Birch Bark Lamp Shade

How to Design and Fire Retard a Birch Bark Lampshade

I would like to make my own birch bark lampshades, sconces, etc.

Do they need to be treated to be heat resistant? And if they do, what should they be treated with?

They would have a low wattage bulb, but I do not want to have them set on fire.

Heather

If you plan to actually form the shade of birch bark alone (rather than cover an existing lamp shade with bark), yes, you should treat at least the inner surface of the shade with fire retardant.

You can purchase a commercial brand of Fire Retardant Spray or make your own.

How to Make Fire Retardant Spray

You will need

• 100 grams (3 ½ oz.) Sodium Borate Powder (Borax - look in the laundry or cleaning supply aisles)
• 50 grams (1 ¾ oz.) Boric Acid Powder (sold in pharmacy or garden supply store)
• 1 liter (1 qt.) hot tap water
• Empty (clean) spray bottle

Mix ingredients and pour into spray bottle. Test by spraying on a scrap of birch bark. Let dry. Try to light the treated area with a match or lighter. Re-apply spray as needed.

Preparing Birch Bark for Crafting

If your birch bark is fresh and pliable, it will be easy to craft with. However most crafters use or buy bark harvested from fallen paper birch trees. After removing dirt and debris, the bark is softened by soaking in warm water or by steaming it.

Once softened, layers can be peeled apart until you have the thickness you want for your crafting. If you won't be using them all immediately, lay the extra sheets flat and weight them to dry.

How to Form a Lamp Shade from Birch Bark

Trying to shape your own lampshade without a form is difficult. I found this really cool ThreadBanger video on how to make paper lamp shades.

You can also find a lot of information, as well as lamp making supplies, at The Lamp Shop.