Let there be light (and feathers)! I just about died when I saw this feather pendant come across my Pinterest feed a few weeks ago. I love how light and airy it looks and I immediately knew it had to try and make it as a DIY or my brain may explode into a billion tiny pieces. So to avoid that messy sounding tragedy, I decided to go for it! Here’s what I did:
Supplies:
–white feather trim (we used 8 trims to complete our light)
-hot glue gun
–rice paper lantern
(make sure to get one that is supposed to be used with a lightbulb, as not all paper lanterns are approved for that type of use)
–pendant light kit
(if you don’t already have one installed).
1. Starting at the bottom of your paper lantern, position your feather trim so that the feathers go an inch or so past the opening. You’ll notice that the feathers tend to all curve up or down, so you’ll want to turn them so they will curve upwards when the light is right side up (this give the light it’s fluffy look). Use the hot glue gun to glue the ribbon trim of the feathers onto the paper lantern and go all the way around the lantern to complete the circle of feathers.
2. Start the feather trim for your next row about 2 inches from the top of the first row and make another circle of feather. Continue this process until you have covered the bottom half of the lantern.
3. When covering the top half of the lantern, make your rows of feathers a little closer (about 1.5 inches from each other). With the way the feathers lay, you’ll notice gaps in the top half more than in the bottom half, so you’ll use more rows on the top.
4. When you get to the top, line up the ribbon edge of your trim with the top of the lantern when attaching the feathers to complete the pendant. All you have to do now is hang your pendant!
Note: If you don’t already have a pendant light kit installed from a previous light, you’ll have to have a professional electrician install the kit for you.
I’m actually a bit shocked the pendant came out this well! It has all the whimsical airiness of the more expensive version, but it was so much cheaper to make (and fun too!). It looks so light, I keep thinking that it’s going to fly away or float around the house when I’m not looking. Think you’ll try making one too? xo. Laura
NOTE: With the lightbulb-safe paper lantern and proper electrical work, this poses no abnormal fire hazard. As with the general rules of fire-safety, make sure to turn off your light if you leave the room or when you go to bed.
Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman.
114 Comments
So awesome! Looks lovely.
This looks SO (really, so SO) amazing and classy. I loooove this! 😀
Hahaha loooove it!
I think it is sooo funny 🙂
xx
Novella
http://9lla.it/
A fashion & DIY blog…
Looks amazing! I’m wondering were you got that rug, its beautiful!
That is so fun. I love when a DIY project comes out like you imagined with ease.
Wow, what a gorgeous DIY pendant. I love the black and white!!
I never usually comment, but this is amazing!
And that room! The table/chairs, the color of the walls, the rug, and that lamp. Spot on.
Oh, that is so fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is gorgeous! Thank you for another amazing DIY!
That is too cool!
It looks incredible against the black ceiling!
This is so pretty, I’d love to give it a try! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jess xo
This look sooooo cool! I love the texture it gives the room!
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
This is such a lovely DIY. Looks great!
http://erstwhilefelicity.blogspot.co.uk/
This is so great! I love when things turn out more whimsical than the original. It makes it so much better!
thelollyproject.weebly.com
Great DIY! It looks so simple but so chic at the same time xx
http://www.lam-style.blogspot.com
Amazing!! Lovely!! But I ask… when dust will accumulate on it after one week or two…
It’s Ikea!
Oh my gosh I love this! It’s seriously gorgeous, and I’ll have to give it a try!
love it! doesn’t seem very practical, but as long as that is not your only source of light, seems amazing.
wow, I’m in awe! It’ gorg!
http://www.TheFashionPalate.com
So creative! I love the look of it!
what gorgeous contrast! I love that you can get away with such a dark color in that room. all that light still pouring in!
This looks amazing and so much quicker to complete than the coffee filter pouf ball. I’m not sure where I would put it but now I might have to find a space!
Beautiful! Excellent and creative!
Looks like a $$$$ lamp
This is amazing! And so is that room!
It looks like a million bucks!
…all you need now is a wing decal (or similar) on the ceiling and you will have angels watching over you 😉 Really pretty light – what a fab diy result!
Hi Brit!
It’s from West Elm ( http://www.westelm.com/products/miac-whirlwind-jute-rug-t757/?pkey=crugs-flooring&cm_src=rugs-flooring||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_- )
We’re planning to share more updates on this room soon with all our sources!
XO- Elsie
This is fantastic! I think I’m going to have to give it a go! What size is your paper lantern? And it’s not a usual round shaped one, right? Thanks for the awesome DIY inspo 🙂
The DIY was lovely (great job, Laura!), but I am more curious about the amazing looking room. Is this the dining room in ABM office? I’d love to see a room tour. 🙂
This is awesome! So creative. I make hair clips with feathers but have never thought about making a pendant light with them. 🙂
Does anyone you ever dip the edges of your feathers in silver glitter? I want to do that with this lantern. Any suggestions on getting it to stick? Thanks!
So lovely!
the heat from the light doesn’t cause the hot glue to re-melt?
