You Light Up My Life!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 6:44 PM 
Grab yourself a soft-drink, and make yourself comfortable.
Prepare for the details of the long-awaited chandelier project I've been pre-posting about for the past few weeks.
I've teased, "coming soon" over and over again, and for that I am sorry. It wasn't deliberate. I guess that's just what happens when a project takes longer than anticipated. Much longer!
I am hoping once you have read through this "how to" post, you'll have compassion on this blogger's soul (and her torn and tattered typing fingers that made hundreds of faux capiz strands)!
Let's start at the very beginning...
A few months ago, I was staring (enviously) at this dreamy chandelier from West Elm:
...and staring angrily at the $299.00 price tag. I wondered, why must pretty things be so dang expensive?
As much as I loved this little lady, I couldn't find it in my heart (or wallet) to take the plunge and commit. Then one day, I had a light-bulb moment, when I stumbled across a DIY'd faux capiz lamp project and realized I could probably make the fixture myself for an affordable price! (And, yes...I think there was a little bit of dancing that took place during that moment..)
And so I created a plan...
The original plan involved building a frame and drilling out the holes for some Ikea light-kits (see the light-bulb moment link above). But then one night, I thought, "there has to be an easier way."
It begged the question: What is already rectangular, and is the size that I need???
...hmmmm...BINGO!!!
At this point, using the picture frame was just an idea floating around in my head, but then came the Pinterest Challenge from Young House Love, Bower Power, Style by Emily, and Making a House a Home. They challenged creative minds everywhere to not just pin, but act instead!
It was exactly the push I needed, but I knew I had to act quickly. The deadline was just beyond the weekend, and time was already counting down!
So off to Ikea I went, and when I returned I was faced with a few challenges. First, I didn't realize that the backing and the glass would be so difficult to remove from the frame; but, I soon learned they had been stapled and glued...nice and tight!
Finally, after some stellar effort, I was able to remove both the backing and the glass.
A few weeks earlier I had experimented with the faux capiz, and I found the best way (in my opinion) to get a good look-a-like was to iron multiple sheets of wax paper together.
To add more dimension and realism, I made various thicknesses. For some, I only ironed together three sheets, but for others I ironed together four. This created various textures and opacities, and the bubbles and veins between the wax paper looked almost like real shell.
After cutting the sheets of ironed wax paper down to 1.5"x2.5", I used jewelry clasps from Michaels to make hundreds of strands of faux capiz. To get the look I wanted the strands were made at various lengths (3, 4, and 5 long).
I'm not kidding...I made hundreds...(you can read more about this process here).
Ha! They look like faux-capiz lasagna!
But here's where things got tricky...
Originally, my plan was to make the chandelier as a one-lighter. I thought this would be best because then I could use the light socket, chain, and cover from the existing light fixture.
But guess what? ...the existing fixture was very ugly...
...and so I thought I could use something like this from Home Depot to make it look prettier...
And how would that work, you might ask?
Well, in my "life is perfect" mind, I imagined the fixture could magically be held up and balanced by sandwiching the frame's backing (with a drilled out hole) between the pendant shade and the pendant socket cover.
I'll pause for a moment while you laugh..........trust me, I get it.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that this plan would have never worked, but I told you this chandelier evolved over time, right?
Well, long story, short...that led me to this disaster:
I'll let you read all about that in my previous post, but to sum things up, I quickly found my plan to use the frame's backing and the little light from Home Depot would not work. Not even if I sprinkled it with fairy dust!
Please pardon my cheesiness...it's just that now, when I look back, I can see how much of a fairytale I was living in at that time. It's like I was hoping my Fairy Godmother would come to turn this little board into a beautiful chandelier, and a pumpkin into a carriage!
And so I moved on...
But this time, I called in some recruits.
I started brainstorming with my husband, Mark, and together we drew up a few possibilities. It really helped to get another viewpoint on the project, and it increased the creative flow of ideas. We could each offer our ideas and then talk out the potential conflicts that might arise.
Eventually, with twice the brain power working on the project, Mark and I found a way to turn the chandelier into a two-light fixture.
Here's what we did...
First, we started by using the glass panel that came with the frame to measure two boards that we fit inside the width of the picture frame. Since the glass was already cut to size by the manufacturer, it made it easy to know where to cut.
Next, we drilled holes in the boards, and also cut out a large rectangle from the backing that originally came with the frame. Yep, that's right...we salvaged the piece that I thought I had destroyed on my first attempt!
Placement here was pretty important. We had to be careful to get the order right. First you place the two cut boards inside the frame (just like you would the glass), and then you place the backing right back where it originally came from.
But, in case you forgot, I had unstapled the backing, so I had to use some tacks to nail the backing back into place.
Then I measured two rows at the spacing I wanted. The backing was cut down to a 2" border, so I marked one row at 3/4", and one row at 1 3/4". Then I made little tick-marks every half-inch around each of the rows.
