I love a good craft project, almost as much as I love decorating a room. So of course I became instantly enamored with the idea of homemade, do-it-yourself lighting. Now don't start to shudder, these stylish twinklers are as chic as their store bought versions and twice as gratifying every time you flip a switch!
Twine Pendants
Materials: balloons, good-quality twine or jute string, spray laundry starch, pendant batton holders & energy-saving 10W globe
1. Blow up three balloons in varying sizes.
2. Tie one end of a piece of string to the balloon knot and wrap the balloon with string until it's covered, allowing for small gaps between the strings (as seen in the image). Repeat this for the other balloons. Take caution to not pull the strings too taut as this could burst the balloon.
3. Attach balloons to a clothing line and spray with starch until they are thoroughly saturated. Let string dry completely then check to see if the string is stiff to the touch. If it is not, spray again.
4. Once balloons are dry, pop the balloons and remove them from the inside of the cocoons. To increase the life of the pendant lights, spray the inside of the lamps with starch once you have removed the balloons.
5. Carefully insert the batton fittings and globes inside pendants and tie them into place with extra string.
Homemade Lampshade
Materials: tape measure, wallpaper, scissors, spray adhesive, clean cloth, utility knife & eco-friendly light bulb
1. Lay wallpaper flat, measure the amount you’ll need to cover the lampshade and add 2-3" of overlap for "fine tuning", then cut the paper.
2. Wipe shade clean, spray adhesive to wallpaper then carefully position the wallpaper on the shade by rolling it on a flat surface. Use a clean cloth to remove any air bubbles and to ensure that the paper sticks securely to the shade.
3. Let the shade dry completely, then carefully trim excess with utility knife.
4. Mount shade on lamp base and use an eco-friendly light bulb to light the lamp as they emit minimal heat.
*Photography and "how-to" via real living
