ABOUT ANNA
It was a happy accident that led me into the world of lampshades. Combining my love of repeat pattern with creating something handmade is for me, a perfect combination.
I have previously designed furnishing fabric and wallpaper collections and continue to be involved in interior design. After gaining a BA Honours Degree in printed textiles at Farnham College of Art, I freelanced in London and Paris selling designs worldwide. For many years I worked as Neisha Crosland’s design assistant where I was involved in exciting furnishing collections and interior based projects. I have now relocated to the countryside where I have established my own print studio.
Crafted by hand
I have made a conscious decision to produce lampshades by hand. This ensures I produce minimum wastage and my lampshades are made in a responsible, environmentally friendly way. It also enables me to be flexible with designs, colours and materials, giving each lampshade a personal touch.
The making process behind the lampshade.
All designs begin as observational drawings accumulated in various sketchbooks. I have sketchbooks dedicated to geometric patterns and others full to the brim of botanical drawings and folk art. I play around with shapes and scale until an interesting repeat pattern is placed together and the character of the design shines through. By mixing block printing methods with hand drawn and painted designs, I’m able to carefully tread the line between traditional and modern techniques.
Sustainable materials
I have carefully sourced specific papers to use for my lampshades.
I have chosen to use Nepalese Mitsumata Washi paper which has strong durability and a smooth finish, it also gives off a homely glow when the light is in use. This paper has traditionally been used for calligraphy and printmaking for centuries.
The handmade paper is made from the inner bark fibre of the mitsumata tree which is a native plant of the Himalayan foothills. Plants are cropped above ground level and can be reharvested after 3-4 years, making it a sustainable and renewable resource. The papers are made using the Japanese nagashizuki dipping and layering method of papermaking. Mitsumata paper is light in tone and soft to the touch.
The lampshade frames and ring sets are sourced within the UK. I use card backing and the trims are 100% cotton.
Raffia is also a natural material known for it’s fibre qualities and beautiful texture. I use a vintage raffia braid or 100% cotton trim to bound the edges of the lampshade.
Raffia is a 100% natural fibre that is derived from the leaves of the raffia palm tree, which is native to tropical regions in Madagascar and parts of Africa and Asia. The leaves of the raffia palm tree are long and thin. They are then harvested and processed to create the fibre that is used in raffia.
