History

The origins of "cut and pierced" lampshades:

Paper cutting is an ancient craft that was practiced in England and Germany during the 17th century. Around 1750 designs punched in paper became popular as an offshoot of embroidery.

In the early 19th century the practices of cutting and punching or "piercing" were combined. The cut sections were poked through to give dimension and sometimes the designs were painted. By the end of the 19th century the craft was waning in popularity, but it reappeared in New England in the 1930's, where it is still quite popular.

In the beginning the lampshade designs were simple. They often had no paint and if they did, were usually painted on the inside so that the lampshade appeared white during the day. Designs such as hearts and pineapple, a sign of hospitality, were popular.

Becca learned this craft while living in the small town of Grand Rapids, Ohio during the early 1980's. Being a California native she wasn't familiar with the art form at all before that time. After she and her husband and their two girls moved back to California in 1989, Becca began making shades for herself, family and friends.

Becca continued making "Traditional" designs that were painted on the inside. After she started selling to the public, she beginning making "Modern" designs that were painted on the outside. They were brighter, more eye-catching, and they allowed Becca to add more realism and detail to the painting - a feature that sets these shades apart from the simpler traditional designs.

Feeling the need for something new, in 1998, Becca began experimenting with reverse painting. Calling these "Scenic Shades", Becca created a line of masculine designs featuring wildlife on one side of the lampshade and scenery on the reverse side. When the lampshade is lit the scene is complete. She has since expanded her line of "Scenic Shades" to include florals and lighthouses.