limberlostt
Balloon lampshade
To make a balloon lampshade, for use with ENERGY EFFICIENT BULBS ONLY, since other bulbs get too hot and WILL START A FIRE!!!
(1 Blow up the balloon and tie it with a slip knot that can later be untied.
(2) Place the balloon, knot down, on a bowl so that it will balance while you work.
(3) Place cut or torn paper napkins on the balloon, painting them down as you go, with half and half water and white glue. Reinforce the center top of the lampshade with several extra layers of napkin cut into a circle about 3 inches in diameter. This will give it enough strength to hang properly on your lamp. To finish your lampshade, you may need to turn the balloon over and balance the top of it in the bowl in order to cover the bottom with the napkins.
(4) Use a clothes pin to hang the balloon up by the tied slip knot, being careful not to untie it.
(5) Let it dry COMPLETELY. This may take overnight, or longer.
(6) Carefully untie the slip knot, holding it so that the air does not escape too quickly. Let a little air out at a time, gently working the paper away from the balloon.
(7) When all the air is out, remove the balloon, and trim the bottom evenly.
(8) Put your hand inside the lampshade to hold it, and carefully pierce the center top with a nail, so that you can place the shade over the lamp and screw it down.
(9) Make sure the paper of the lampshade is not too close to the bulb, as even energy efficient bulbs produce some heat. Don't leave the lamp turned on when you're out of the room. Now turn it on and enjoy. You're done!
Balloon lampshade
To make a balloon lampshade, for use with ENERGY EFFICIENT BULBS ONLY, since other bulbs get too hot and WILL START A FIRE!!!
(1 Blow up the balloon and tie it with a slip knot that can later be untied.
(2) Place the balloon, knot down, on a bowl so that it will balance while you work.
(3) Place cut or torn paper napkins on the balloon, painting them down as you go, with half and half water and white glue. Reinforce the center top of the lampshade with several extra layers of napkin cut into a circle about 3 inches in diameter. This will give it enough strength to hang properly on your lamp. To finish your lampshade, you may need to turn the balloon over and balance the top of it in the bowl in order to cover the bottom with the napkins.
(4) Use a clothes pin to hang the balloon up by the tied slip knot, being careful not to untie it.
(5) Let it dry COMPLETELY. This may take overnight, or longer.
(6) Carefully untie the slip knot, holding it so that the air does not escape too quickly. Let a little air out at a time, gently working the paper away from the balloon.
(7) When all the air is out, remove the balloon, and trim the bottom evenly.
(8) Put your hand inside the lampshade to hold it, and carefully pierce the center top with a nail, so that you can place the shade over the lamp and screw it down.
(9) Make sure the paper of the lampshade is not too close to the bulb, as even energy efficient bulbs produce some heat. Don't leave the lamp turned on when you're out of the room. Now turn it on and enjoy. You're done!