GENUIS! Well-done, ladies 🙂
This is SO beautiful to look at! I feel like I am in a magical dream with those feathers!
Love this!!
This is a neat idea, though I must admit I would not like to have this in my home… Seems like a big dust collector and I can only imagine sitting underneath it, picturing dust falling into my food as I go to eat it….
http://www.emeverywhere.com
So sweet! Love this idea! Such a great and interesting texture to add to the room!
http://sometimesgracefully.com
That’s so beautiful. Looks like a dandelion hanging from the ceiling so cute 🙂
The Artistically Challenged: Beauty, Fashion, Music, Lifestyle Blog
Loved it! Pinned it! Think I’m gonna reblog it and make it too! Your blog is such an inspiration. If I can do your project justice I’ll like back to you! If I fail I’ll hide it all in shame and never speak of it again.
What a cute DIY, maybe I will try this with some fairy lights and string them around my room? Amazing, thanks!
xx
http://freshhealthynatural.blogspot.com
Alex
If you’re worried about heat in your pendant you could use a nice warm tone LED.
Saw you here today Elsie!!! #3
http://www.countryoutfitter.com/style/five-things-wed-like-to-see-in-2014/?utm_source=zergnet.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zergnet_123222
Love this!! Someday when life finally leads me away from dorm rooms and tiny apartments, I’m totally doing this. 🙂
I love this lamp! I’ll try to get the feather trims in Berlin. Never saw them before. The dark walls fit perfectly. Is it farrow & Ball’s Pitch Black? However, you did a wonderful job with that room : )
Best from Berlin Anne
Yes, that was exactly my thought! Pity though, ’cause it is sooooooo pretty!
That is so cool!! It looks like yummy cotton candy! I’m definitely trying to make one!
I absolutely love this! Do you think there will be issues of lots of dust collected? How would one clean that? :/ Our flat is prone to collecting dust 🙁
awesome idea. it looks gorgeous!!!
http://theplaincanvas.blogspot.com/
WOW, amazing!
But feathers wont burn with the heat of the bulb?
It looks so fun! I love it. Is the light as bright as normal or is it slightly dimmer? Great job!
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
x
I’m SO doing this! Thanks for the inspiration! Redecorating my room this weekend so couldn’t have come at a better time!
i love it!!!!
This pendant is fabulous! The final result is amazing, working to be so creative, in the meanwhile I take your tips and decor my house
Omg! i really love the EOS feather lamp from Hummingbird! its so cute, and i LOVE that you posted a DIY example to make this lamp. you make it look so easy, i will definitely try this!
You guys inspire me to make things myself, and post it on my personal blog. Thank you!!
I absolutely love this! You have a talent for picking out simple and beautiful DIY projects Laura!
Love the way it mirrors the shape of the chairs– so awesome.
this is so awesome! i think it would look awesome in a nursery!
I am in LOVE with this idea! I love feathers (though ironically, I’m terrified of birds).
Are you serious! This is so awesome and cool! I love love the black walls. So daring. I’m definitely wanting to be more daring with my decor!
Super awesome and easy to make! I LOVE DIY projects.
This looks amazing! But i think it has to me nightmare to clean as feathers collect dust so easily but its worth it fot the looks! x
Ooh I think I might try with baby pink feathers. I think even black feathers would look nice. The possibilities are endless! Love this post. Thank you for sharing.
How easy you make everything!!!!
http://tarragonain.blogspot.com.es
I love love love your blog!! I am just starting up mine so please follow me too!!
http://www.bloglovin.com/amykiddwalker
I have the same question- thanks :)!!
I love it,samart and elite…
Wow that is beautiful. Do you worry about it getting dusty?
This looks so beautiful!
That is definitely one of the coolest DIYs you’ve ever posted. Not my style really, but still think it’s beautiful (and EASY!)
this is gorgeous!! what a fun idea
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Ok. This is adorable. I will have to think about this when I need a new light fixture
So funky! I love it!
xo,
Jamie
http://inspirationlush.com/
Wauw!! It turned out great!
Would think it’s a bit dangerous using feather for a lamp but if it works like this..
Thanks for sharing! Looks so cute!
Wow! This is so very creative and the result is adorable ♥
Laura’s projects are usually fun and edgy but this one takes it to a whole new level of awesome. I LOVE IT.
Happy to learn
Its so easy and so creative…Its really Cool… Gives me ideas for a swan wedding theme too!
Wahhh this is so beautiful!! also, where are those chairs from?
cheers! Clairec
Oh this is beautiful! I love it!
Lulu xx
https://www.luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
SUCH a cool idea girls!!!
The Macadame. xx
http://www.creamstop.com
yes, as someone with dust allergies this just made me make a D: face but it looks real cute.
I absolutely love this! I’ve actually been looking for a couple light-shade ideas for our two pendant lights in the bedroom, and this looks like the perfect idea – I love how cheap it is to make in comparison to buying it and how simple and easy it looks to make too.
I can’t wait to give this a try.
