Making a string pendant lamp or round chandelier is an easy project that can be made yourself (although it takes a lot of time) and the results will certainly brighten up the room. This lamp is modern but simple and classic and can fit into many design schemes. Think of the look you want and get started!
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Method 1 of 3: Making the Lamp
Step 1. Prepare the work area and collect materials
This project is worth it, but time consuming and messy. Prepare a large, wide space and line the work surface with newsprint. Gather all the ingredients and let's get started. You need:
- Inflatable ball (beach ball, sports ball or balloon)
- Rope (tie, jute, twine, etc.)
- white glue
- Cornstarch
- Warm water
- Spray for cooking
- Disposable gloves (if you don't want to get dirty)
Step 2. Draw a circle on the ball (or balloon)
Use something round (like a Tupperware lid) to trace. This will be the hole where you attach (or replace) the light bulb, so make sure it's big enough for your hand to fit easily while holding the bulb.
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You can also use this hole to pop the ball when it's almost done. A diameter of about 15-17.5 cm should be sufficient.
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Step 3. Make your adhesive solution
Make it with white glue, a handful or two of cornstarch, and warm water; the glue is ready when the solution is thick like cream. Use a wide bowl or tray.
Alternatively, you can use wallpaper glue. This also works well
Step 4. Coat the balls with non-stick cooking spray
If you can hang the ball right now that's great. If you can't just improvise. Don't skimp on the spray – the ball should be covered so you'd prefer not to touch it.
Petroleum jelly can also be used. Using this your hands will be stickier. The working principle is the same as a spray
Step 5. Dip the rope in the glue solution
Insert it about a meter or two at a time, pressing down on excess glue with your thumb and forefinger, looping the string around the ball, criss-crossing it in whatever pattern (or no actual pattern) you think looks good. One 67.1 m long skein of rope should be enough for one medium-sized beach ball.
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Don't close the circle you've marked! It's a forbidden area. You will need the area to be open and strapless to attach later.
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If you are using a light colored rope, use as much rope as you want. But be aware that if you use a dark colored rope, do not use the rope too much or tightly so that light can penetrate when the light is turned on.
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Let dry overnight. When you find it in the morning, the rope will be as hard as a rock and unlike the time you left yesterday.
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Step 6. Get the ball out
Deflate it and remove it – now you know why you should smear it with non-stick spray or petroleum jelly. The results are worth it now.
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If it's too big, stick your hand through the opening and scissor the ball out (if it's a beach ball, there will be sand, be careful with this). Carefully pull through the opening (the same hole for replacing the light bulb).
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Method 2 of 3: Installation: By Wire
Step 1. Cut the cable
If there is an old lamp, look at the frame – the wires can be taken from it. If not, buy it at a hardware store.
You need a cable longer than the width of the opening. It must be hooked on both sides and the ends must be twisted together
Step 2. Connect the wires and arrange the lights
Take one end of the wire and twist the end of the lamp opening. Then take the center, wrap it around the base of the bulb, and twist the tip back into the ball. Tada!
If the opening you made with the ball is too big, turn the ball over. Cut a small base on what was a peak into a base, and repeat. The problem is finished
Method 3 of 3: Installation: With Chandelier Bulb
Step 1. Prepare the chandelier bulb socket
Now the options are many and it gets a little confusing. If you're not too fond of handling it, you can hire an electrician. Also make sure the power is off!
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If you don't have a hanging socket, you can make one. Or just buy it from IKEA – it's pretty cheap. Making it is only recommended if you know and can. If you can you will need:
- 3 sets of plain canopy. This will hold the cable and stick to the ceiling
- 1 outdoor extension cord at least 30 cm longer than your requirement
- 1 porcelain socket with metal lid
- 2+ loops of cable connectors
- Cable opener
Step 2. Start making the cut
You will need a hole in the end of the ball to place it in the fitting. Make a few cuts across the original hole, but not too big. If it's too big the ball will fall right away!
To support the new hole you made in the bulb and to keep it from sticking out, cut a plastic ring or circle to place around the bulb, at the top of the fitting. These rings can be obtained from old lamps or Tupperwar caps – anything that makes a ring and is strong enough
Step 3. Install your creation
Place the ball around the bulb and insert a plastic ring between the bulb and the bulb. If you don't like the look of the cable, place a pole around it before attaching the ball.
If one side of the ball is better than the other, just spin it! That's the advantage of pendant lamps
Step 4. Color it if you like
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Take out the wires and bulb. Take some spray paint and color it.
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Tips
- Some light bulbs will change the color of the white string to yellow.
- Wear gloves so your fingers don't stick
