L.E.D Cloud Lamp

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spray a light coating of spray paint all over until your desired look is achieved, In this case, I went with pink as I originally made them to attach to branches for cotton candy trees.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

Comments

[No_one_in_partickular]

How mutch money didi this cost to make all together?

[RaniaPeet]

Honestly I don't remember as it has been some time but I think you could probably make it for under $100. Especially if you don't need to buy a whole 25lb box of fluff. I now recommend using Buffalo Snow as the fluff because it's fire retardant. Polyfill is not.

[jaraverbrugghe]

In general I love products that contain lights but this one is really cozy. The light comes out so nice. I love this, I'm going to make one sometime too.

[MarkusJakobsen]

When you say: "Spray a light coating of paint". Would you do that with white paint, because it does a special effect? or does it not matter in that case. Thanks :o)

[RaniaPeet]

Hey Markus! If you're just making an led cloud and don't need your cloud to be pink for the cotton candy effect, you can simply not paint it. They look great without paint. If you need them to be a particular color in the daylight, then just spray them lightly with whatever color spray paint you want them to be. Hope that helps.

[scoluccio]

ALL HAIL THE GLOW CLOUD

[mlehane]

ALL HAIL

[jermwen]

I love this and am thinking about making one for a grad night event, but I want mine to be about 20'long 10'tall and 5'wide. any tips you can give me would be great. I have a ton of questions. What is the biggest one you made? about how much polyfill did you use per cloud or based on the size of the cloud? With a larger size cloud do you think internal support is needed? How heavy are they(depending on size of course but in general like say...a 5'x3'x2' weigh....???) How did you install them or support them in the installation? If you lumped all yours together how big would it be? would it be best to do 3-5 smaller clouds and just situate them so they seem one big piece? sorry for the million questions and advice would be great.

[AshleyB137]

This is great! I am thinking of making one with Teens for the local Library. I can't wait to post pics :)

[Adbull]

Amazing work love the
concept :D :D

I have a question about
the adhesive spray and the way you applied it

I'm trying to make one but
it doesn’t seem to stick to the chicken wire

Do you have any recommendations?

[RaniaPeet]

You can add a cheesecloth/cotton scrim layer between the polyfill and the chicken wire. It adheres well to both :)

[Surely2God]

This is awesome,and an inspiration. I will be making a giant mushroom cloud for Halloween next year. I'm thinking Fallout for my front yard...

[RaniaPeet]

A Fallout cloud would be amazing!

[LiveCrafts]

Love it! I think I'm going to make this for my sister for Christmas! Thanks for the easy instructions! This is explained very clearly and well. Thanks! (;

[vigoss]

Really awesome!!

I find a guy had made another one: http://www.seeedstudio.com/recipe/180-indoor-light...

This one is less pretty but can detect people, it will blink when some guys walk under it.

[joserperezb]

awesome!!

[fruit.mould.1]

see . i have made a little one :-) ,and it only cost me $9 ...

[RaniaPeet]

yes! Excellent!

[Partybot]

Great designs! Would you mind if I used the premise to build a few props out here in Seattle? I'm about to build version 2.0 of a radio control power chair with a big cloud over it.

[RaniaPeet]

Omg your the guy that made the squid! I love that freaking squid.