How to Make an Oversized Pendant Light
Materials and Tools:
1" aluminum flat bars
hack saw
2 small C-clamps
drill and 3/16” drill bit
1/2” round head nuts with bolts
18-gauge galvanized wire
pendant light
clear double-sided tape
full-size flat sheet
twine or rope
permanent marker
pliers
Measure and Cut Aluminum Bars
Measure and cut two of the 8’ aluminum flat bars in half using a hack saw, creating four 4' pieces.
Measure for Circular Bars
Create circular bars for the two remaining 8' foot bars by measuring and making marks at 2”, 23”, 47” and 71” on each bar.
Create a Circle
Slowly bend one of the 8' aluminum flat bars into a circle with the marks facing outward. Overlap the two ends of the flat bar to the edge of the 2” mark. Clamp the ends together tightly using a C-clamp. Repeat for the second 8' bar.
Drill Hole in Circular Bars
Using a 3/16” drill bit, drill a hole near each end of the overlapping pieces. Insert 1/2” screws and tighten securely. Remove the C-clamp. Repeat for the other 8’ aluminum flat bar.
Attach Vertical Bars
Drill holes using a 3/16” drill bit about 1/2” from each end of the 4’ flat bars. Lay one of the circular flat bars on a flat surface, and hold up one of the 4’ bars perpendicular to the circular piece on the edge of the mark previously made at 2”. Mark the hole on the circular piece, and drill using a 3/16” drill bit. Hold up the 4’ piece again and insert a 1/2” bolt. Attach the nut to the bolt, and tighten securely. Repeat these steps for the three remaining marks at 23”, 47” and 71”.
Attach Second Circular Bar
Place the second circular flat bar on a flat surface. Flip over the assembled fixture, and attach the vertical 4’ pieces to the other circular piece using the same method used for the first circular bar. Drill a 3/16” hole to the right of all four of the vertical 4’ flat bars.
Add Wiring
Loop 18-gauge wiring through the four holes, creating a cross at the top of the frame. Tie a simple pendant light in the middle of the cross.
Attach Flat Sheet
Apply double-sided clear tape to the top circular flat bar and vertical pieces. Attach the flat sheet to the double-sided tape making sure the vertical seam of the fabric is centered on one of the vertical 4’ flat bars. Continue around the circle until it wraps all the way around the piece. Cut the fabric if necessary, and hide the fabric seam by attaching it to the vertical 4’ piece with double-sided tape.
Attach the flat sheet to the double-sided tape making sure that the vertical seam of the fabric is centered on one of the vertical 4’ flat bars.
Wrap flat sheet around the circle until it wraps all the way around the piece.
Tie Fabric
Temporarily hang the pendant from a hook, and gather the excess fabric neatly at the base of the lamp. Tie the bunched fabric together using rope or twine and cut off any excess fabric if desired.