How beautiful are these hemp lanterns? I think they are absolutely stunning and would be perfect to hang for an outdoor gathering such as a wedding or to use in your home and attach a light fixture. Of course, I did some research and found a way to create something similar to hang it in the stairway to my home office. Ready for the tutorial?
Here’s a list of the supplies you will need:
A Bouncy Ball: Whatever size you want your lanterns to be, then that is the size ball you will want to purchase.
Aleene’s Tacky Glue: You can purchase this at craft stores.
A Roll of Hemp: I purchased mine at Michael’s Arts & Crafts and used a coupon. I believe my total was around $6.00.
Rubber Gloves: This project is messy and it is really hard to get that tacky glue off of your hands. I recommend using rubber gloves to save yourself some time.
Newspaper or drop cloth: As mentioned, this project can get messy! Make sure you have something down on your work surface so you don’t get glue everywhere.
Light fixture and/or hardware: This can be found at most home improvement stores or Ikea. (At Ikea, the lighting kit is only $3.99)
Step 1: Draw a circle on the ball with a permanent marker. The circle will be the area that will need to remain clear of strings– you’ll need this opening to place a light fixture in the hemp ball once it’s completed and dry.
Step 2: Start wrapping the hemp around the ball. The best way I found to apply the glue to the hemp: squirt about a quarter-sized amount of glue into your gloved hand then run the hemp through your hand to coat it with the glue. It will stick to the ball and that is okay. Once you deflate the ball, the hemp & glue easily break free. Continue to wrap the hemp around the ball. Glue, wrap, stick, repeat. This process took me about an hour. Try and wrap the hemp around the ball randomly and really layer it. The thicker the hemp is layered on the ball, the stronger it will become. Just make sure to avoid wrapping string over the circle you have drawn on the ball from step 1.
Step 3: Once you are finished, allow the ball to dry for a few days. I set mine on a glass while drying. (see picture above)
Step 4: Once completely dry, use a pair of scissors and cut a small hole in the bouncy ball and pull it out of that circle you left open. Your hemp should be really stiff, so don’t worry about tugging a little to get the bouncy ball out.
Step 5: Add a light fixture to the newly created hemp lantern. I already had a light fixture to hang my newly created lantern from, but most lighting kits will come with instructions. My husband used two pieces of fishing line and tied them across the circular opening to keep the hemp lantern suspended from the light fixture. Whatever method you use to hang your lantern will vary depending on the light kit you purchase, the size of your hemp lantern, etc.
Voila! The finished product! Above is a picture during the day and below, at night.
And just a few more pictures…
*Side note: There are many different ways to create this project. The steps provided above was the way I preferred.
Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you!
Gah! I love it! I saw the idea on Pinterest and couldn’t wait to try it! I had to wait for my sister to come visit because the closest IKEA to my apartment is 12 hours away, but it totally was worth the wait!
Oh awesome! I’d love to see pictures when you’re done. It is a really cool concept and easy to make! Good luck to you