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DIY Hallway Light

March 31, 2016 By Erica Deuel Leave a Comment

photo_wallDo you have a hallway light that bothers you? Over the years we have lived in a few houses that had hallway lights that some may refer to as “boob lights”. They didn’t really bother me till this house.

My favorite spot on the couch literally looks down the hallway and stares at one. That boob light had to go, yet I was having trouble finding another light that served the same purpose. I needed a light that did not hang low. The kids would swap at it going down the hallway-plus it would block my picture collage wall, so pendants weren’t an option. Every fixed light that I searched for looked highly similar to the one I was trying to replace. My option was to find something and turn it into a DIY project. I did just that.

I had collected an old chicken feeder shortly after moving into this house. While we were painting the living room, I decided it was time to switch out the light and I would try to use the chicken feeder to create my new light. It would be the perfect shallow light, similar size, and it had a much cooler look.

chicken_feeder

chicken_feeder_light_tutorialWe had a couple of light cords from Ikea that weren’t being used. Using some of Matt’s electrical expertise, we were able to utilize the wiring and junction box from the old light to power our new light while holding it securely to the ceiling.

hallway_light_makeover

hallway_light_upgrade

old_hallway_lightThe next step was to measure the spacing of the screws from the junction box in the ceiling to the base of the chicken feeder. Once we had measured the correct width apart, we drilled holes into the bottom of the feeder, so that it could be attached to the junction box. (The sharpie markings are unrelated to the measurements)

Metal_Chicken_Feeder

making_a_chicken_feeder_lightAfter drilling those holes, we drilled more holes to create room for zip ties and the light cord to go through the chicken feeder and hold the new lights securely in place.

ceiling_light_tutorial

making_a_light

light_fixture_tutorial

making_a_light_fixtureOnce we had the lights securely in place, Matt attached the electrical cords to the old ones in the ceiling while properly insulating and attaching the light to the junction box . If you are not experienced with electrical work, you should hire this part out or find a friend who is experienced.

We placed LED light bulbs in the light sockets and powered it up. At first glance, the lights were too harsh and bright-especially for the hallway. We decided we wanted some sort of filter or diffuser. Going to the hardware store, we found a scrap piece of plastic used for common fluorescent light fixtures. The full 2×4 sheets were only $6. They charged us $2 for the scraps. Using utility scissors we cut a circle the size of our chicken feeder and stuck it in over the light bulbs. The wire grate held it in place.

soften_harsh_light

get_rid_of_boob_lightIt was perfect. It hid the light bulbs and acted like a soft filter. With this new light we have light, yet it doesn’t block my photo wall and it’s not an eye sore while I sit on the couch.

colorful_living_roomI love the little added creative touch this light has added to our home. All those small little tweaks that make a home your own, are so fun. It makes my heart smile. If we are honest, this picture below is how my view on the couch looks pretty often.

kids_climbing_wallsI’ll take that view. Kids are so fun.

DIY_hallway_light_fixtureWhat do you think of our new little light?

Have you ever made a light fixture before? What’s something you have repurposed for a fun design element in your home?

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Light Up Your Life (with those Christmas lights-year round!)

January 31, 2015 By Erica Deuel 1 Comment

DIY_fabric_garlandDo you miss your Christmas lights?

I love little twinkling lights. We use a lot of string lights or lamps to have soft light around our house. I’ve been wanting to show you this project for a while.

Last year I wanted a different look for our Christmas mantel, but I still wanted to use lights. I came up with this lit garland, but it ended up staying up all winter. I loved it then, and I still do! So much so, that I still make it and have one available for you at the end of this post.

To begin, you will need a strand of Christmas lights, fabric, and scissors. That’s it! I have done both burlap and fabric…and a mix of both. There are lots of possibilities!

I started with cutting my burlap into strips. After I had about 1″ wide strips, I then cut those in half. Depending on the size of your light strand, how long and wide you want your strips, and how many you strips you put on your lit strand will determine how many yards of fabric you will need.

cutting_burlap

cut_burlapThe next step is to fold one of the pieces of fabric in half and place it behind the strand of lights. Then loop the ends of the fabric around the strand of lights and pull through that top fold in your fabric. The strand of fabric will have tied itself onto the light strand.

lighted_garland

light_garlandThat is the primary step! From there it is just repeating of cutting strips and tying them on. I like to create a really full garland, so I place three to four strands of fabric between each light. I think by doing this the electrical wire is really covered well.

fabric_garlandThis one I am showing you, I mixed burlap with a creme fabric. I made it for a friend at Christmas. I have not found a good place for my lit garland yet, but you may remember seeing it in last year’s Valentine’s Day mantel. Once Christmas was over, I literally switched out Christmas elements and replaced it with winter ones and then just added Valentine’s Day decor like the Be Love pennant and XO Art.

I feel like white Christmas lights still look good in the winter. Now that I have moved north, I really still like them with the cold and snow. It’s beautiful.

valentines_day_decorAnother inexpensive way to make this lit garland would be to use an old sheet and rip strips of fabric. I made one with this idea to list for sale in my shop. I added a little string to it for another texture. You could add ribbons, strings, beads, feathers, etc., to yours!

lightsI love how the fabric and little lights add a lot of fun to a space. Home decor doesn’t have to be expensive. I tried this garland in my kitchen and was tempted to keep it. The added texture creates some warmth that I just love.

DIY_soft_lights

DIY_lightI think it even looks pretty when it’s not lit! Wouldn’t this be so cute in a little girl’s room?

DIY_home_decorWhat about you!? Do you have a thing for these fun little lights too? How do you create soft light in your home? I’d love to hear! Find me on Instagram (ericadeuel) and chat with me!

If you make this, I would love to see it! If you are interested in this one, you can purchase it here.

I hope you have are having a good weekend. If you are about to get snowed in, like me, stay safe and warm…and find some space to create! 🙂

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