Nature's beauty: wood veneer lampshades

I am inspired by MALKEY's creative boldness to show off some of my veneer shades. I am usually reluctant to blow my own horn, but realize I need to quit being so self-critical and share some of the things I find beautiful in this world.

I have put together a photo collection of some of my favorite shades. I made them myself and just love the patterns nature makes in wood. Shining a light through the veneer just highlights nature's beauty! This is the hobby I use to keep myself from buying too much art glass! Lol! And no, they are not for sale. Most were sold years ago with the exception of those in my private collection. I hope you all like them!

#1 is bell shade made of a rarely patterned Etimoe wood. I do not usually use fringes but thought the beautiful glass beads went well with the almost art nouveau grain pattern.

#2 is a photo of more modern looking box shades made of Karelian Birch wood. These shades are curved in two planes which shows the versatility of the thin veneer. Karelian Birch has got to be one of my favorite woods as it shimmers gold underneath the rusty brown patterns.

#3 is a rather large round shade, also in Etimoe wood. I made a set for myself and just love them in my living room. I adore the organic feel they bring to my home interior as I live in the mountains and the weather is not always conducive to being outdoors.

#4 is a square shade in a very rustic looking Ambrosia Maple. This particular veneer was amazing to work with as it had a very strong curly maple pattern under the ambrosia beetle stains. The curly, or Tiger pattern shimmers when you turn the shade in just the right direction. Ambrosia Maple is a wonderful manifestation of plants and insects interacting to create natural beauty!