Colored Light Umbrella

This colorful faux stained glass parasol may be made at home with a few simple supplies.

Create your own custom umbrella, a great novelty item for parties, parades, festivals, or any sunny day.

Here's the video.

Cut out your design with a craft knife. Use a new blade to avoid tearing the paper.

Only do a few at a time to guard against accidental tears. Note: you may need to prop up the edge of your cutting mat when working closer to the center of the umbrella, to account for the protruding cap (see next image).

Trim your colored film in shapes similar to your umbrella cutouts, but scale them up so that they overlap your cutouts by about 1/4" all around.

Attach your films to the umbrella with a single dot of hot glue, just for placement.

Let cool a minute until set.

Go back and tack around the edges a few more times to secure your films.

CAUTION: NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN THROUGH COLORED GELS

Your umbrella has an indoor use as well: attach to a tripod or hang from a wall or ceiling.

Then mount a spotlight nearby (not too close) for a colorful effect.