Have a lovely weekend, guys 🙂
I made a similar light with a rice paper shade 2 years ago. It is very easy to remove the shade a give it a light dusting. It also doesn’t show dust very much so I don’t see how this would be a problem. Especially with feathers, you could just shake it gently and wipe softly.
Wow, that’s awesome.
I really want to try this <3
Oh gosh, this is absolutely wonderful! I love it! We want a chandelier type thing for our dining room but have been horrified at the prices so may end up doing a DIY job with something similar, though we might use twigs and fairy lights. Good inspiration, very professional result. P x
This is great! Love it so much.
http://www.ameliaholly.blogspot.co.uk
Love it… What a great project!
I love this! My kitties would try to attack it – but it is beautiful.
One tip – if you’re worried about the heat of a standard light bulb, go LED. The produce almost NO heat and can be purchased to fit wherever a “standard” screw-in bulb would.
what kind of feathers are they do you know? trying to find some to make this in australia. i absolutely love this! thanks x
This is great! When I was young I had a somewhat similar sparkley version that I got at Ikea. My only advice is don’t leave it on for long periods of time (I used it as a night time reading light so sometimes I’d fall asleep with it on) or the feathers and paper shade will be come discolored overtime. Great work-so cute and airy.
My gah! Those walls!!! Just gorgeous. The lights not bad either;) Thanks for the awesome tutorial.
Just saw this popping up on my fb feed. Did you know a german magazine has featured you in their fb update? 🙂
I love this so much my heart hurts. Dust be damned. (I’d go over it with my blow dryer set on cool once in a while).
what is the feather type used for the lantern? Goose Turkey Ostrich?
Joining the question to what kind of feathers used
Rooster – Hackle
The total cost is roughly $120.00.
14″ paper lantern–Amazon
Rooster hackle white dyed feathers x2–featherplace.com (comes in various colors)
The light pendant–Amazon
I couldn’t tell if she used a 16″ or a 14″. I went with the 14″ for my daughter’s small bedroom. Hope this helps and happy crafting!
Hi love this, just wondering if the lantern is round or an oval shape. Can’t tell but I suppose positioning of the feathers would naturally give it an oval shape.
Hi Lu! The lantern is round 🙂
Thank you, I’ve been looking every where for an oval shade at a reasonable price. I can buy the round I’ve found for £3 and start using my feathers now, I’ve got 7 metres fingers crossed it will cover a 40cm shade maths not my strong point. ?
Hi- love this and am going to attempt to make it! But getting confused on how much feathers are required. Approx. how many yards in total?
Also I agree with another post, the finished product looks oval which I love. Is that just due to the feathers or is the shade not fully expanded?
Thanks,
Maeve
Hi , I bought a 16″ round shade with White goose feathers which are 3″ in length and ordered 7 meters. Just had to re-order another 7m as it only fit half way up the shade, I glued them about 2″ apart. The ribbon was noticeable from underneath so used hair straighteners to curl the feathers upwards and have lost the joins and now looks a lot better, nice and fluffy. In hiensight I should have bought an oval shade with my goose feathers, rooster heckle is probably better with a round shade and half the price. I’ve started so I’ve got to finish!! Now costing me about £70 but is looking good. Hope this helps lu
Help, I’m still not clear on length! For a 14″ round light, how many feet/meters/yards of feather trim are needed? Thank you!!!
Hi what kind of feathers did you use and where did you source them from please? thank you
Hi! We used 8 of these- https://www.save-on-crafts.com/whitefeathers3.html 🙂
I love this post, when I think about feathered lamps ( https://amoderngrandtour.com/) comes to mind. They have some stunning lamps.
Hi! I loved your lamp idea and tried to make it. I went to the link you provided for the feather trim, but I couldn’t justify spending $20 per piece for eight pieces on the feather trim, so I tried to find it on Amazon instead. They had something that was similarly described as rooster hackle feather trim, also 5″ width, also stitched onto a satin ribbon trim, but when it arrived, it was more like 2.5-4″ width. My lamp came out cute, but very round, not with the swooping oblong shape of yours. You clearly used longer feathers. So I went back and bought different feather trim from a different vendor that assured me the trim was 5″ width, but I got the same exact trim. Is it possible you are using goose or turkey feathers in this DIY, and not rooster? Then again, I copy-pasted the sku for the trim in your link into Amazon, and it came up with the same exact description as the trim I had already bought, though in the photos it did look a bit longer, and it was $25 per 2 yards. I want to make this for my dining room, but I don’t want to spend $160-180 on just the feathers. Help? Clarification? How much did you spend on the trim?
Hi!
This looks absolutely stunning! I’m going to make one for my bedroom. I’m just wondering if you used an oval shaped lantern for this? The shape looks more oval than round. I’d like to get the same shape that you have here. Thanks so much!
Hi! Love this and want to try to make one. What size is the lantern you used? The product link seems to be expired. Thanks!!
Hi Melissa! Just updated the post with this link- https://amzn.to/2CpR0O9