Lamp Workshops

Shadow Lanterns - Half-Day Workshop

In this workshop we’ll explore a variety of ways to make balsa wood framed panels which can be adjoined to create lanterns, screens or book structures. We will make a shadow lantern, composed of lightweight wooden panels that can be assembled as a lantern or screen featuring cut-outs that cast shadows onto a second layer of paper.

Envelope Lanterns & Books - Half-Day Workshop

Learn how to turn envelopes into unique lantern or book structures! This project features paper cutting, a piano hinge and a unique way to show off decorative papers. We’ll cut designs and patterns into envelopes and slip decorative papers inside. Then we’ll seal, hinge and fold them in a variety of ways.

Flexible Book Structures – 1-day workshop

In this workshop we’ll create two panel structures with unique hinges which can be utilized to make books, lanterns, wall or window hangings. We’ll start by creating a shadow lantern, composed of lightweight wooden panels, featuring cut-outs that cast shadows onto a second layer of paper. We’ll make another structure featuring paper cuts, which incorporates envelopes, a piano hinge and a unique way to show off decorative papers.

Lamps & Lanterns – 2-day workshop

In this workshop, we’ll explore structures that can be hung, sit on a tabletop or set atop a lamp that needs a new shade. Learn how to weave paper and turn it into a votive cover, take a top and bottom ring and create a traditional cylindrical or cone-shaped lampshade, insert dowels or wire into paper slits to create paper shades or window hangings, and investigate alternatives to techniques used in making Japanese collapsible lanterns.

Paper Balloons, Tubes & Vessels – 2-day workshop

In this workshop, participants will create a sampling of small sculptural forms that expand and collapse, open and close, fold and unfold. We'll begin with traditional Japanese collapsible lantern structures and learn how to create patterns for unique shapes and sizes. We’ll also explore the techniques for creating paper hot air balloon structures and ball forms. The methods we use can be utilized to create sculptures in the form of vessels, clothing, lanterns and more.

Chochin – Collapsible Japanese Lanterns -- 1-day workshop

Learn how to make a foam core armature, wind reed around it and then apply a paper covering to create a beautiful collapsible paper lantern. After applying the paper, we'll remove the armature (which can be reused to make more lanterns!), and end up with a collapsible structure. A variety of lantern shapes will be explored, and variations on the process will be introduced. Each participant will make at least one shade.

Twirlee Lamps – 1-day workshop

Have you ever wanted to make one of those table lamps that spins? Well, here’s your chance! Participants will spend the day designing their own cut-out patterns, making the pinwheel which captures the heat to make the lamp spin, and constructing the outer frame which will catch the shadows as they bounce around. Participants will also learn how to do the electrical wiring to complete the project.

Helen teaches how to make illuminated paper objects in her Portland, Oregon studio, as well as locally, nationally and internationally. Click here to see where Helen is traveling and teaching next. If you would like to schedule a workshop, please contact Helen. She also supervises an Open Studio for experienced papermakers in her studio.

Lamp Making Workshops

Helen Hiebert Studio