Design Your Own Paper Lamp
A course by Kate ColinPaper-Folding Artist
A course by Kate Colin, Paper-Folding Artist
Create a unique origami-inspired lampshade by learning various paper-folding techniques and crease patterns
Paper-folding is a craft as old as time. Inspired by origami, Bauhaus, and Scandinavian design, Kate Colin is a paper-folding artist passionate about creating handmade lighting and wall art from her studio in Glasgow. Her unique, geometric pieces have been exhibited in the London Design Fair and Manchester Craft & Design Center.
In this course, she teaches you how to create your own handmade lamp using a variety of paper-folding techniques. Discover the relaxing practice of paper art, and add some color and light to your life. Ready to craft an original lighting decoration for your home?
What will you learn in this online course?
18 lessons & 19 downloads
Materials and Tools
9 minutes, 6 seconds
V Folds
16 minutes, 9 seconds
Double V Folds
14 minutes, 42 seconds
Scoring and Creasing Practice
4 minutes, 50 seconds
Complex Folding Techniques: Multiple V Folds
20 minutes, 41 seconds
Complex Folding Techniques: Scoring the Lotus Shade Pattern
15 minutes, 19 seconds
What's included in this course?
Meet Kate Colin, a paper-folding artist, lighting designer, and your teacher for this course. She shares her creative journey that led her to start her own studio and produce bespoke commissioned pieces. Hear about her influences and her sources of inspiration.
Learn about the rich history of paper-folding, as well as its modern application. Get an overview of the materials needed to take this course, and hear Kate’s tips on what to get. Then dive right into learning basic folding-techniques like the valley, mountain, and V folds.
Next, Kate teaches you advanced paper folding techniques step-by-step. Learn about scoring and creasing paper, as well as how to do multiple V folds. Using your scoring tool, discover how to make complex folds and a variety of diamond shapes.
Time to make your lamp! Start by deciding on the kind of paper you want to use, depending on the shade you’d like it to have. Choose a color palette by exploring references and creating a mood board. Kate guides you through the process of making a lotus lamp by using the folding techniques learned throughout the course.
Bring your lotus lamp to life by adding light. Kate shows you how to incorporate an LED light bulb to prevent your lamp from overheating, as well as other tips to keep your lamp safe. Wrap up the course with the most exciting part: installing your lamp in your space of choice!
What is this course's project?
Create a lotus lamp with various paper-folding techniques, and install a light source.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is great for lovers of crafts and origami, as well as DIY enthusiasts who want to create home lighting out of paper.
Requirements and materials
No previous experience is necessary. Kate teaches you all you need to know to make your own lotus lamp.
To take this course, you need a ruler, pencil, a scoring tool, a cutting board, and of course, paper!
Reviews
- 3 months ago
Excellent cours, les explications sont très claires. Merci.
- cfyepez_1PLUS9 months ago
Amazing! This truly feels like the threshold I needed to finally unleash all the creativity that’s been living in my mind for so long. Thank you so much for helping me reach this point!
- 9 months ago
Hello I am really happy with this sightful course, I have a question about the type paper that you had used , is it canson or washi paper ?
- mcconfalonieriPLUS10 months ago
Me encantó!!! Las explicaciones son detalladas y me gustó mucho que fuera explicando de lo más básico a lo más complejo. 100% recomendable para paper lovers
- 11 months ago
Excellent, with all the basic and useful information.
Her work has also been exhibited in London Design Fair and Manchester Craft & Design Center. She has received numerous awards from different organizations like The Heritage Craft Association, Visual Artist & Craft Maker Award (Creative Scotland), and Crafts Council Hothouse Programme. Her work has been featured in publications such as Stylist, Elle Decoration, Loader Monteith Architects, and FT Weekend. In addition to hosting workshops from her studios, she also takes private commissions from clients like V&A Dundee, Anncoc Whisket, and Charlotte’s Place, among others.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Basic Folding Techniques
- A Brief Introduction to Paper Folding
- Materials and Tools
- Basic Folding Techniques
- V Folds
- Double V Folds
- U3
Advanced Paper Folding
- Scoring and Creasing Practice
- Complex Folding Techniques: Multiple V Folds
- Complex Folding Techniques: Scoring the Lotus Shade Pattern
- U4
Making the Lamp
- Variations of Shades
- Colour Palette
- Making the Lamp: Preparing and Scoring Your Paper
- Making the Lamp: Folding the Paper 1
- Making the Lamp: Folding the Paper 2
- Making the Lamp: Folding the Paper 3
- U5
Living with Your Lamp
- Caring for Your Lotus Lampshade
- Final Touches
- FP
Final project
- Design Your Own Paper Lamp
What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers all foundational techniques needed to create geometric origami lamps and decorative paper structures, even if you have no prior experience.
You’ll need quality paper, a cutting mat, scissors, a scoring tool or bone folder, double-sided tape, a pencil and eraser, a craft knife, and a hole puncher. The course also covers how to select suitable paper and alternatives for specific folding techniques.
You’ll learn geometric paper folding, V-fold and diamond techniques, scoring for clean folds, assembling lotus-inspired paper lamps, and how to combine color, light, and form for decorative and functional lighting.
No previous experience is required. The course starts with basic techniques and gradually introduces more advanced folding and assembly skills suitable for all levels.
V-fold origami is a folding method that creates crisp, angular patterns ideal for constructing 3D forms. The course teaches single and double V-fold techniques specifically for geometric paper lampshades.
The course guides you through selecting paper based on weight, translucency, and strength to suit the design and lighting effects you want, with tips for sourcing and testing suitable materials.
Yes, you’ll learn safe assembly, how to join paper sections, attach lampshades to lighting components, and best practices for fire safety and using LED bulbs.