Frequently Asked Questions
The plastic frames of some of the lamps I make would last for hundreds of years in a landfill, eventually polluting our soil and water. By using discarded material, artists not only preserve social history, create unique works but also, contribute to protecting our environment.
The short answer is “yes,” but it might not fit the lamp base you have in mind both aesthetically and functionally. Unfortunately, we still live in a designed obsolescence world. Lamps and their shades are not standardized so most often replacement shades don’t fit every lamp base, forcing the consumer to buy a completely new lamp and shade. Therefore, I design the shade with consideration of each lamp base. I often utilize modern art slides with a modern base and coordinate colors in the shades with the base and use accents that compliment the lamp base.
Like with any lamp shade, it is important to pay attention to the light bulb’s wattage and use the recommended wattage of the lamp. Energy-efficient bulbs emit less heat than their predecessors so using energy-efficient bulbs is highly recommended. When using an appropriate bulb, all of Taos Upcycle lamp shades are safe to use.
My goal is to use as much discarded material as possible in order to protect our planet and raise awareness of the need to conserve, recycle and reuse. In addition, electrical wire adds an interesting design pattern to some works while the jump rings used add a kinetic element to each piece.
No handmade work is without flaws. There are many cultures around the world that have learned to abandon the rigid and unrealistic goals of perfectionists. Some artists and craftspeople in many cultures deliberately introduce flaws into their work to remind us that flaws are an integral part of being human. I don’t purposely introduce flaws and sometimes backtrack to correct a flaw but I embrace the idea that the owner may want to make adjustments to the shape of the lampshade by gently shaking the shade or tightening the links after a long period of time.
Absolutely, although you will be responsible for the return shipping costs.
I would be happy to consider this option. The slides I use are commercial and often archival so the frames are uniform and sturdy, which may not be the case with a personal photo slide collection. Email me and we can talk about your vision and goals for your slides.
Yes, each lamp base was carefully selected and rescued from a thrift store, yard sale or back road antique store finds. Reuse is one of the core principles of Taos Upcycle!
A flat rate of $22.00 is charged for shipping, this includes tracking and insurance. Each piece is carefully packed in a sturdy box.