Tools + Materials
galvanized galley flashing
tin snips
pencil
posterboard
awl
hammer
masking tape
aluminum pop rivets
drill
drill bit
screws
masonry anchors



Before

1. Use tin snips to cut galvanized galley flashing to the desired shade size, allowing enough material to curve around the light and to wrap 1/2 inch around the back plate on each side. Cut the back plate, making it wider than the fixture plus adding 1 inch all around; you'll fold the edges for a stronger plate.

Cut a slot from the center of the top edge to near the center of the plate so it fits around the fixture mount. Double-fold the outside edges of the plate.

2. Use a pencil to draw a pattern on posterboard, then add evenly spaced dots to the lines. Space the dots closely enough so the pattern is clear, but don't overlap them.

3. Tape the pattern to the flashing and use an awl and a hammer to pierce through the pattern and metal. Save the pattern to make additional shades.

4. Allow the metal to weather, or paint the shade and back plate with primer and paint formulated for galvanized metal.

5. Bend the pierced metal and crease 1/2 -inch flaps around the back plate, fastening the two pieces with 1/8-inch aluminum pop rivets. Drill small holes near the bottom and top of the back plate. Use screws driven into masonry anchors to hold the cover to the wall. Remove the screws to detach the cover and change the lightbulb.