Things You Can Use to Make a Chandelier

Bubble Bulbs

• A cluster of clear bubbles hangs like sea foam on a twisted, braided rope over the dining table. A chandelier made of glass bubble balls and globe light bulbs is light and contemporary. Globe light bulbs are widely available and similar-sized glass bubbles are inexpensive purchases from craft supplies. Wiring and bulb sockets are hidden inside the braided cord and the whole thing is suspended from the ceiling. Use white sockets for the bulbs -- about three or four is all you need. A total of a dozen bulbs and glass balls will make a big, bright chandelier.

Crystals and Candles

• Fancy up your garden picnics with a chandelier hung from a convenient tree branch. A wire basket with a handle and a flat bottom is the base of the light. Wire baskets are available online and at kitchenware stores. Loop a chain through the handle for hanging and attach crystal pendants and loops of glass beads to the underside of the basket. Set as many clean jelly jars with citronella candles in the basket as it will hold. Hang the chandelier from the tree where it will sparkle in the sun and fend off unwelcome insects as it lights your repast at night.

Glass Recycling

• Colored wine or water bottles make earth-friendly chandeliers that are particularly appropriate for eating and drinking spaces. The bottles take a modest amount of preparation and might need special wiring, depending on the fixture's design. A row of wine bottles can hang from a central length of pipe or any hollow rod that is wired to a single ceiling mount. Bottles may also be hung from a line of ceiling mounts, each with its own wiring but all connected to turn on and off together from one wall switch. Remove the bottoms of the bottles with a glass cutter and sand the cut edge smooth. It's simple to thread a socket and the wire through the neck of each bottle. Then connect the wires, screw in the light bulbs and turn on the chandelier. Your empties stay out of the trash and shed a little light on your next dinner party.

Ribbons of Light

• A string of fairy lights, three graduated wire circles, a lot of ribbon and some patience will yield an unusual chandelier that's as much conversation piece as light fixture. The circles are tiered with clear monofilament so that the medium circle is on top, the large circle hangs about 6 inches below it and the small circle hangs below the two. Glue cut ribbon to the medium and large rings so it falls in a loop to be caught up and glued to the small ring. Trim some ribbons to fall straight down. Glue identical paper cut-out shapes like diamonds, flowers or stars to the ribbons at regular intervals. Hang a bunched string of fairy lights in the center of the circles. Off, the chandelier is a charming mobile. On, it's a twinkly, shimmering confection.