Once I had the markings as a reference, I used my hot glue gun to glue the jewelry clasps onto the frame backing, along the rows that I had drawn...and for the third row, I just used the edge between the backing and the frame.
To hide the wires going up to the ceiling, we used PVC riser pipe from the landscaping section at Home Depot. They were really inexpensive, and they also already had screw threads on each end. This made it really easy to attach a washer and a nut to the top and bottom of each pipe, to attach each end to the fixture.
Next, we had to figure out how to hide the hole from the existing fixture...so I made a quick trip to Savers, and found this little guy for $1.99...but a 50% off sale brought it down to only $1.00.
Once we had collected all of the pieces for our plan, I gave everything a few good coats of spray paint. For this project, I used Rustoleum's metallic finish paint in a dark finish.
To hold the weight of the chandelier, we used another cut piece of board...but first we did a test run to make sure the chandelier would be parallel to the wall. This was tricky because it was difficult to eyeball...but we did our best.
Once we knew that everything would hang straight, Mark assembled the fixture. For the light sockets themselves, we just used the one that was housed in the original fixture, and we also stole the light from the chandelier that was hanging in our breakfast nook. They were identical lights, and we planned on replacing the fixture in the nook eventually, so we figured we might as well just take it down now, but if you don't have any existing light fixtures to re- purpose, you can find inexpensive light kits at Ikea.
Once everything was assembled, we attached the board to the existing electrical box, wired everything back up, and covered the wires with the little frame from Savers, held in place by two screws on the narrow end of the frame.
(PS...I know it kinda looks like Mark is "flipping the bird" here, but he's really just holding the chandelier up. You don't really think about finger placement when you're working on stuff like this, so please don't take offense.)
Once that was done, all we had to do was hang the strands of wax paper...hundreds of strands of wax paper.
Fortunately, we decided it actually looked best if we skipped every-other hook (which brought the spacing between each strand to 1 inch, instead of 1/2"). This saved us a lot of time, and we both agree the fixture would have looked too crowded if we put all of the strands of wax paper on.
It was well into the night by the time we finished, but here are a few shots that we snapped:
It was difficult to get a good shot, but the light looked so beautiful coming through the strands of wax paper!
And just in case you were wondering, the wax paper does not touch the bulbs themselves, which means we don't have to worry about it melting...or worse, catching on fire!
Now, I'm sure you're wondering the cost break down, so here's the grand total:
$ 5.00--2 rolls of wax paper @ $2.50 each
$39.00--13 packages of Findings Jewelry Essentials (144 count) @ $2.99 each
$12.00--2 cans Rustoleum metallic finish spray paint @ $5.99 each
$10.00--1 Erikslund picture frame from Ikea
$ 1.00--1 picture frame from Savers
$ 2.80--2 PVC Riser Pipes from Home Depot
$ 1.00--1 Package of fastening nuts from Home Depot
$ 1.60--4 washers at $.40 each.
$ 0.00--2 light kits, already had from existing fixtures
$ 0.00--1 board, already had from previous project
$ 0.00--Hot glue, already had from previous projects
$ 0.00--Sweat equity, brain power, and time
$72.40--Total cost!!!!
But now that you know how to make it, you could even save some cash because I found I did not need all of those jewelry fasteners...and they were the most expensive part!
So there we go! It's finally done, and I'm absolutely in love with it! But what do you think? Was it worth the time that went into it?
I think so!
PS...Want to learn more about making faux capiz from wax paper? Click here for a video tutorial.
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Reader Comments (84)
Wow, thanks Ashley & Cynthia! Glad you stopped by!
xo, Kelli
THIS IS AMAZING! we did this over the summer, using a circle punch and an old lamp shade... I ran out of steam punching out the circles... I LOVE your rectangles! Could have gone much further with that one. AMAZING detail in your tutorial. you rock. Here's how ours turned out... even though it looks like amateur hour next to your work of art!!
http://bit.ly/vlYhUf
All the best!
Ashley
That is beautiful! Absolutely worth the time and effort!
That looks great! My friend actually has the real lamp in her house, lol. So cute.
Thanks Angie! I'm still in love with the real one too. We'll call it my first love, and this one my one-and-only! Ha!
OMG THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS! i was looking online for the real chandeliers for a longggggg time (2 days) :D I wanted it for my room and i absolutely love it! haha anyways and then i saw THIS and i was like IT LOOKS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE $400 one. THANKS SO MUCH! now i just have to beg my dad into making this for me XD k thanks YOU ARE APPRECATED! oh and i love how u are so funny..i laughed when i was reading ur fails and stuff....K THANKS <333
Hi Kelli!
I have a question. Since you didn't need to use all of the 13 packages of Findings Jewelry Essentials....How many packages did you use? I am planning on doing this project also, and at the same time I dont want to waste money..haha THANKS!
