Ghibli Lamp Update

Jessica Vo
Post 3 - 2025 : Upcycle Progress, Student Work
4 Comments

My project is about upcycling a lamp shade to the aesthetic of Studio Ghibli. So far, I’ve collected the material of the light source and the lamp shade. I had trouble finding a lamp shade that has wired structure. I originally wanted to implement a beaded lamp structure (Figure 1).

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find a shade that would work well for this project. I also had a hard time scouting for beads sustainably. When I went to the store, I alternatively found this iridescent glass bowl (Figure 2 and 3) and thought it was very beautiful and still matched the Ghibli theme.

Figure 3: Goodwill Glass Bowl                                                           Figure 4: Goodwill Glass Bowl

Figure 5: Goodwill Glass Bowl

Taking inspiration from these bowls (Figure 6) that can be transformed into lamp shades.

Figure 6: Bowl lamp shades

I hope in the next couple of weeks, I am able to do research to properly transform this bowl into a lamp.

Sources:

Figure 1: Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1548181158536499/, via Pinterest

Figure 6: Ma Vie Coulers, https://www.mavieencouleurs.fr/maison/interieur/transformez-vos-bols-en-luminaires?slides=1, via Pinterest

4 Comments. Leave new

  • Sofia Fernandez
    February 9, 2025 9:56 pm

    Hi Jessica, I think the bowl you found will work great for your project, and I feel like if you wanted to lean more into the Ghibli aesthetic, you can look for some glass markers and make a design reminiscent of the beaded lampshade you tried to use initially. Another thing I think would be helpful if you decide to color the bowl is to use the stained glass paint you can get from those children’s toys. I often see those types of toys donated, so I think that could be helpful. There’s also a way to make that paint with Elmer’s glue and food coloring. Either way I’m excited to see how your ghibli inspired lamp turns out, good luck!

  • Zoe Cooper
    February 7, 2025 8:36 am

    I respect your willingness to adapt your project based on what was available. I think this new plan still matches the aesthetic very well. To drill a hole in the bowl, I’m sure places like the ITLL and Idea Forge have nice drill presses you can use. Otherwise, if you have a hand drill, just be sure to use a good drill bit (diamond or carbide), work in a well-ventilated area, and use water to minimize glass dust in the air. Good luck!

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Jessica Vo
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