Lamp Design & Craftsmanship Specialization

In this lesson I will tell you about some of the artists past and present whose work inspires me.

Influences | Kate Colin

Influences | Daniela Navas

Nature has always been one of my main sources of inspiration. Now I am going to tell you why and I will tell you about artists who have influenced my work.

Influences | Studio Nucleo - Piergiorgio Robino

In this lesson, I will share with you some of the people who have influenced my work, from architects like Frank Ghery to one of the most inspiring and controversial people in the world: Carlo Molino.

Influences | Marre Moerel

In this lesson I will share some artists that influenced my work and my career.

Module 2

What if a lamp could do more than light a room—what if it could shape emotion and memory? With Laura Palacio as your guide, you’ll begin to uncover how thoughtful lighting design can transform spaces. From the very first sketch, this course invites you to explore light not just as function, but as feeling.

14 lessons (3h 47m)

Lighting types

Did you know that we spend more than 70% of our lives indoors? Light plays a fundamental role in the harmony of spaces. I invite you to know how to balance the use of natural light and artificial light and the benefits of each type of lighting. How the biological clock influences the need for lighting in interior spaces.

The color of light and types of bulbs

The color of artificial light is born from the intention of the human being to replicate natural light at different times of the day. The color of light directly affects our emotions and our senses. Each activity requires a different lighting color. In this lesson you will learn to identify the ideal tone for the transformation of the space you want to redesign or change, depending on the use you are going to give it and the time of day you use it.

Mood board and inspiration 1

You will learn to make mood boards that will start the creative process. To begin, answer these questions focused on the space that we will transform: What inspires you? What moves your heart, what do you want to explore? What do you want to evoke? Is there a theme or concept that you want to highlight? It is important to have the concept of your project very clear before searching for images infinitely, because the search for references can be as long and as deep as you want, the important thing is to have a keyword to start and stay on track.

19m

Mood board and inspiration 2

During this second part of the lesson, I will show you some tools that you can use to make your mood boards. They are very easy to use and will help you get it done faster.

Selection of materials and finishes

I will show you an easy way to choose materials from the hand of your mood board and I will also give you some guidelines on how to choose the finishes for your lamp.

There are different ways to make agile sketches that will help you define the details of your design. To bring your ideas to life, I will show you in detail how to make your sketch by hand. You will learn to play with shapes, materials and colors in order to explore different presentation ideas for your sketches.

Design sketches 1

If you are more into working digitally, then you are going to love this lesson. I will show you how to sketch digitally with the help of Illustrator.

Design sketches 2

Modeling in SketchUp and rendering

In this lesson you will see the benefits of 3D modeling and rendering to simulate materials.

Initial plan and estimated costs

You will learn how to make technical plans in an easy and agile way. You don't have to know how to use complex programs.

Model, mockup and prototype

Now I will explain the difference between model, mockup and prototype. I will teach you to determine which one is more convenient to use depending on the design you are working on.

Final design, technical sheet and planning of series production 1

You will see how to define the final design and how to plan production with your allies, whether they are artisans or mass production workshops.

Final design, technical sheet and planning of series production 2

Finally, you will learn how to finish the design of your technical sheet.

How your lamp will look in your space

I will teach you easy tools to simulate your new design in your space, that of your clients or your dream space

How far can your design go

You will learn how to take your design to another level and how to expand your design for different uses and audiences.

Module 3

Can a single sheet of paper become a work of art—and a source of light? Kate Colin invites you into the meditative world of paper folding, where geometry, design, and tradition meet. Inspired by origami and minimalist aesthetics, you’ll begin exploring techniques that transform flat paper into sculptural, light-filled creations.

16 lessons (2h 42m)

A Brief Introduction to Paper Folding

To start, I will give you a brief introduction to paper folding, origami and its origins.

Materials and Tools

In this lesson I will give you an overview of paper as a material. I will discuss the main elements that should be taken into account when working with paper, show you a variety of papers of different weights and demonstrate how they fold differently. We’ll then have a look at some tools and materials we’ll be using during the course which I’ll look at individually and explain how and when each one is used.

Basic Folding Techniques

Let’s start folding! This lesson will introduce you to some basic folding terminology and concepts of mountain, valley and universal folds.

Here, you will learn about V folds and practice folding a number of variations. I will show you some samples big and small so you can see how versatile they are. Once you master the basic technique, you will see the variation, flexibility and beauty of them and you can use them in an infinite number of ways to create your own designs.

V Folds

In this lesson we are going to continue working with V folds and start to see the many shapes and designs we can create from this one simple fold. Once you have mastered it and understood how it works, you will be able to create a great number of patterns and designs.

Double V Folds

Scoring and Creasing Practice

In this lesson you will be introduced to the scoring tool and practise using it on a heavier weight of paper.

Complex Folding Techniques: Multiple V Folds

In this lesson, we will practise using a scoring tool technique to create multiple V folds, also known as a herringbone or chevron pattern. We’re going to practise working in a heavier paper with which we will create V folds using a scoring tool. For our final project (the lotus lamp), we will be folding on a larger scale, using division and V folds.

