A range of lampshades created from scrap paper collected from my local design studio

Papermade

Overview

This project was all about product provenance as well as methods of batch production. We were asked to make either five of the same product or three-five products that fit within a range.

Product provenance within my project focused on where the materials used in my products came from. After noticing how much scrap paper is thrown away within the product design studio, I decided that's I wanted to source all my materials. The aim for my products were to create something with worth from materials that were considered waste. I have always particularly enjoyed working with paper so this was the perfect blend of challenging and engaging.

First Outcome

Watch now for a snapshot of the creation process:

One of the difficulties I found whilst creating the first lampshade was the fact I was limited to smaller pieces of paper. To work around this, I decided I'd combine smaller pieces to create a larger, clean sheet that I could roll. This method can be seen throughout the timelapse, using the stamp to cut circles from the clean parts of each piece of paper and then combining them to create a layered pattern.

Whilst making these lampshades, I had to consider how they would be produced when it comes to batch production. As the first outcome uses a stamp to cut out each circle, it allows for parts of the production process to be automated. The best way for these lampshades to be batch produced would be to have a group of people that are taught to make the lampshades.

For this lamp I had to create a pattern that I could use to guide me, it helped to keep the pattern consistent and prevents small errors that could have led to misalignment. This pattern is available for both training a group to produce these products as well as for anyone who wants to try and make use of their own scrap pieces of paper.

Click here to make it yourself

Second Outcome

The second lampshade held a lot of influence from origami and more specifically tessellations. It was by far the most time consuming lampshade to create due to the time that it takes to make each individual tile, on average it takes 2 minutes each, however when I first started making the tiles it would take me between 4-5 minutes each.

When it comes to batch production of the second outcome, it would require a trained team of creatives to make the tiles by hand. It is difficult to automate this particular outcome due to origami being such a handmade craft.

The process I took whilst making all three lampshades was a trial and error method of making, I did not do a lot of sketching for the lampshades, rather, I made large sheets of repeating patterns and then played with the form physically. This process was a lot more playful and allowed me to experiment more with ideas and put more emphasis on material testing.

Due to the large emphasis on materiality and where I was sourcing my material, I did need to come to terms with the fact that the lampshades would not come out perfectly due to the imperfections in the paper due to it already having been used. I tried my best to select the best parts of each sheet of scrap paper but I was well aware that each lampshade would not be perfect. In this way, it would mean that not every lampshade would be exactly the same, even when recreating the same outcome again as there is a level of randomness in the paper you are able to source.

Third Outcome

The third outcome acts like a blend of the first and second outcomes. It simplifies the origami aspect of the second lampshade and combines it with the idea of layering simple shapes to create patterns that is reminiscent of the first outcome.