Boho Inspired Light Fixture

2 Materials
$7
2 Hours
Easy

I have spent countless hours reimagining what our condo would look like if we were more than just renters. The first thing to go? The mismatched and out of date light fixtures (apologies to my landlord!).


The idea of replacing every light fixture is a pipe dream. If only! But even if I can't afford to change them all I could at least make some design improvements. After looking online for some inspiration I decided I had a DIY on my hands.

Step 1


I headed to the store and gathered a few materials. One 14 inch embroidery hoop, some twine and three 100 count skewers packs later I was ready to craft. I got comfy at the craft space (ie. Kitchen table) and with my materials, snacks and Netflix I was ready to roll.

Step 2


I knew I wanted something medium height so with my skewers and ruler I measured and marked an 8 inch line. Then using wire cutters I trimmed the skewars all to size.


*Note: if you have weak hands, I would suggest bribing a friend to help.

Step 3


The best thing about crafting with embroidery hoops is it's kind of a 2 for 1 deal! This makes it also the perfect tool for a lampshade DIY project. Simply unhinge the outer hoop enough to slide the inner hoop out. Voila! 2 equivalent hoops.


Using 4 skewars I started the shade part by hot gluing one skewer to each side (north, east, south, west).

Step 4


I continued gluing 8 inch skewars around the outside of the hoops until there was no empty space left. With a coffee break in between.


*Note- I did not cut all of my skewers before gluing them on... I would highly suggest doing this to avoid uneven lines like the bottom of the shade. I regret not following my gut!

Step 5


The most important step! Glue it together with wood glue. Hot glue does the job to connect the pieces but they can easily pop off. Wood glue ensures it remains intact.

Step 6


Time to hang! I used these hooks to hang my shade, however if you prefer avoid holes you could use 3m Hooks instead.

This project only cost me $7 which is a bargain whenconsidering the cost of light fixtures! You could even paint it another color to really stand out.

Resources for this project:
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 5 questions
  • Teri Teri on Aug 05, 2020

    You gave me a great idea to put an existing shade over my old light with just the hooks.

  • RoniElayne RoniElayne on Aug 06, 2020

    I love this idea and I have a perfect place I'd like to use it but I have some questions. You said you also bought some twine but I don't see where you used it in your instructions. Do we need the twine? Also, how do you use the wood glue. If the sticks are already glued on to the hoops with the hot glue, then where/how do you use the wood glue?

  • Dianne Hagan Dianne Hagan on Apr 16, 2022

    What is the size of the hoop & approximately how many skewers did you use?

Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 32 comments
  • Anne Fleischmann Anne Fleischmann on Jan 25, 2022

    You could also wrap small bands around the shade with the twine to add design interest and fortify the skewers.

  • Susan Caswell Susan Caswell on Apr 16, 2022

    Good idea! You have inspired me.

    Was wondering, though, if there's a way to hide the outside hoop tightening screw. Like, maybe, inside by flipping the hoop over or something. I don't know, LOL. Just thinking.

    • MJ MJ on Jun 04, 2022

      Boho meets industrial! A win win.

Next