Complex Folding Techniques: Scoring the Lotus Shade Pattern

In this lesson we will continue to use scoring tools, pencils and rulers to create new designs. We will start to combine double V folds to create a variety of diamond shapes and structure with the V fold as a basic technique. This is good practice as the final shade will be in this design.

In this lesson, we will make your unique lampshade. You now have all the skills and expertise to make it. All you have to do is make some choices in how to make it unique to you.

Variations of Shades

Colour Palette

We will start to think about colours we will be using for our lamp and how to go about choosing them

Making the Lamp: Preparing and Scoring Your Paper

In this lesson we’re going to start making the lotus lamp. This will be on a bigger scale than anything you’ve folded before, so make sure you have plenty of space and a clear, clean table. It might take a bit of practice but above all, take your time and have lots of patience. Folding takes time and patience.

Making the Lamp: Folding the Paper 1

Now we will do the actual folding and construction of the lamp. It is a gradual process and will take quite a while. Watch me folding and learn how to do it yourself.

Making the Lamp: Folding the Paper 2

Now we're going to start folding the V folds in order to re-score them later on.

Making the Lamp: Folding the Paper 3

In this part of the lesson, I will finish folding the shade. Make sure your folds look nice and clean. Then I will punch holes in the lamp and attach both ends.

Caring for Your Lotus Lampshade

Here are some useful recommendations for your lampshade care.

Final Touches

In this lesson you will learn how to install your lamp —my favourite part!

Module 4

Through the rhythm of knots and the softness of cord, Daniela Navas brings macramé to life in a whole new way. In this creative journey, you’ll learn to design luminous pieces that play with light and shadow—blending texture, form, and warmth to create lamps that feel as beautiful as they look.

12 lessons (2h 0m)

Functionality of the technique

I want to start this unit by telling you what we are going to do during the course. Afterwards, we will begin to delve into the world of lighting and its options and functionalities.

Materials and structures

It is always useful to know the materials with which we are going to work. I am going to explain to you the different types of ropes and structures that we can use to shape our lamps.

Create a swatch wall 1

In this lesson I will teach you how to create a mural by reviewing the different types of knots that we will use for the different projects. We start with the lark knot.

I continue explaining the different types of knots. In this case I will start by showing you how to make the festoon knot. Let's go little by little!

Create a swatch wall 2

Since we have already made different types of knots, now it's time to go one step further: I'm going to show you how to add textures and layers.

Create a swatch wall 3

Sketches of our projects

The first step in starting your lamp is to sketch your design. In this lesson we will see how to do it step by step.

Prepare your layer lamp

We start this unit by preparing the layer lamp. In this lesson I will teach you how to knot the pattern, which will be the basis for adding layers and textures later.

17m

Layers lamp: layers and textures

Now I am going to explain how to insert rope into your pattern, so you can add layers and textures that will give your lamp a unique touch.

Since we have already finished the first lamp, now it is time to learn how to make the second type. I will start by explaining the knotting of the first stage of the globe lamp.

Prepare your globe lamp

Globe lamp: chandelier effect

After having prepared the base of the lamp, I am now going to teach you how to carry out the chandelier effect, so called because it simulates a chandelier.

Finishes and installation

In this lesson I am going to explain some options for hanging and installing the lamps. We are going to see several examples so that you can decide which alternative you prefer.

Other apps

Finally, I am going to show you ideas that can help you to give a special and distinctive touch to your projects.

Module 5

Few materials offer as much freedom as resin—and Piergiorgio Robino knows exactly how to shape it into light-filled works of art. Step into his creative process and discover how color, form, and function come together to create a lamp that’s both striking and personal. This is where experimentation meets design.

19 lessons (3h 25m)

Introducing the Materials

In this lesson, you will get to know the materials you will use to create your resin pieces. Also, I'll tell you about the tools you need.

Safety Measures

I am going to assess all the safety measures you need to be mindful of when creating your pieces. To protect yourself is as important as protecting the environment and your workspace.

12m

Data Sheet Reading and Types of Resin

Many times, misuse of resin comes from the wrong choice of resin. In this lesson, you are going to learn about the importance of getting and reading the datasheet from the company to learn about the post-production storage density pot life and not secondary aspects, such as safety rules and toxicity.

Finding Inspiration and the Creative Process

We will talk about how to find inspirations and the importance of having fun. Everyday life is what inspires me. Let me show you how I go about it.

Mixing and Pouring

To start off, I will provide you with some tips about mixing and pouring resin. There are two factors we need to control and monitor at all times: temperature and humidity.

Moulds

You can make a mould out of everything: aluminium, wood, silicone, cardboard... The point here is to know when to choose one over another and how to preserve your moulds.

Resin and Colour

What I want to teach in this lesson is the importance of pigment dilution. I will show you how to properly dilute your pigments. I will also like to dedicate some time to teach you how to create a colour palette.

