After seeing ribbon chandeliers in baby stores, catalogs, magazines, and on Pinterest, I decided to make one for Clara’s closet. The closet is large enough that it may become a cozy reading nook as she grows—I’ve pictured a beanbag and quiet floor-time with picture books. The room already has a light, but it was one of those unattractive bare-bulb fixtures with a pull cord. I thought a cheerful ribbon chandelier would be an easy way to brighten the space.
The whole project cost me just $2. I bought a 10″ embroidery hoop from Ben Franklin and used some white spray paint plus a box of old ribbons I’d been saving. (I keep ribbon scraps the way some people save gift bags—recycling and frugalness in one.)
First, I spray painted the metal hoop white, working on a piece of cardboard outdoors. While it dried I sorted through the ribbon scraps and chose a selection that would work together. When the first side was dry I flipped the hoop and painted the other side.
Back inside, I cut the ribbons into roughly 16″ lengths. I wasn’t overly precise—if a scrap would yield two slightly shorter pieces I still used both. Slight variations in length give the finished piece a relaxed, casual look.
With the hoop fully dry, I used a hot glue gun to attach the ribbons. I folded each ribbon over the top of the hoop and glued it to itself on the inside so the seam isn’t obvious from the outside. I spaced the strands at about an eighth of an inch apart so they wouldn’t bunch together. The glue work was fiddly and I burned my fingers more than once, which is why there aren’t step-by-step photos of that part, but it came together quickly.
The closet’s existing bare bulb looked exactly as expected—serviceable but bland. I also realized in taking photos that we hadn’t replaced it with a CFL before, so I swapped it for a cooler-burning bulb for safety and heat reduction.
I hung the hoop from two small hooks I already had in the tool drawer. Instead of fishing line I used white thread (the sewing-machine thread variety) since fishing line was nowhere to be found. I created four equal-length loops of thread and attached them at even intervals around the hoop, then hooked those loops over the two ceiling hooks so the hoop is supported from four points for even balance.
The finished piece is sweet and simple. Clara woke from her nap just as I finished and loved it. I also didn’t iron the ribbons before gluing—they have a relaxed, wavy look that reads like casual, lived-in style. If I change my mind later it’s easy to take the hoop down from the hooks and iron the ribbons flat, but for now the slight waves feel intentional.
Some ribbons are cut straight, others are angled or dove-tailed at the ends, and the lengths are intentionally staggered. That randomness contributes to the charm and removes any feeling of being overly contrived. One of the ribbons with pink bunnies is actually from an Easter basket we made her, and I like that small memory is woven into the piece.
From across the room the ribbon chandelier peeks out from behind the curtain much like a row of bright little dresses—subtle until you step closer and look up to see the ribbons dancing in the light.
It’s a tiny, inexpensive project that now livens up the closet and keeps fragile ceramic animals safely out of reach on a high shelf. The chandelier cost two dollars, a little time, and a handful of spare ribbons, and it instantly made the closet feel friendlier.
When I showed John, he quipped, “How’s it hanging?” and the moment turned into a silly exchange I’ll remember fondly. It’s those small, everyday bits of humor that make projects like this even more enjoyable.
If you make something similar, keep safety in mind: don’t let fabric or ribbon touch a hot bulb. Our 10″ hoop leaves plenty of space between the ribbons and the bulb, and using a cooler-burning bulb like a CFL or LED reduces heat. In some areas exposed bulbs in closets aren’t up to code, so a glass dome or other approved cover may be required—if you use a cover, make sure any decorative materials still keep a safe distance from the light source.