DIY: Dress Up Your Drum Pendant

I was working in my studio this morning when I realized that perhaps you'd be interested in a fun DIY idea for decorating a drum pendant. I decorated one in my workspace/dining room last April for a party and liked it so much that I left it "as is". I'm planning to change it up soon so I thought that before I do, I'd share this idea that is both great for parties or for long term.

Okay so first, you need (obviously) a drum pendant. I bought mine from Raumformplan, it was made by a German designer called Frau Maier (you can see this pendant also in my new German decorating workbook, Holly Beckers Wunderbar Wohnideen, coming out in March). I selected the largest size available since my space allowed for it. I wanted something with a nice silhouette but also with a bit of bling so I selected Big Lulu Gold - a white drum pendant with a slight size difference (it's wider at the bottom than at the top) and a gorgeous gold interior. You can find them here - my friend Janin sells them in her online shop and she is happy to ship one to you. :)

After the pendant arrived, I decided to give it a more personal touch before installing it so I added a hot pink textile cord from House Doctor. I don't think they carry pink anymore but you can always write to them to check or buy one from Rie Elise Larsen or, if you are in Hannover, ask my friend Daniela at Sommerfugl if she can get one for you since she sells Rie Elise stuff in her pretty shop.

After you've installed your pendant and added a pretty textile cord, it's time to decorate it for a party! I went through my ribbon stash to see what I already had and selected colors and patterns that I liked. Then I stood on a chair and held them up, accounting for about 3 inches extra that I'd need for each to tie them to the frame of the shade.

I cut the ribbons into different lengths and simply tied them to the frame. NOTE: Please make sure you tie them tightly so they do not "slide" towards the lightbulb and of course, common sense says to also not tie them near the bulb at all - make sure they do not touch it or even come close - go for at least 4-5" away. Best to tie them closer to the shade than to the bulb! Also, make sure they are not too long - you don't want your candlelight dinner turning into a house fire!

For a final decorative touch, I tied on a leaf banner that my friend, London-based stylist and author Sania Pell made and gave to me last year. It is a very special gift so I wanted it to be in a spot where I'd see it often because it gives me such a happy feeling. (Thank you Sania!).

So, there you have it - a super easy DIY that you can do in minutes if you already have a drum pendant - if not, I bet now you are considering to buy one, aren't you? I actually love this light because I can hang things from it and since it goes with so many different room styles and color palettes - a wonderful piece is a versatile one!

I hope you enjoy my little DIY.  See you on Monday!

(photos: holly becker for decor8)