How to Design a Lace Lamp

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.

Visit the Craft Store for Supplies

1. Purchase a large, latex balloon. The balloon will create the ball form for the lamp so consider picking up several in case the balloon pops.
2. Choose lace material or a doily. Be sure the material you select can accommodate the balloon once it’s blown up. You’ll also want to have a little extra material on the top so you can close the lamp along the top.
3. Pick up a lighting kit. You can light this lamp several ways but be sure you always use the lowest amount of light as possible (to avoid burning).
   • Stuff the lamp with white holiday lights. Run the chord alongside a decorative rope to hang and plug into an outlet.
   • Place a battery operated bulb inside the ball. You may want to consider using a device that allows you to turn it on and off from outside the lamp.
   • Purchase a lighting kit that includes a lamp chord and fitted area for a bulb. This method is the most sophisticated and may pose a fire hazard if directions are not followed explicitly.
4. Purchase wallpaper or paper mache glue to be painted all over the lace covered balloon. Also pick up a paint brush to help you deliver the glue.
5. Locate some string. You will need to hang the lamp by a piece of string so the glue can dry.

Create the Lamp

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.
2. Cover the lace with wallpaper glue. Lay the piece of lace on newspaper and apply a liberal amount of glue over the lace. 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 lamination choice through the top hole of the lace globe. Be sure you have a way to turn on the light and hang or display.

• 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.
• For best results, use a larger, round balloon instead of going for something smaller.
• 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.