Lampada Lighting

New York City artisan, Vilma Farrell, creates one-of-a-kind lamps and lampshades with an unlikely material - recycled coffee filters.


Yes, you read that correctly... coffee filters in all of their natural tan glory!


Sometimes she uses filters as is, and other times stains each one with the juice of vegetables and spices, such as collard greens, beets, spinach, saffron, or paprika.


Originally a journalist in Brazil and now a stay-at-home-mom, Vilma is inspired by her native country's love of dark coffee, rich spices, and muita alegria or joy. She makes each light by hand in her living room/studio after her children are in bed for the night.


Vilma cuts and ties wire cloth to create a lampshade's framework. Coffee filters, which have been dried, cleaned, dyed (or not), and cut, are woven into the wire frame. Lastly, varnish is applied to protect and give durability to the surface.


She also uses coffee filters to create impressive wall decor on wood-framed canvas. This piece is composed of natural color coffee filters with black acrylic paint detail.


See more of Vilma's captivating designs in her new Etsy shop, Lampada.

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Ann Martin
Ann Martin

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Comments

  1. I love the idea of using fruits, vegetables, and spices to dye paper. It's on my list to try with my letterpress paper one of these days...

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  2. So very beautiful Ann. How nice of her to use natural colours. What a beautiful way to recycle.

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  3. Wow those are absolutely stunning!

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  4. Wonderful. You always find the most amazing things. Thank you!

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  5. WOW, each of her designs is so unique. I'm having a problem picking a favorite. I think the Red World lamp is stunning. Thanks for sharing :) ~Molly

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  6. I so love this idea for recycling and making unique things. Thanks so much for sharing Ann and thanks for visiting my blog
    Lee:)

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  7. awesome idea!! What gorgeous results!

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  8. the lamps are incredible! i am floored.

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  9. wonder how close u could get them to resemble Himalayan salt lamps . U know rounded and yellow/orange glow

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  10. Interesting concept, Anonymous... I wasn't aware of salt lamps, but I see they do look somewhat similar.

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  11. These are simply beautiful! The one's she stains with veggie juice are gorgeous. We want Lampada on CustomMade.com because she's that good!

    marcie
    www.custommade.com

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  12. I love this now am going to recycle my living room shades!

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