Both whimsical and modern at the same time, this ping pong ball pendant lamp is one of the most impressive and innovative upcycles we’ve see in quite a while.  (The balls can be attached around the frame from an old lamp shade; rescue one that is stained or dented by removing the covering, leaving only the wire structure of the frame.  Thrift stores and yard sales are great places to look for them if you don’t already have one on hand.)  Dollar Tree sells ping pong balls in packages of 8 for $1, and it took about 180 balls to make the lamp shown.  The number you will need depends on the size of the lamp shade frame you use as a base!  The project by Léa Baert originally appeared in Marie Claire Idées, a French magazine; Jan at Poppytalk shared an English translation of the process. [how to make a ping pong ball pendant lamp]

Project estimate:

  • Ping pong balls, about $22
  • Lamp shade frame, on hand or $1 and up
  • Spray paint, on hand or $1 and up
  • Fishing line or string, on hand
  • Wire, on hand or $1 and up
  • Lamp kit, about $5 and up

Total:  about $27 and up