Materials:
junkyard chandelier
wire cutters
rust primer and brush
spray paint
acrylic artist's paint (available in a tube)
short pillar candles
ball chain (from hardware store)
odds and ends from jewelry box/junk drawer
24-gauge wire
shower curtain rings
lamp crystals, string of beads, vintage-looking fabric flowers, velvet rosettes, mini fruits, fancy buttons, tassels, old tarnished Christmas ornaments, etc.
Steps:
- Prepare chandelier by removing all electrical parts using wire cutters.
- Wash thoroughly and let dry.
- Brush rust primer onto all surfaces and let dry. This allows paint to adhere to chandelier.
- Brush or spray on paint and let dry.
- Further embellish the chandelier with beads, cloth or other items if desired. Use wire to attach items to chandelier.
- Wire the ends of the ball chain and beads to the finial on the bottom center, and then swag them out to the crooks of the arms (letting them drape at different levels and allowing the ends to hang).
- The large end of shower curtain rings should be about the right size to fit around the bulb sockets. Fit them on so that the smaller clasp ends point directly out and hang crystal or other ornaments from them.
- Tie lengths of wire back and forth between the shower curtain rings, stringing on individual beads or ornaments as you go. Twist the wire every fourth or fifth bead to make a stopping point to keep them spaced at even intervals. Hang more crystals from some of the wires, as well as from the center point and from the crooks of the arms, making sure all the ornaments hang at varying levels. This is very important!
- To conceal bulb sockets, wire old fabric flowers onto curtain rings, spray with water and squish them down so none of the petals will get in the way for a low-burning candle.
Resources Home File: A Realistic Decorating Guide for Real Life
by Christine Dimmick
This title is out of print. Please check with local used bookstores or public libraries.
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Website:
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
Guests Christine Dimmick
Author/Designer/Owner, The Good Home Company
Email:
goodhomeco@aol.com
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