Janni creates stunning lamps from recycled fabrics: “I might buy a thrift store garment just for a beautiful detail”

Janni Hälinen’s home is a bit like a theater prop room, with stacks of boxes everywhere brimming with treasures—vintage fabrics, lace, fringe, tassels, jewelry, and old clothes. The comparison to the theater world fits well, as Janni works as a props manager at the Mikkeli Theater. At home, she makes lamps from repurposed materials and frames taken from worn-out fixtures. When visiting thrift stores, she picks up anything that might be useful for her hobby.

How did you get into upcycling lamps?

A couple of years ago, we needed a new lamp for the guest cottage at our summer place. I looked at thrift stores for materials to spruce up a plain white shade. I found two old lamps for three euros each and decided to buy them. I started experimenting and was immediately hooked. The cottage lamp was never finished, but my fascination with lamps took off. After a year of practice, I started an Instagram account for my hobby last October.

Janni loved doing crafts as a child. Her aunt is a gifted illustrator, as is her grandmother’s sister. Her aunt has always encouraged her to keep pursuing her hobby.

It can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours to finish a single shade, depending on its size and details. Janni posts photos of her lamps on Instagram @thedomusumbrarum.

Janni also makes lamps to sell. She loves seeing photos and videos of where each lamp ends up.

Where do you get your ideas for these lamps?

I’m inspired by my own imagination. I try not to follow other makers too closely, so I can stay as original as possible. I might get excited about a striking color combination I see in the city. When I find amazing materials at a thrift store, I immediately think about how to use them in my work. I store words and ideas in my phone notes.

The best part is getting to use fabrics creatively without any rules. I’ve used a silk nightgown, old pants and jackets, and leftover textiles. If I come across beautiful, high-quality vintage clothing, I’ll take it apart and use it in my pieces. If a garment has one really interesting detail, I might buy it just for that.

How much time do you spend making these lamps?

I often work split shifts at the theater. I’ll work on lamps in the morning before I leave for work and in the afternoon between shifts. If I’m at home with time on my hands, I’ll make lamps from the moment I wake up until I go to bed.

My husband is good at keeping my eagerness in check. If I see a gorgeous lamp on the online thrift store Tori, I immediately want to get it. That’s when he reminds me it’s not practical to drive hundreds of miles just for a lamp shade. I still might pick up supplies from far away if it’s on our way to our summer cottage.

Sometimes Janni finishes several lamps in one week. This year, she promised herself she would slow down to keep enjoying her hobby. Taking apart an old lamp is time-consuming.

Janni hand-sews almost everything. She taught herself how to make lamps through practice.

Janni values careful workmanship and a neat finish. She either sews the finishing touches and decorative trim to the top fabric or attaches them with hot glue.

What does this hobby give you?

For me, working with my hands is mostly a way to relax and release extra energy. It’s wonderful not having to think about anything else while I’m creating. This hobby makes me feel both accomplished and happy. Once I start, I focus intently and forget everything around me. When I’m dismantling an old lamp, I often watch shows and documentaries in the background.

What’s essential in making these lamps?

You need to be careful with every step right from the start. You can’t cut corners, because it immediately shows in the final result. Taking the time to do it thoroughly ensures durability and a neat finish. It’d be easier to use glue for everything, but I like to sew almost all of it by hand. I've realized I work in a fairly traditional, old-fashioned style.

Janni has set up alerts on Tori and checks new listings several times a day. Plugs and cords need to be bought new so the lamps are safe and work properly.

In thrift stores, Janni keeps an eye out for high-quality vintage clothes and fabrics. The more color and bold prints, the better.

Old jewelry from thrift stores can be turned into spectacular decorations. Sometimes Janni buys new tassels because used ones can be too worn.

What about the least fun part?

Finding a beautiful old shade is exciting, but the most tedious part is taking it apart. At that point, you’re eager to start your own design. I begin by removing all the old material with scissors and a craft knife. I also use surgical blades and seam rippers. The metal frame is wrapped with a strip of fabric that the new shade fabric is sewn onto. Old strips are often glued on tight, and peeling them away can be very time-consuming.

What’s your dream when it comes to this hobby?

This hobby takes up a large part of our home, so having my own studio one day would be fantastic. We have a small cottage for guests in Kangasniemi, and I’d love to show all my creations there. The only drawback is it’s inaccessible in winter. Maybe the real dream is that we’d move there year-round, and I could focus entirely on crafting.