Budget DIY Flower Lampshade for Wall Sconces With Air Dry Clay

Have you ever found your perfect home decor accessory only to realize it cost way more than your budget allows? If so, then you will want to see this tutorial. This copycat DIY Lampshade is inexpensive and easy to make with air-dry clay. It was inspired by a $450.00 wall sconce that I wanted for our beach cottage. It was not only out of my budget but, I needed two wall sconces. Although I’ve never done this before, I decided to attempt to make a look-alike lampshade using air-dry clay. The good news is it only cost me $65.00 to make two flower lampshade wall sconces, and I love how they turned out. I think you will agree.

I was crushed when I discovered the cost of these scones, so I searched for them online. However, I did find them for slightly less, $396.00. LOL! That was still way out of my budget. Over $800 for two wall sconces wasn’t going to happen at my house. So, I began to search for an alternative to get the look for less, and I think you will love this tutorial. Here’s how you can make your own flower lampshade, including all the items I used to create the look-alike.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

How To Make A DIY Lampshade That Looks Like A Flower?

The inspiration wall sconce is made of metal, and I knew that I couldn’t duplicate the same metal design. Therefore, I decided to make the flower petals using air-dry clay. I knew I would need a wall sconce to attach the DIY lampshade. So, first, I found a set of inexpensive wall sconces that I felt would work for the project. The pair only cost $34.00, and the air clay was $14.00. Even though I’d never tried anything of this nature, I felt I could risk 48.00 to give it a try.

The inspiration lampshade is shaped like a flower bud, so I shaped the flower using a bowl before adding it to the new wall sconce lampshade.

First, here are the supplies I used.

Supplies

• 2 – Air Dry Clay Blocks (It only took slightly more than one block to make two shades)
• Set of two plug-in Wall Sconces
• Chalky Classic White Spray Paint
• Mod Podge Hard Coat
• Rolling Pin
• Create a template for your petals
• A large needle, knife, or other item to cut the clay
• Bowl to form petals
• Cooking Spray & Paper Towel
• Smooth Plastic Cutting Board (optional)
• Wall Cord Cover (optional)
• Plaster of Paris (optional)

How To Make The Flower Lampshade Petals

Begin by determining the size of the petals using the purchased wall sconce lampshades as a guide. Then, make a template from card stock.

First, I cut several petals out of copy paper and taped them to the shade to determine if the template size was appropriate. This also determined how many petals would be needed to create the look I desired.

After determining the template, begin kneading the clay to soften it. Then, use a rolling pin to smooth it. Be sure to remove any bubbles and roll until you have an even thickness of clay. Ensure you work on a smooth surface like a plastic cutting board, glass, or tile.

How To Cut The Petals

Next, lay the template on the rolled-out clay and trace around the edges with a needle or knife to cut the clay. I used an oversized needle, and it worked great.

Remove the excess clay and dip your finger into water to smooth any rough edges around the petals.

Use the needle to add any decorative design to the top of the petals. Use light pressure to scratch the clay surface to create the design. Be careful not to cut too deep.

Continue to smooth any imperfections by adding water to your finger and rubbing over the rough areas.

Prepare Bowl To Add Petals

Look for a bowl that is approximately the size of your purchased lampshades. You want the bottom to be as smooth as possible.

Place the bowl on a pedestal to raise it off your table. This could be a paint can, jar, or anything that will secure it from tipping over. In addition, be sure it’s tall enough to allow for the petal length.

Before adding any of the clay flower petals, rub a small amount of cooking spray onto the bottom of the bowl. Don’t spray the bowl, but instead, spray the paper towel. Once you’ve rubbed the paper towel over the bowl, use a dry towel to remove any excess. You only want enough to keep the clay from sticking as it dries.

How To Make A Flower DIY Lampshade

Once the bowl is prepared and secure, add the air-dried clay petals. Allow the petals’ tips to hang evenly from the edge of the bowl, and press the other end of the petal firmly onto the bottom of the bowl. Allow the clay to spread out until thin.

Place one layer around the bowl with a gap between the petals. Then, come back with a second round, filling in the gaps. Continue to press the clay at the center of the bowl.

As you build your layers of petals, remove excess clay from the center. Continue to press and smooth as you go along, which will secure the petals together. Gently press areas where the petals overlap without damaging the design or shape.

Allow the tips of the petals to curl slightly.

Once you have all the petals attached and the center is approximately the same depth as the petals, you can cut your light socket hole.

Find a round item the same size as the hole in your purchase lampshade. I used a spice jar lid, and it worked perfectly. Press into the clay at the exact center of the bowl and remove the center clay. If it looks too thick, you can press some more and cut it again. Use water on your fingertips to smooth the edges.

Transfer The DIY Lampshade To The Purchased Lampshade

Now, it’s time to set the project aside to allow drying. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place and out of the sun. You don’t want it to dry too fast.

DO NOT LET IT DRY COMPLETELY!

After a few hours, transfer the DIY lampshade to the purchased shade. At this point, you want the clay to be semi-pliable.

NOTE: THIS PART IS TRICKY! You may need an extra set of hands to make the transfer. Place the purchased lampshade on a pedestal just as you did the bowl. Carefully remove the clay lampshade from the bowl and place it over the prepared lampshade.

Align the center socket holes of both lampshades. Press the clay around the hole to ensure even coverage.

Set the shade aside in a cool, dry place to dry thoroughly. I didn’t touch the DIY lampshade for 72 hours.

Below is what the shade looks like from the inside.

Add Plaster of Paris (optional)

After the lampshade is dry, you can decide whether to add the plaster of Paris for added strength.

Some of my petal tips felt fragile, so I decided to add a small amount of plaster. I mixed a small portion and applied it to the tips of the thinner petals with my finger. I also had one fragile area around the top of one petal and added the plaster there. (See warning below)

Then, I let the plaster dry before proceeding.

Paint and Seal Your DIY Lampshade

After the shade had been dry for 4 days, I decided to add a coat of Chalky white spray paint.

Then, after the paint had dried, I added one coat of Hard Coat Mod Podge to all the exposed areas of the petals. The hard coat takes four weeks to cure, so I can add another layer for extra protection during our next beach trip.

Install The Flower Wall Sconces with Shades

Finally, the wall sconces with shades were ready to hang. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, I assembled and attached them to the wall. I added a wall cord cover, which was painted the same color as the wall paint.

The flower lampshades were installed last to avoid possible damage.

The DIY Lampshades are a perfect coastal addition to the recent rattan cane cabinet update.

The wall scones with shades are plugged into a remote wall outlet, and the on-and-off switch is by the door. We love the convenience of the remote switch, which allows us to avoid using the switch attached to the lamps.

We also installed 25-watt Edison Light bulbs for a soft glow.

Although these flower lampshades are not 100% like the inspiration shades, I’m extremely happy with the DIY version.

Resources

Related Articles

• Easy Air Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments
• Craft Fun DIY Clay Easter Eggs: Budget Pottery Barn Dupe
• DIY Ideas for Napkin Rings Pottery Barn Style