Looking for a fun way to fancy up a string of lights? Here's what Annika and I did in her room. For Valentines day, we strung white lights with doily hearts. With Easter approaching, it was time to spring it up a bit with bright colors. Plus, the hearts had become a bit of a target for flying pillows & dolls and were showing signs of crumple and wear.
At Joann Fabric, I bought 5 yards of both pink and blue tulle ($1.49 a yard) and 3 spools of $1.99 ribbon in pink, blue and white. (Sign up for coupons, and get fabric at 40-50% off!) Already holding the lights on the wall were damage free hooks.
First, I cut the ribbon into strips about 12 to 18 inches long. No need to measure since they're just being tied around a strand of lights. The length depends on how long you want the tails to fall.
Next, I cut the tulle into strips about 12 inches long. Again, no need to measure. For fluffier ties, cut wider strips.
Cutting the Thule is quick & easy, just scrunch it up and cut. I cut each section in half after cutting the 12 inch section (along the crease) so after being tied to the light strands, they weren't long enough to block the cute pictures on Annika's wall.
Next and lastly, get tying! I first tied on the tulle strands, alternating pink & blue, then did the same with the ribbon. If your spacing and patterns aren't exact, it won't matter at all. No one will notice in the twinkling mix of Easter color.
Tying the tulle & ribbon was much less time consuming that I expected. I tied the strands loosely, figuring that when the time came to switch themes, I can just cut them off. Before taking scissors to it, remember to unplug the lights, just in case.
The finished product! A cozy, frilly canopy above Annika's bed, perfectly light enough for reading stories before drifting off to dreamland.
Outtakes...
Annika took this of me reaching for the iphone
Here's what she did while I cut fabric & ribbon. Annika is my favorite artist, by the way.
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