How to Make a Chandelier With Plastic Gems

The Frame

• 1

  Purchase a used chandelier frame from any thrift store, or use one you already have in your home. Make sure all wiring is in safe working order.

• 2

  Tape over the bulb socket and wiring with painter’s tape, making sure both are thoroughly covered.

• 3

  Spray paint just the frame of the chandelier with the color of your choice (silver, gold and cream are popular), avoiding the bulb socket and wiring. Let the chandelier dry while you move on to your next step.

Beading

• 4

  Cut varying lengths of fishing line for a more funky look, or cut similar lengths for a more traditional look.

• 5

  String a single plastic gem through the end of a piece of fishing line and tie a knot to secure the gem in place. The result will look like a long earring with a gem hanging at the end.

• 6

  Repeat Step 2 until you have an adequate amount of stringed gems. You can add or remove some later depending on the size of your chandelier frame.

Embellishment

• 7

  Tie the ends of the fishing line with gems attached around the chandelier arms closest to the base of the chandelier.

• 8

  Working your way from the inside to the outermost arm of the chandelier frame, continue tying the gems within about 1/2 inch of each other.

• 9

  Put a small dollop of hot glue in an unseen area of the chandelier to secure each piece of fishing line.