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| By Jessica Thuston | ||||||||||||
| 1 Chandelier, 4 Ways | ||||||||||||
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| Give a builder-basic chandelier an extreme makeover to light up any room. | ||||||||||||
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Glue It Skill level Easy for anyone who can stay with the gluing (hey, it's therapeutic, even a little addicting)Time A weekend (about three days-including many breaks, don't worry)
1 can primer spray paint 8 to 10 bags of mixed shells (small to medium size) Tweezers or needle-nose pliers Glue gun and about 20 glue sticks About 3 feet of rope (for cord cover) 6 beeswax candle covers 6 paper chandelier shades Prime the chandelier so no brass shows through. Cover entire fixture with seashells, placing with tweezers and securing with glue. Replace standard candle covers with beeswax candle covers. Wrap rope around cord, and tie at top. Note: When applying shells to the base of the chandelier, it's best to create a pattern by using only one or two types of similar shells. Leave the rest for the arms for a random, hodgepodge effect.
Adorn It Skill level Easy for anyone who can handle simple drilling (or finding someone who can)Time About 2 to 3 hours Gather the Goods
Prime and then spray paint the chandelier metallic; dry. Rub each mirror on both sides with sandpaper for an aged appearance (see A). Attach bit to drill and make a small hole (for hanging) in the top of each mirror (see B).
Drill a hole in the light cups for every mirror you wish to add (see C). Attach bead strand and mirrors to drilled holes on each cup, twisting wire through holes to secure (see D). Replace standard candle covers with beeswax covers. Slide on beaded bulb covers (like putting a sock over lights). Slip on cord cover.
Accessorize It Skill level Easy for anyone who can color within the lines-using a paintbrushTime 1 to 2 hours Gather the Goods
Prime and then spray paint the chandelier brown; dry. (We love the matte finish-almost like wrought iron.) Next, spray paint the shades an off-white color, and let dry for a few minutes. Apply painter's tape to make stripes that are about 1 1/2 inches wide (see A). Paint two coats of stripes in a soft blue, letting dry completely after each coat–about 30 minutes (see B).
Cut 12 strips of 1/2-inch-wide ribbon for top and bottom lampshade trim. Adhere the ribbon to shades with craft glue (see C). Replace the standard candle covers with beeswax candle covers (see D). Braid wider ribbon along cord and chain, and tie off at top of chandelier.
Paint It Skill level Able to point and spray? You'll be OK.Time 1 1/2 hours Gather the Goods Prime and then spray paint the chandelier a bold shade–the brighter the better. Drape antique beads from arm to arm and hang crystals, securing both with wire. Replace the standard candle covers with beeswax covers. Skip the shades and show off silicone-tipped lightbulbs that give a candle glow effect. Slip fabric cover over cord. For extra security, thread string or fishing wire through top edge of sleeve and tie to ceiling canopy (see Glossary). |
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| Copyright © 2008 Cottage Living | ||||||||||||
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