float | Handcrafted Lighting Design & Build

16 weeks
prototyping, paper molding, crochet, electronic wiring
final exhibition at MUSEO in Kansas City, MO






The form and materials used to craft float were born from play with fibers in tandem with paper-mâché orbs. What began as experimentation with threads stitching sliced fragments of paper together became yarn holding and encapsulating light in a way that is gravity-defying, almost like the light is jumping away from the floor and ceiling while still remaining rooted.

The push, pull, and stretch of fibers was realized after hours of handcrafted crochet chain stitches with an off-white acrylic yarn and creates a draped cloth-like effect over the lights.

The use of mixed media highlights my personal handicraft and preferences as an artist and designer, playing with scale and combining mediums to create subtle yet detailed and dreamlike effects such as this one.




first experiment on plastic orb (single layer of trace paper)
second experiment on balloon (multiple layers of trace paper)
third experiment on long balloon (single layer of letter paper)

refining paper & glue molding method
fiber as a color pop
fiber as a covering
pattern experimentation



midterm critique


quick tying experimentation
different stitch pattern, entire model dipped in glue
self-supporting table lamp
1/3 of trio ceiling-mounted light




fin.