Hey Gabi, I'm so excited you're tackling this project! I'd recommend about 7-9 packages, but keep the receipt and only open on package at a time. That way you can return any unopened packages. If you're buying from Michaels, look for one of their coupons for discounts off of entire orders...sometimes you can save 40%! I'd also recommend building the frame and attaching the hooks first so you know exactly how many strands to make. That will save you time in the long-run since you won't be playing the guessing game. I found a 1 inch spacing to be perfect for the end product.
Hope that helps, but let me know if you have any other q's. You'll have to send photos of your finished product. I'd love to see it! Best of luck!
Xo, Kelli
I own the West Elm inspiration light. After looking through your pics and all the work you put into it, it is SO worth it just to buy the darn light. I got mine 20% off. Hung it in 10 minutes and it's beautiful. Capiz shells cannot be replaced with wax paper. Your light does look great, but for those considering putting effort into this, splurge on this knockout piece and save the DIY for something like pillows, candles, or other accents. This light will be a focal point in your room!
Hey Brooke,
I'm glad you stopped by. I definitely agree that the original chandelier is an excellent splurge item. I had it on my "someday I'll splurge on this" list for over a year. Ultimately I just never had the funds I needed to buy the original, so I grew tired of waiting. Great points for anyone considering taking on this project as a DIY.
I will say, though I love the final piece...and there's something that can't be beat about building something with your own two hands! Especially when you can save so much money too!
Thanks for stopping by!
Xo, Kelli
This looks so good. You were featured http://decoratingcents.blogspot.com/2011/12/trends-knock-offs.html. Come by and grab a button.
Thanks Andrea! Glad you stopped by!
Xo, Kelli
Wow what a lot of effort - but it looks amazing! Totally worth it!
Follwing you on FB from Beneath My Heart-stop by to say hi!
Wow! I am so impressed with this project! Way to go! I will be featuring it on my blog. :) Thanks for linking up to my party! :)
Hi Kelli! I am so happy to have found your site through this chandelier tutorial circulating on Pinterest. I am so glad I did. I am really enjoying your site. I would love for you to stop by and link up at my Savvy HomeMade Monday Blog Party!
http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/savvy-homemade-monday-23/
oh my gosh, that's crazy. i'm so glad you were able to figure out how to make it work. it's gorgeous!
This is an amazing project!!!! Stunning work!!! TOTALLY worth the effort!
Take care,
Christina
www.designingbynumbers.com
Hi - That is totally amazing. I couldn't believe the after photos. Really wonderful. How long in total did it take you? Days and days, I bet. How are your fingers doing (and your eyesight) after all the cutting and ironing of the wax paper sheets?
Great project!!
Linda
PS - found you on Miss Mustardseed's funriture feature friday. I did a project as well - see my faux aged leather bookcase. I think I am #189.
Thanks Gabi, Claire, Erin, and Christina! I'm glad you all stopped by!
Linda, I pretty much lost track of the total time that it took me, but that's mainly because I worked on it here-and-there over a period of a few weeks. The most time-consuming part was making the strands with the paper. All I can say is, thank goodness for Hulu.com! haha! I watched so many TV episodes during that time it's not even funny!
As for the fingers and the eyesight, you definitely have to take breaks along the way. My hands would start to hurt, so I worked in circuits...measure, cut, punch, string...then repeat. It seemed to work pretty well. By the time my hands got tired from stringing the strands, the other phases allowed them to rest (since it was the opening and closing of the clasps that hurt most). When I got too burned out, I'd consider it a good sign that I needed a break.
I took a look at your faux-leather finish, and OMG...it's amazing! I'm hoping the pieces I start to refinish soon will turn out nicely, and your piece definitely gives me some inspiration!
Thanks for stopping by!
xo, Kel
This is AMAZING!! Wow ! I am so impressed~ how gorgeous it turned out!! Very creative ~fantastic idea~ love it! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday!
Just letting you know I shared this on my FB page :) Great job!
Wow! Thanks Courtney! I appreciate the shout-out. I'm happy to share, and am always blown away by the creativity I find in link-party submissions.
Thanks for stopping by!
xo, Kel
WOW! That is seriously incredible and looks so gorgeous! I'm super impressed with your ability to execute this and for so little money. Well done! :-) Thank you so much for sharing it at Inspiration Friday this week!
Vanessa
amazingly beautiful! super tute.
thanks for sharing at catch as catch can, however I noticed you didn't link back. :(
gail
Thanks Vanessa & Gail! I'm glad you stopped by!
Gail, I'm actually working on a page for my site that lists available link parties. That way, all of my readers can find your link party anytime. :-)
xo, Kelli
Thank you, Kelli, for sharing at Creative Juice! All of that hard word really paid off...this faux chandy is gorgeous...
I'm featuring you tonight, and sharing this at pinterest/twitter/facebook as well.
What an awesome idea! I love how creative you were in making this, absolutely amazing! The finished product looks beautiful and definitely has the "wow factor"! Great job!
OMGosh! YOu are pretty amazing for this! GREAT job! I'm your newest fan!
wow no way this is amazing please can you link this up too, http://twiggstudios.blogspot.com/
many thanks aimee xxxx