| Decorative Party-Light Strings |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-602 |
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Q: I like to use string lights at my parties. Can you show me how to change their look with decorative shades? A: (Jeanne Benedict, DIY Entertaining expert) Creative lighting can enhance a party atmosphere. Here are a couple of makeovers for ordinary string-lights you may want to try. These can be used indoors or out. Hand-Stamped Velum Shades - Make cylindrical shades for your string lights using velum paper. Begin by selecting velum in a color of your choice. With a standard 8-1/2x11 sheet of velum, fold a sheet lengthwise. Cut along the edge using scalloped-edge scissors (figure A) to cut the sheet in half. Scallop both of the long edges on each piece.
- Use an ink-pad and a stamp-design of your choosing to stamp patterns on the vellum. We chose a multicolored ink-pad and a Polynesian design (figure B). Stamp the vellum pieces at regular intervals.
- Next, you can use a decorative hole-punch to make holes at regular intervals around the border of each sheet (figure C).
- Roll the sheet to form a cylinder, and fasten the connecting edges with double-stick velum adhesive. (You could also use glue or transparent tape.)
- Use artist wire to pass through two holes on opposite sides of the cylinder to form the hanger for the cylinder (figure D).
- Place the cylinders as shades over individual lights on the string (figure E).
Stiffened-Lace Shades - Another idea is to make small lace shades to create distinctive accent lighting. Saturate cut pieces of lace fabric with lace stiffener (available at fabric stores ), and wrap individual pieces around a balloon to form the shapes for the shades (figure F).
- Clip each piece of fabric around a balloon using a clothespin.
- Allow the lace to dry for one to three days (dry-time will vary according to humidity), then remove the balloons.
- Trim off the excess lace with scissors (figure G).
- You may also use scissors to scallop the edges of the shade (figure H).
- Place each as a shade over and individual string-light.
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