After seeing ribbon chandeliers in baby stores, catalogs, magazines, and even on Pintrest, I decided to make one for Clara’s closet. The closet is big enough to become a small reading nook when she’s older—I imagine a beanbag and a cozy spot for books. The closet already had a light, but it was just a bare bulb with a pull string, so I thought a cheerful ribbon chandelier would brighten things up.

I spent $2 on a 10″ embroidery hoop from Ben Franklin and used white spray paint and a stash of ribbons I already had. I keep saved ribbon scraps, so I didn’t have to buy more. The whole project cost just two dollars.

First, I spray-painted the metal embroidery hoop white on a piece of cardboard and let it dry. While it was drying, I sorted through my ribbon collection and selected the pieces I wanted to use. After the first side of the hoop was dry, I flipped it and sprayed the other side.

Back inside, I cut the ribbons into roughly 16″ lengths. I wasn’t strict about measurements—if a ribbon could give me two slightly shorter pieces, I used them. Imperfect cuts were fine; the casual look worked with the design.

Next I used a hot glue gun to attach the ribbons to the hoop. I folded each ribbon over the hoop and glued the ends together on the inside, spacing the ribbons about an eighth of an inch apart so they wouldn’t bunch up. I burned my fingers a few times while working, which explains the lack of process photos, but the effort was worth it.

Here’s the bare bulb we were dealing with in Clara’s closet. I realized while taking the photo that we hadn’t switched it to a CFL bulb, probably because we rarely turn the light on. That got fixed right away.

We had two small hooks near the ceiling from a previous project, which worked perfectly for hanging the ribbon chandelier. I considered fishing line but ended up using strong white thread from the sewing drawer. I made four loops of thread at even intervals around the hoop and draped them over the two hooks so the hoop was supported from four points and stayed balanced.

The finished piece is cute and cheerful. When Clara woke from her nap I couldn’t wait to hang it up and show her. She loved it. I should have ironed the ribbons before gluing, but I was feeling lazy—right now I think the slight waves look like casual, wavy hair, so I left them as they are. I can always remove and iron the ribbons later if I want a neater look.

One of the ribbons, a pink one with bunnies, came from an Easter basket we made for her a while back, which adds a sweet memory to the chandelier. The ribbon ends are intentionally uneven—some are angled, some dove-tailed—because I wanted a relaxed, handmade feel.

From across the room, the ribbon chandelier peeks out from behind the curtain like a row of bright dresses, inviting you to step closer and see the details.

So that’s it: a simple, inexpensive project that adds personality to a closet and gives Clara’s ceramic animals a cheerful backdrop. The shelf that holds them keeps breakables out of reach now that she’s toddling around, and yes, that framed photo of Burger stays up there because Clara loves him.

When I showed John, he joked about how it was hanging, then genuinely asked how I’d attached it to the ceiling. I explained while trying not to laugh—those little moments make projects like this more fun.

Anyone else using ribbon to dress up a bare bulb or making something similar? I’d love to hear how you’ve reinvented ordinary fixtures.

Psst—Safety note: Many lamp shades are made from fabric or paper, so ribbon can be used safely as long as it stays well away from the bulb. Make sure the ribbons don’t touch the bulb. Our 10″ hoop provides space for heat to escape, and using cooler-burning CFL bulbs (or LEDs) reduces risk. In some places, exposed bulbs in closets are not up to code and a glass globe is recommended. A ribbon cover can still be used to dress up a globe, provided it remains a safe distance from the heat source.