How To Make A Rustic Chandelier From Bulk Floating Candles

By Author: Helen Ellerbee
Total Articles: 1
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What you will need:
Bulk floating candles
A tree branch that is size appropriate for the space you are seeking to fill
Copper wire
Wire cutters
Small glass globes with a lip (think individual fish bowls or similar)
Colored sand (if desired)
Paint (if desired)
Water
Ceiling hooks (2 -4 depending on the size of your branch)
Hanging brackets (2-4 depending on the size of your branch)

Craft Notes:

Bulk floating candles can be purchased via online outlets and through craft supply outlets. Tree branches can be found in your backyard or they can be purchased through craft outlets. Copper wire can be found at most home improvements stores; remember to look for a gauge that will fit comfortably under the lip of your glass globes. Glass globes can be obtained through thrift stores, craft outlets, and any place that sells glassware for the home. Paint and colored sands are optional; the branch will be a neutral tone left in its natural state and the globes will be just as elegant without sand using just water.

Directions:

1. Select a tree branch for ...
... your space.
2. Trim away finer branches that are unable to support weight and remove any leaves or needles. If you bought a branch it should already be cleaned.
3. If desired, paint your branch a color of your choice and let dry completely before proceeding.
4. Once your branch is ready, decide on which off shoots you would like to light.
5. Using a length of copper wire, wrap the wire securely around the branch and leaving enough length so that you can securely attach a glass globe.
6. Repeat attaching copper wire to several other off shoots until you reach the desired number. Remember to be careful about attaching too many because your branch needs to be able to support the weight of your globes.
7. Wind the dangling lengths of copper wire securely around the lips of the glass globes. Be careful to not raise the globes too close to the branch.
8. Hold up the branch so that the globes dangle to test the weight and to ensure that everything is tight.
9. Rest the branch and place a ½ inch of colored sand, if desired, in the bottom of each globe. Again test the branch to make sure the weight is not overbearing.
10. Fill each globe half way with water.
11. Place a bulk floating candle in each globe.
12. Test the weight. Reinforce any wire that seems to be straining.
13. Empty the water and candles from globes.
14. Attach ceiling hooks in desired location.
15. Attach hanging brackets to branch and then secure to the ceiling hooks.
16. Refill globes with water and candles. Look for any stress in the branch or ceiling hooks. Reinforce any problem areas.
17. When ready light your bulk floating candles.

Congratulations, you have turned ordinary bulk floating candles and a tree branch into a lovely piece of functional art.

Helen Ellerbee is a freelance writer for Lumabase, a provider of luminarias, luminaria kits, bulk floating candles and more. To learn about our selection of luminarias, candles, Red Chili Pepper Lights, Wholesale Wedding Candles and other products, please visit www.lumabase.com