Introduction: L.E.D Cloud Lamp

About: Special event designer and scenic artist www.raniapeet.com

These are very simple and somewhat easy to make if you can handle working with chicken wire. The end result is nothing short of magical and they can be used in everything from special events to home decor.

Step 1: Materials

Materials needed:

1" Chicken wire

Polyfil bulk 25lb box

Spray Paint Rustoleum 2X

Spray Adhesive

Fabric Fire Guard spray

L.E.D. strip lighting

Steel snips

Step 2: Create Cloud Forms

Unroll your chicken wire and let it relax for a little bit. This makes for an easier experience in handling it.

There are many ways to go about making these shapes. You can form them into actual cloud shapes. You can make general round shapes, cylindrical shapes, even rectangular shapes. It just depends on the installation itself. A good place to start would be to try and reproduce the general shape of a cloud, starting with a cylindrical form that you then bend and pull in different areas. Chicken wire is a weird thing that can sometimes take some getting used but that's ok because we are using polyfil! Once applied, the cotton will cover any flaws in the chicken wire shape bringing nothing but fluffiness to the form.

Using the snips, simply cut a section depending on the size you desire. You will end up attaching these end to end and using the cut chicken wire to close in on itself. If you have difficulty with this process, you can use zip ties. Start bending and attaching until you get the desired shape.

Step 3: Apply Polyfil and Paint

I bought a 25lb bulk box of Polyfil from Joann Fabric and Craft store but you may not need that much if only making a few clouds. I was making 20 of them, so it only made sense to buy so much.

http://www.joann.com/25-lb-box-100pct-polyfil-top-...

Pull polyfil from bag and lie out on a flat surface, spreading out evenly.

Spray adhesive to polyfil in a section the same size as one side of the chicken wire form. Place form on top and press together until bonded. Do this to the next area and simply start rolling the form into the polyfil. Missing sections are as easy as spraying extra fabric and sticking to wire, filling in where needed.

Once polyfil is adhered, spray a light coating of spray paint all over until your desired look is achieved, In this case, I went with pink as I originally made them to attach to branches for cotton candy trees. Later I rearranged them to serve as cotton candy clouds.

I prefer the Rustoleum 2x spray paint because it has amazing coverage.

Step 4: Safety First

If you plan on using these indoors, spray them with Fabric Fire Guard. You can find this product on Amazon Prime for $18.

http://www.amazon.com/No-Burn-Fabric-Fire-Spray-32-Ounce/dp/B002TKLD14/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422497824&sr=8-1&keywords=fabric+fire+guard

Step 5: Illuminate & Enjoy!

I am using color changing rgb strips, purchased from Amazon. It is a little over 16ft long. They come with remotes for programming fades, color sequences, flashing and more.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JP6LAPE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

With one end of your cloud open, simply string the lighting through and watch the magic happen.