Doily Lamp

It's time to give the dated doily a facelift - and what better way than really highlighting the unique lace patterns in a lamp! 

It took me a few tries, but after a bit of troubleshooting I've put together here an easy-to-follow tutorial so you can make your own Doily Lamp, as seen on reMade USA. Enjoy!

Step 1: Materials and Set-Up

 For this project you will need:

• Doilies - I recommend getting more than you think you might need. Balloons are big, and it's nice to have flexibility with where you place the doilies on your lamp. I found all of mine on Ebay (search for lot sales of doilies, and you'll find a lot of options), and I'll bet yard and estate sales would also have plenty.
• Wallpaper glue - After a few tries with different glues, I can confidently say that wallpaper glue will be your best choice. I found a powder at my local hardware store, and mixed it much thicker than the directions stated, so it had a slightly-more-liquidy-than-jello consistency. On my first try I used a watered down wood glue, and this proved to be too sensitive to a humid environment. After 1 night of San Francisco fog and open windows, it collapsed on itself. Not cool.
• 3 ft round balloon - Sizing is optional, but you don't want the lampshade to run too close to the bulb itself. I recommend using a cold energy-efficient bulb, and not to risk any burning or melty glue. If you can't find a 3 ft balloon at your local party store, they're easy to get online. Round balloons tend to be thicker (read: stronger) than the standard oblong balloons, and so are less likely to pop. But might as well get 2...and not risk it.
• Large paint brush - one that you won't mind getting a bit gluey

Optional:
latex gloves
spray starch
string for hanging - and some apparatus to do so. I used a ladder.

Comments

[SugarLoafBostons]

I love this idea. I am moving and I plan on making 1 of these for the light overhead in my bedroom. What would be the smallest lamp that could be safely made, fire and all that?

[kazmataz]

Oh gosh. I'm not too sure. I think it all depends on the wattage of the light you're using, and how close it gets to your doilies.

[grandmashuga]

very cool!!

[brabantia]

I've made one too. I didn't brush the glue on though, I just soaked all doilies in a bowl of glue. I used and old pendant shade to fit the bulb etc (a bit like this one https://fritzfryer.co.uk/c/products/lg/White_Coolie_Pendant_Light.jpg).
It's a beauty and So Is Yours!
(you heard of the product "powertex"? They say it'll make textile rock hard and is even weatherproof. Haven't tried it yet but thought it would be great for outside projects like covering a pergola or making a fence)

[kazmataz]

Oh awesome - and good to know. Thanks!

[dunefox51]

Great idea, my husband calls me doily lady!! I love them and appreciate all the work someone put into them. This is a great way to show them off.Thank you for sharing!

[mreeves j]

not sure how to install the lighting to the shade, any tips?

[TheNailDutchess]

This is just awesome! Thanks for sharing :0)

[craftknowitall]

Wow, I tried doing this with crocheted snow flakes. I wish I would have seen your instructable first! It would have saved me some grief. You did fantastic!

[rifakungen]

Hehe, that's a pretty fun idea! :D good job!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

So adorable!

[mikeasaurus]

Fun lamp. I feel like this would make a fine addition to any retirement home.