Make your own chandelier by transforming an old with crystal prisms, crystal strands and spray paint. You can find crystals at online retailers and in some craft stores. There is no set pattern for making your own chandelier; select the crystals that you like and attach them to the fixture that suits your space.
Instructions
1. Determine the number of crystal prisms and strands you will need to make your chandelier. Select a hanging light fixture from a retailer, yard sale or thrift store. Look for fixtures with at least three arms in a curved, chandelier shape. Don't worry about the base metal color; focus on a shape that pleases you.
2. Measure the space between each of the separate arms on your light fixture. Crystal strands are sold in 36 inch sections, but you can easily remove part of the section if you prefer less of a drape between the arms. Select graduated strands to hang straight down from the center of the light fixture or to wrap around the stem.
3. Select crystal prisms to attach and hang along every curve and dip in your light fixture, as well as around the lightbulb holders. If you like, order a bobeche to fit over each lightbulb holder. A bobeche is a glass or crystal tray-like piece with a center hole to fit onto your fixture, and six tiny holes around the outside so you can hang more crystal prisms.
4. Remove the light bulbs before you spray paint the light fixture. Lay out strips of wire and paint them to match the base color of your fixture so they will disappear if you need them to attach crystals to the fixture. Let the paint dry.
5. Hang your painted fixture in a doorway or from a ceiling hook, low enough so that it's accessible to you all the way around.
6. Slip the bobeches over each of the light holders and replace the bulbs. Hang your crystal strands between the fixture's arms and straight down the center, if available. Clip the prisms around each of the bobeches and onto any curve or dip in your fixture.
Tags: light fixture, crystal prisms, your fixture, , curve your