A Wooden Doll House

How to Make a Chandelier

Want to try a fun new DIY project? Learn how to make a paper, crystal, bead or candle chandelier with these simple instructions.

Types of Chandeliers You Can Make at Home

There are several different types of chandeliers you can make using basic tools and supplies from the DIY and craft store. You can make your own:

• Paper chandeliers
• Crystal chandeliers
• Bead chandeliers
• Candle chandeliers

Making a Chandelier From Scratch vs. Pre-Made

If you want to create a chandelier from scratch, you'll need to purchase the central structure, or lamp, from a light store or hardware store. Some home improvement stores feature chandelier kits where they provide you with the base and wiring supplies. These kits are a good starting point for making your distinctive piece, and are relatively inexpensive when compared to pre-made chandeliers.

If your focus is to create a unique design or focal point for the room but you don't want to start from scratch, you can decorate an existing chandelier. You may need to cover the chandelier with plaster or clay so that you can paint over it and add the accents or accessories you want. Turn to antique stores or garage sales to find a chandelier that you can modify and decorate. This strategy allows you to work with an existing design, and focus more on the ornamentation and details of the lamp.

Materials You Need to Make a Chandelier

Whether you decide to make a chandelier from scratch or use an existing chandelier, all of the materials and accessories you use will need to be heat-resistant and be versatile enough to stick to the chandelier using hot glue or other adhesives. When the chandelier is suspended to the light source and hanging in place, you do not want it to be a safety hazard because of embellishments or accessories that start to fall off the lamp. Use embellishments that are lightweight and do not have the capacity to melt from the heat of the bulbs.

Ideas for designing and accessorizing your chandelier include:

• Tree ornaments
• Glow in the dark stars
• Floral garlands (make sure they are heat-resistant)
• Doll accessories
• Crystal garlands
• Bead garlands
• No-drip pillar candles

Making a Candle Chandelier

Candle chandeliers are the traditional' chandelier styles that were commonly used in medieval times to decorate castles, foyers and walkways. These chandeliers can be used in modern homes to decorate the living space, or for a special occasion such as Halloween. To make a basic candle chandelier, you will need:

• Two medium-sized wooden boards, cut to the size of the width of your chandelier
• Screws and nails
• Wood varnish
• Paintbrush
• Hammer
• 4 large chains of equal length
• An O-ring
• 8 S-Hooks
• Thin wire

Create a cross using the wooden boards, and nail them in place with the hammer. Paint the wood with varnish and/or paint, and allow it to dry completely. Hammer S-hooks into the top of each arm, and attach the chain to each of the hooks to create a small circuit.' Then, use the other four hooks to attach the wooden base to the O-ring. To add the candles and finish the chandelier, you will need to hammer a longer nail through the middle of the cross and at the end of each cross arm so that the end of each nail is pointing upward; insert no-drip pillar candles into each of these nails to secure them in place. Use the wire to attach the chandelier to the ceiling using the O-ring. (Source: LovetoKnow)

Making a Paper Chandelier

Paper chandeliers are also known as paper lamps, and can be hung as a light fixture on a wall or directly from the ceiling like a classic' chandelier. To make a paper chandelier, you will need to cut out sheets of fabric paper or rice paper and glue them together for your design. The lamp will be held together using foam boards and nails, and can be mounted directly onto a light fixture or placed on top of an existing chandelier. Paper chandeliers are an exotic twist to classic chandelier and lamp covering styles, and you can be as creative as you want to be with the versatile materials.

Making a Bead Chandelier

Bead chandeliers are the easiest types of chandeliers to make; you can use an existing chandelier and decorate each arm with garlands of beads, or stick beads directly to the arms and base. Make sure the beads you use are heat-resistant, since most of them will be placed very close to the bulbs. Bead garlands can be wrapped around or draped over each arm of the chandelier to create a regal effect, and you can use a variety of colors and styles of beads to complement the living space. If you decide to stick beads directly onto the chandelier arms, consider making a creative design on the chandelier to create a special effect. Metallic beads and glass beads work especially well as holiday dcor and for decorating a room for a special event.

Making a Crystal Chandelier

Crystal chandeliers are made in a similar way as bead chandeliers, except you will be using crystal garlands and accents to decorate each arm. Crystal garlands can be positioned on each arm and secured in place; you can also cover the arms and base in crystals of different sizes and shapes to achieve an elegant and sophisticated look. Crystal chandeliers can complement any luxurious living space, and create a regal ambiance; they are commonly used to decorate large living rooms, dining areas and foyers.

Making Chandeliers for a Child's Room

If you're decorating a themed children's room, adding a chandelier in complementary colors and accents can be the perfect finishing touch. Chandeliers for a child's room can be made using pre-existing chandeliers that are covered in heat-resistant fabric or clay. The chandelier can then be accentuated with doll accessories, cartoon character figurines, and small toys that match the theme of the child's room or their favorite cartoon or doll characters. These playful and fun chandeliers are a great way to brighten up a room.