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Don't worry if there is some overlap. You will get different effects from using white versus clear bulbs, as well as from varying the thickness of the tissue paper layers. Add more layers to create a more opaque finish.

When you have completely covered the bulb, spray with two to four coats of spray polyurethane. Hang so that they aren't touching any surface until completely dry. Polyurethane may yellow over time; keep that in mind when working with patterns incorporating large amounts of white.

Wrap a length of ribbon around the neck of the bulb and tie or secure in place with the loose ends of the wire, depending on the size and type of ribbon. With wire ribbon, you can use the wire to form a bow. Combine different sizes of ribbon for different effects. Wire ribbon is much easier to work with in the final decoration, but you can tie smaller satin ribbon underneath it to add interest to your design. Try quadrupling smaller ribbon and tying a tight double knot; you can leave the ribbon in bows or cut the loops on a diagonal.

After twisting the wire securely enough to hold the ribbon, you can either cut the end and tuck it under the ribbon, or form curlicues with the wire by wrapping around a pencil or small stick. If you are very ambitious, you can string beads on the wire to create beaded bows and other embellishments.

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