I don't see why you couldn't.  Just make sure the base is fully DRY before you seal it, or it will mold underneath, which will ruin it.

Are you making a lampshade to go with it?

Sue

I haven't done it myself, but I was watching an acquaintance working on one.

Apparently, it's not difficult as long as you get the orginal pattern correct.  You need a wire lampshade frame that is all one piece, not the kind where the stiffness of the (usually plastic) shade material provides support between the top and bottom ring. (See this site for samples: http://mainelyshades.safeshopper.com/594/cat594.htm?15).

You make a one-piece waste-paper pattern to fit exactly around the frame, then cut your decorative shade by the pattern.  Some people apparently glue the decorative paper directly to the frame edges (probably the stiff kinds of paper), and others leave a small 'seam allowance' when cutting, that they can wrap around the wire.

I asked her about papier mache, and she said she didn't do that kind; she just used dry decorative paper in one piece.  But she said you might be able to PM a shade if you first attached a plain paper shade to the frame (I'm thinking it should be fairly stiff), then PM torn pieces of paper to that. But I'm not sure about this.  The plain shade would have to remain stiff enough not to sag. 

And I wouldn't SOAK anything in your adhesive.  I would brush a thin coat of adhesive on the back of each piece of torn decorative paper and immediately apply it to the plain shade, and smooth it carefully.

If you make a shade, why not post back here and let us know how it turned out?  Nothing teaches like actually doing it, but helpful tips are always welcome.

Sue

Very nice handmade paper site!  Thanks for the tip.

Sue