Lampshade Pattern Construction, 3

Cut the finished template into sections (if you are using a 360 degree form)
The masking tape template will need to be cut off the curved form and laid out flat. This is easier to do if you can logically separate the template into smaller sections. To do this you need to find lines running almost vertically from the top to bottom of the template. Mark these separation lines in a different colour. Also label each section.

Remove the template(s) from the form and press it out flat
Take a craft knife or razor blade and trim away excess masking tape from the end cap mark. Do the same for the bottom edge. Carefully remove the excess and throw it away.

Prepare a section of your work surface by sprinkling some talcum powder on it, and onto your hands as well. This will help keep the sticky side of the masking tape from sticking where you don't want it later.

Using the craft knife, slice through the middle of each separation line that you marked in a special colour. Try to stay in the exact middle of the line. Be careful that you do not tear or cause to pull away the underlying masking tape as you cut through the line. Do this with each separation line.

Starting with the top edge, use the craft knife to gently pull the masking tape template off the form. If the masking tape starts to separate, stop and repair it. As each section is taken off the form, put it sticky side down into the talcum powder and press it flat. Do this for each section.

Scan/copy the template(s)
At this stage you can scan each section into Glass Eye or other image software. This allows you to:

• select and change colour/glass choices very easily
• print out or email colour proofs to the client
• keep them in an electronic form for future reference or manipulation

You don't have to scan your pattern, but you do need to make at least two copies of the pattern.

Cut out one copy and reapply it back to the form
One copy is fastened back onto the form so that you know where to put your glass pieces.

Cut out the other copy and paste it onto your glass
The other copy is cut out using pattern shears (the three-bladed scissors) and glued onto the glass for cutting.


Based on work by Christie A. Wood, Art Glass Ensembles