If you’re anything like me then you probably think that yarn can only be used for knitting. Awhile ago I bought some thinking I’d learn how to knit but never quite got the hang of it, which left me with balls of yarn laying around unused. I was about to donate them until I stumbled upon this awesome DIY yarn lamp globe project. The finished piece looks uniquely beautiful and reminds me of one of those birds nest lamps that cost an arm and a leg. The decorative yarn globes and lampshade are easy to make and, best of all, inexpensive!
To start, you will need cotton yarn or hemp cord, standard school glue like Elmer’s (modge podge works too), and bouncy balls of whatever size(s) you desire. Cover up your work space and make an apron for yourself with plastic bags because this will get messy. If you plan on making a lamp, mark a large opening on the bottom where you insert the bulb, and a small one at the top for the cord, on the ball. Also, mark a spot for where you can deflate the ball later, to make it easier when the time comes.
Now mix equal parts water and glue in a plastic container large enough to fit the ball of yarn in. Pull out the end of the yarn and then soak the entire ball in the glue. Begin to pull and unravel the glue soaked yarn and start to wrap it around the ball. When you start, hold the end you began with in place with one hand and wrap with the other until it stays on by itself. Be sure to avoid wrapping around the openings you marked off and wrap until you run out of yarn. Pour any remaining glue mixture over the string so it sets more solidly and focus on the edges around the holes.
Now make a new clean surface with a fresh plastic bag and set the ball there to dry. It will take at least 2 days for it to completely dry so place it somewhere it won’t be disturbed. Once it dries the original color of the yarn you used will return and when it hardens the glue causes it to have a wicker-like finish. Once it’s dry you can deflate the ball with a pin or other sharp point, let the air out slowly, and once it’s deflated enough you can pull the ball out of the large hole. You now have a yarn globe!
To construct the lamp you will need a hanging light fixture, a light bulb, a 3/8 inch two-piece metal clamp connector, and a 1 x 3/4 inch washer, which can all be bought at hardware store. To keep the light bulb centered in a larger sized lamp take the washer and slide it down the cord to the position you want it set at. Then take the metal clamp connector, clamp it on the washer, then screw it in place. That will prevent the cord from moving around and make the lamp safer. Screw in the bulb, plug it in, and test it out to see if any adjustments are needed. Now all that is left is to hang it up!
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