How to Design a Lace Lamp

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Edited by Terra Unwin and 8 others
Edited

Light up the night with a little romance and beauty with this lacy ball lamp. This laminated ball is a hanging lamp, ideal for hanging in any room you want to add an extra glow or magic.

Steps

1
Blow up the balloon and tie the end in a knot. Keep in mind the balloon will provide you with the shape and size of the lamp so you will want to ensure you blow the balloon up completely.

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2
Cover the balloon with wallpaper glue. Be sure its well soaked with glue.
3
Cover the balloon with the lace. Use your hand to smooth the lace over the balloon and remove any wrinkles. Make sure the ends of the lace can be gathered or reach the top of the balloon.
4
Tie a long piece of string around the knot at the top of the balloon and hang on a piece of furniture to allow it to fully dry. Check the glue bottle for directions on dry time, but at least overnight should be sufficient.
5
Deflate the balloon carefully once the glue has fully dried. Use a long, thin pin to pierce the balloon. Gently pull deflated balloon through the top hole.
6
Insert the light through the top hole of the lace globe. Be sure you have a way to turn on the light and hang or display.

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Tips

To get the bulb inside the lacy globe, cut a small hole on top and slide the bulb through the hole. Then fold back in place and glue.
If the lace sticks to the balloon, simply rub a small amount of mineral spirits on the tips of your fingers and run them along the area that has stuck. The mineral spirits should dislodge a small amount of excess glue and allow you to remove the balloon.
For best results, use a larger, round balloon instead of going for something smaller.

Warnings

If the lace collapses and comes in direct contact with a light bulb, this would present a fire hazard. Keep an eye on your lamp and do not leave it lit when you're not in the room. It maybe be wise to consider making a "skeleton" from wire to prevent this issue as well.

Things You'll Need

Large, latex balloon
Lace material or a doily
Lighting kit - options:
- Stuff the lamp with white holiday lights
- Lace a battery operated bulb inside the ball
- A lighting kit that includes a lamp chord and fitted area for a bulb (may pose a fire hazard if directions are not followed explicitly)
Wallpaper or paper mache glue
A paint brush
String

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