While I have covered two articles about candle lamp shades previously, I wanted to share just one more post about this handicraft from the past.
The article below was originally published in 1906. It further describes the methods used for making metal lampshades and includes round-the-house tools that can be used.
Handicraft in Metal and Paper
Simplified Details for the Amateur
Among the varying handicrafts to which women have applied themselves, none has aroused greater enthusiasm than work in metals. There is a certain fascination found in this work which leads the worker from very simple designs to the more complicated ones which the finished masters turn out.
The very general impression is that working in metals is vastly beyond the average person’s talents. This is in a measure true, should the novice attempt elaborate designs, but the principles of this craft may be so simplified that anyone who possesses artistic knack and skill in other handicrafts will experience no difficulty in mastering the work.
Candle and lamp shades seem to be a favorite medium of expression in metals.
Simple Primitive Tools
It will not be necessary to buy many of the tools suggested until after more advanced work is undertaken. Some of the tools may be picked up about the house. For example, a long nail sharpened to a point, an awl or two, old croquet mallets with the handles cut off to a convenient length, a hammer usually employed for metal work, one end being flat and the other round, are among the household tools.
One woman who has an inventive mind of her own, employs an anvil made out of an ordinary log of wood that is sawed off flat at one end and made concave at the other, on which the metal is rested. This little device is held between the knees and makes a very substantial support.
Just a simple little bread board covered with cloth to prevent the nail from getting dull and to keep the metal from bending, is a serviceable device.
An old kitchen table on which to work is another important requisite. A pair of metal shears is necessary, also a wooden rule.
First Steps for the Novice
The simplest article for the novice to begin upon is a brass candle shade, and for this the lighter weight of brass is employed, which is about the thickness of Bristol board. For a lamp, however, it is advised that two grades heavier by used.
The ordinary round candle shade is a trifle less than three quarters of a circle with an eleven-inch diameter, the inner circle for the opening at the top having a diameter of about three and a half inches. Next cut a paper pattern of the candle shade the identical size and shape to fit the candle shade holder (the patent holders are best).
Anneal or soften the brass by holding it over a gas flame or live coals until it is very hot, then dip into cold water. This simple process makes the brass soft and pliable and quite easy to work upon, but hardens during the process of the designing, so that by the time this is completed the brass has resumed its natural hardness.
Work Upon the Metals
First experiment designing on paper so that the diagram will be symmetrical in all its details and suitable to the shape of the shade. Secure the metal to the covered board by tacks, one in the center and several along the sides to keep it firm. Then follow the design, driving the nail in at close intervals all the way along. The first tool to use is the awl or end of pointed nail; hit lightly and do not drive the nail in too deeply. Small holes are best for all save the outline, where the larger holes give a glimpse of the background.
After the pattern has been outlined, use a metal punch for the background. An effective method is to make the entire background in tiny holes, done irregularly, beginning as close to the punctured outline as possible. When the design is finished, trim the edges very carefully, getting them even all around. Then take a sharp penknife and punch a series of holes an inch apart, take a half inch strip of brass and punch corresponding holes in it.
Place this over the seam with narrow strips of brass. The little brass paper fasteners may be very conveniently employed for this purpose.
The Finishes and Polishes
After the shade is put together it is ready to be burnished with a desirable metal polish.
When an antique look is desirable, such as the old heirlooms have, dip the brass or copper into vinegar and salt, leaving it there for several hours and exposing it to the air from ten days or two weeks.
To clean brass use powdered potash, rubbing with soft flannel cloth.
Emory paper will impart a beautiful luster.
Instead of employing bead fringe the little chains of fine brass sold at hardware stores for picture hanging give the shade a very individual appearance.
Source: The Minneapolis journal. (Minneapolis, Minn.), 18 Feb. 1906.
