Wire Lantern

The Wire Lantern is project #3 from 62 Projects to Make with a Dead Computer. This is a great way to make use out of all of those seemingly useless old computer cables. It looks nice during the day and enlivens a room by casting interesting shadows at night.

All you need to make this is string, a large balloon, a hundred or so zip ties, a lantern socket/cord and the aforementioned pile of useless computer cables.

Start by simply tying the balloon to one end of the string. Attach the other end of the string to the ceiling. Next, drape the fat computer cables over the balloon and anywhere they happen to intersect, zip tie them together. Continue wrapping the fat cables around and zip tying them at every intersection. When you are done doing that, trim away the zip ties and weave in some of the smaller cables and wire until pleased.

Finally, pop the balloon and weave your lamp cord into the opening around the top. Screw in a light bulb and drop it inside of the lamp.

You can hang it from the ceiling either by a separate lamp chain or by its own cord (be careful not to put too much weight and/or strain on the cord if you decide to try this - i.e. do so at your own risk).