What are the things that you can fit inside of a resin casting? Let's find out.

Adding Elements to Resin

Dimensioning Your Object and Creating a Model

I always start with a sketch. What we are going to do in this lesson is to get the dimensions of our object. Once we have the drawing ready, we will transfer it to E flute corrugated cardboard, to have a 3D model of it. Then, we will use adhesive vinyl to tie everything up.

Refining the Design with the Resin Type, Colors and Electrical Components

The foundation is ready. Now it is time to select what resin to work with. You will see that I went for polyester, but you can choose whichever suits your needs. Also, we will start to create the colour palette for our piece. There are some things to consider, though, like the effect of light, the very shape of the object, and the density of the resin, among others.

Creating Your First Mould, Casting and Unmoulding 1

Now that we have the design and the resin type it is time to go forward and start building the pieces of our lamp. In this lesson, we create the mould for the main piece using our corrugated cardboard model and silicone. We will then cast the resin and learn how to unmold and preserve the mould to create the rest of the pieces.

Creating Your First Mould, Casting and Unmoulding 2

Let's build the second mould.

Creating Your First Mould, Casting and Unmoulding 3

Now I am going to show you how to fill the mould with silicone. The most important thing at this stage is getting the amount of silicone right. I calculate the volume of my moulds to know how much silicone is needed.

Creating Your First Mould, Casting and Unmoulding 4

I poured the silicone and I let it settle for a day. Now that is hardened, I will teach you how I unmould my models.

Creating a Second Mould for Our Lamp

In this lesson, we create our second mould using our light bulb as the model, so it fits perfectly in the base piece of our lamp. I will teach you how to protect the light lamp and adjust the dimensions. Again, silicone will be our main resource.

Silicone on Silicone: Creating Your Final Mould 1

Finally, I will show you how to make the final mould using the silicone on silicone technique. With this last mould, we will cast resin to create our final piece.

Silicone on Silicone: Creating Your Final Mould 2

In order to replicate the model, I am going to prepare the one that is built already with silicone to place it inside the casting box, which I will then fill with silicone.

In this lesson, we will polish our pieces of resin to match our design. Do we want them to be matty or very glossy? Or rather a mixture of both?

Finishing and Polishing

12m

Assembling

Finally, in this lesson, you will assemble all the parts of your unique resin lamp, including the electrical components.

Module 6

An old bottle, a kitchen tool, a forgotten object—Marre Moerel sees them not as leftovers, but as inspiration. In this course, she shares how everyday forms can be reimagined into striking ceramic lamps. You’ll explore a hands-on, instinctive process that transforms abstract ideas into functional, sculptural pieces full of meaning.

16 lessons (4h 19m)

Concept Development and Technical Considerations 1

We will begin by taking a look at how to come up with ideas to create a design based on found objects.

Concept Development and Technical Considerations 2

In this second part of the lesson, I will show your more examples of concept development.

Materials 1

In this lesson we will review all the materials we need for mold making, ceramic casting and wiring for your final project.

Let's now take a look at the materials we will need for the wiring.

Materials 2

Setting up Your Workspace and Prep Mold

In this lesson I will show you how to prepare the first part of your mold and how to set up your work environment. It's important that you have a big sturdy table and organization for your workspace. We will work with big bulks of material and space to move and create.

In this lesson we’ll make the two parts of the plaster mold. You’ll learn how to create the walls, mix and pour the plaster.

Making the Mold 1

Second part of the mold-making process, where we remove the clay from the mold.

Making the Mold 2

Opening and Drying the Mold

In this lesson we will prepare the mold for use; this entails opening the mold and removing the object inside -ie the sphere. Then we’ll show how to clean and finish the mold, including edge treatments, and finally the correct way of drying.

17m

Casting the Object with Ceramic Slip 1

In this lesson, we’ll prepare the liquid clay also known as slip. We’ll then go through the steps of how to cast the first sphere, which include pouring and emptying of the mold, timing, removing the cast and finally how to prepare it for joining.

19m

Casting the Object with Ceramic Slip 2

It's time to open the mold. Remember to be very careful and make sure your piece is not stuck to the pouring hole.

In this lesson, you’ll first learn how to join the cast ceramic elements to create a new shape. Then, we will decide the final design; taking technical aspects into consideration and creating openings for lighting. Finally you’ll learn how to finish and fire your ceramic shape.

Joining and Building 1

19m

Joining and Building 2

I will continue with the process of joining the two parts of the lamp and making the holes for the lightbulbs.

Sanding, Firing, and Glazing 1

In this lesson we will go over ceramic finishing techniques, which includes sanding, glazing and firing.

Sanding, Firing, and Glazing 2

Now that the piece is fired, here I will proceed with the actual glazing. There are several glazing techniques. I will show you a way to do it which is more suitable for this kind of piece.

Here we’ll show the materials and tools needed for wiring the final pendant lamp.

Wiring

Final Piece and Other Shapes

In this lesson I will show you how our lamp works and other design examples you can create with your molds.