Tennis Ball Sleeve Patio Light Cover

Vicki Richards (a.k.a. 'TravlynWomyn') is a full-time RVer, digital crafter, photographer and writer who is always looking for creative ways to recycle potential throwaways. Workamping at a Jellystone Park Resort in Woodridge, NY, Vicki saw possibilities for empty tennis and raquetball sleeves. Using one of her favorite papers from The Crafty PC, Back Light Film, Vicki opted to share her lighthouse cover. Other digital crafts (including jigsaw puzzle blanks and transfer paper) by TravlynWomyn and her gypsy lifestyle are on her blog at Travlyn.blogspot.com/. Follow her journey in digital images at www.thelensflare.com/artist/travlynwomyn/.

MATERIALS

Back Light Film

PYMII Spray or other sealant

Krylon Fusion, gloss black spray paint (or a plastic-compatible black gloss paint and flat-edge nylon brush)

Masking Tape

Clean tennis ball sleeve

Indoor /Outdoor patio/Christmas tree 10-string mini- lights

Rubber grommets to match diameter of light sockets (optional on indoor lights)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Measure the height of the inside surface of the tennis ball sleeve (in between the ridges at the top and bottom. Then measure the circumference. (Most tennis balls sleeves will measure somewhere around 9” in height X 6 ¾”in circumference.)

2. Drill a hole in the bottom of the ball sleeve large enough to accept a light bulb socket and rubber grommet. Mask off both ends just above and below the ridge lines on the cylinder. (If using spray paint, cover the flat surface). Paint the top and bottom of the cylinder to the masking tape line with at least two coats of gloss black paint for total opacity. You want to make sure the part of the sleeve that will not be covered with backlight film is totally blacked out (See the finished sample). Set aside to dry.

3. Open your graphics program and on a blank page make a rectangle that matches the dimensions you measured (i.e. 9” X 6 ¾”)

4. Create a simple lighthouse design or other design to your liking. (If you like, you can use the link at the bottom of this page to download Vicki's full size artwork and resize it as required for your project.) For the design shown in Vicki’s sample, for the lantern room add a black rectangle and cut out squares, diamonds or leave white. Keep the background transparency clear.

5. Create the lower part of your lighthouse with basic shapes .One great thing about Backlight Film is that anything 'white' will stay that way, unlike transparency film in which anything 'white' in your artwork becomes clear. For a lighthouse, it is preferable to have a translucent white.

6. Add stripes or diagonals if desired. For simple window and door openings, add rectangles with no fill and a thick enough outline in your choice of color. Do the same with the door. Once you are satisfied, save your file.

7. Window openings and lantern room. Add a two-tone sky color to the lantern room - BEHIND the TOP rectangle, or as the top piece if you opted not to use rectangles. Make another rectangle to fit behind a window frame and fill it with the same two-tone sky colors for a reflected glass look. Cut and paste enough of the colored rectangles and place behind each window frame. Add one more behind the door.

8. Next, Vicki added a walkway and railing near the top. Add one thin band at the bottom of the lantern room and fill it with an opaque color and texture it if desired. Vicki added two rows of railings by ingeniously typing a row of capital letter “I”s in a serif font which results in an instant fence! You now have a great-looking basic lighthouse design. Be sure to SAVE.

9. Customize the design any way you wish, with shadows and other accessories such as window shutters, hinges and door knobs. Add photos or clipart of landscaping to the bottom of your design.

10. Print a test sheet on plain paper and if you are satisfied with placement and sizing you can print on the DULL side of your backlight film. Mirror the image if necessary.

11. Remove the sheet from the printer and allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes before sealing with two coats of Protect Your Memories II Spray. Allow 15 – 20 minutes between each coat.

12. Trim the pattern to it's finished size. Carefully roll it and slide it into the inside of the tennis ball sleeve, glossy side out. Secure both sides with one transparent glue dot or double stick clear tape on each side. Add your light source through the top opening and enjoy the glow. At night it really takes on a life of its own.

If you prefer to use it as a freestanding shade, Vicki recommends drilling a couple of small holes near the top for ventilation. Do not use candles!

Enjoy your light. These make great accent lights spaced a foot or more apart from other lights in a string.

Vicki's Lighthouse Artwork

Tennis Ball Sleeve Patio Light Cover Instructions

For a print friendly version, click on this link.