was super simple and the final lamp looks amazing in our office lounge! Watch the video or read our in-depth instructions below to make your own:
SUPPLIES
- 5 Gallon Bucket
- Newspaper(shredded)
- Water
- 1 Quart Glue
- Heavy Rope
- 3 Foot Balloon
- Newspaper
- Mixing Stick
- 2 4in x 5yd Packs of Plaster Gauze Bandage
- Paint Brushes
- Paint
- Exacto Knife
- Pendant & Cord Set
- Light Bulb
INSTRUCTIONS
- First, you’ll want to fill your 5 gallon bucket with your shredded newspaper and lots of water. Mix the newspaper and water together until the newspaper starts to break down. Keep adding more newspaper and water until you’ve filled your bucket to the top. Let this sit overnight to soak up the water and in the morning you’ll have a nice paper pulp.
- Add in a generous amount of glue to your paper pulp and mix it in until all of the pulp is coated.
- Blow up your balloon, tie it to your rope and hang it from a pull system so you can adjust the height while you apply the plaster strips and newspaper.
- Break your plaster into strips, dip them in water and apply them all over your balloon. Make sure to leave an opening on the bottom so your lamp light will be able to shine through. Let this dry overnight.
- Once your plaster strips are dry, mix your pulp with more glue and use your fingers to apply the pulp all over the balloon. Let this sit for two weeks to completely dry.
- Now time to paint! Use painters tape for a two tone effect. We painted our lamp white and grey to match our office lounge.
- 7. Once the paint dries, pop the balloon, and grab an exacto knife and cut the excess plaster off the bottom. Now is the time to customize the edges.
- 8. Voi-la! Using your pendant and cord set, install the light bulb and hang up your new Paper Mache Pulp Lamp.
