ORC Week 5: DIY Paper Chandelier!
Here we are in week 5! I think I may have forgotten to mention that the challenge, for the first time EVER, has been extended from 6 to 7 weeks this round. Due to the number of events happening around the country from hurricanes to fires. I am so thankful for those that need this extra time to finish, and think the ORC powers that be (Linda over at Calling It Home) have definitely been amazing in recognizing the need for some of their participants. And lucky for you (wink wink) that means ONE more week of fun and crazy awesomeness from me! (love ya!!)
But let’s get to the real reason you’re here, what have I go up my sleeve this week but an easy DIY paper chandelier project! And trust me when I say easy cause it’s pretty dog-gone can’t really mess it up simple! If you’re looking for luxurious lighting you don’t have to make yourself, that could completely change the atmosphere of your room, look into lighting such as this nordlux strap or other pendant lighting options.
First up let’s talk materials!
I picked up 2 antique wheel spokes of different sizes at a local flea market. (I know this may sound difficult to find, but they really aren’t!) They originally were rusted brown.
4 turnbuckles (Blue or Orange store!)
2 quick links and whatever length chain you need from your ceiling (blue and orange)
A couple of boxes of large paper/binder clips (walmart/target pretty much anywhere office supplies are sold)
An old book with whatever size paper sheets you want. I spent $2 for this one! (I am an old/antique book collector so I picked up one that was about english usage statistics and rules, nothing important!)
A single shade pendant light (finding a spoke small enough would be a maja challenge)
And whatever color spray paint you want your frame to be! I used a creamy white (can’t remember the exact name)
Ok let’s build this bad boy!
DIY Paper Chandelier Tutorial
First up, spray paint your frame. I assembled the wheel spokes with the 4 turnbuckles, adjusting their location and length as I went to make the weight evenly distributed and level. Then I hung it from a rafter in the garage using some extra chain from a different fixture. I attached the chain to the largest spoke by placing 2 quick links on either side of the center hole that connected to the chain.
You can see the 2 quick links that attach to the spokes and then the chain
Then proceeded to walk around spraying as I went. (this means you have dark spots where your turnbuckles sat but I like that as it acts as a guide, when you take it down and move it, as to where it was perfectly level and balanced)
Spray paint all of your clips
Here is is with the first tier using the chain hanging from a hook anchored into a stud in the ceiling.
You can clearly see the 4 turnbuckles attached holding the second tier level and hanging from the spokes on the top tier.
At this point I was using it as a light fixture so I purchased the cheapest cheapo single fabric shade pendant in the same color as the spray paint to use as my bottom piece for the tiers.
***For this DIY paper chandelier project, I have no electrical box in the center of the room and didn’t really need one, so I adapted the light by cutting the electrical cord just to the top of the 2nd tier hole and anchored it there. (I don’t plan to use it as anything other than decorative and if I did I could just pick up a new pendant light or wiring ($20 or less anywhere) and replace the one I cut for this project.***
Thread the electrical cord up through the center holes of the wheel spokes and chain. Adjusting the length of the cord based on the distance you want for the tiers.
Wire up to the ceiling, and remember to anchor your chain and install a cap. (easy to find on amazon, lowes or home depot!)
Then you simply use your clips and attach the papers as close or far apart as you like!
You have a unique and easy light fixture!
This DIY paper chandelier has such a cool and easygoing vibe that adds so much character to the space without taking away from the other elements. Whimsical, check, easy, check and CHEAP!! CHECK CHECK!
Have you ever diy’d your own light fixture? I’d love to hear from ya on your own projects or thoughts on this one!
And don’t forget to hit up the subscriber oe’r yonder (nudging head to the right) if you enjoyed this lil post and want to hear more from me! You only get excerpts of blog posts when they go up!
Happy DIY’ing folks!!
And don’t forget to hit up the ORC featured designer participants here and my fellow guest participants here!
Until next time…..
XXXXOOOOO
Jane
November 1, 2017Very creative idea! I have a book from the 1800s that is just a mess of pages now and would be great for something like this!
ttbousu
November 2, 2017Thank you so much Jane! This would be the perfect project for that!
Susie
November 2, 2017What a cute idea! You are so clever! It’s so fun to visit your blog every week ?? I’ll want to pin this to my DIY Lighting board. ~~Susie from The Chelsea Project
ttbousu
November 2, 2017Oh thank you so much Susie, I’m so glad you enjoyed this project! It’s a fun and easy piece to incorporate anywhere.
Libbie
November 2, 2017Love the way this looks and how it adds such a quirky touch (which is a fav of mine) to the room!
ttbousu
November 3, 2017Thanks Libbie! You’re speakin my language girlfriend! quirky = awesome! xxoo
Susanne
November 2, 2017Super cute idea Tina!!! I love it and how easy to make 🙂
ttbousu
November 3, 2017Thank you Susanne! It’s one of those projects that you just think up on the fly and it comes together cheaply, quickly, and easily. The best kind of diy!
Andrea
November 5, 2017So unique. Very cool DIY.
ttbousu
November 5, 2017Thank you so much Andrea!
Sherry Cole
November 5, 2017This is such a smart idea for inexpensive lighting that also looks amazing! I can’t wait to see your reveal.
ttbousu
November 5, 2017Thank you Sherry! I am so excited to share it!!
Jen @ JENRON-Designs
November 5, 2017Wow that turned out great ?? I would have never thought to you paper. You are right it a very easy going vibe, but a absolutely an attention getter for sure! Love it ?
ttbousu
November 6, 2017Thanks Jen!
mary
November 7, 2017What a unique idea for a light fixture!
ttbousu
November 7, 2017Thank you Mary!