Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Starfish Chandelier Tutorial


I wanted to create a light fixture that had all of the wow factor of a chandelier dripping with crystals but without the big price tag....


I used 36 white starfish and about 10 yards of crystal chain
and about 10 yards of rhinestone chain.


If you would like to try making this project you can order many of the supplies in my Etsy store,
here is the link 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/debisdesigndiary



and of course I made a video that shows you how I made this!
I have to say that every project I dream up has it's challenges and this was no exception. 
Here are some important tips I discovered along the way....
Use a small dremel if you have one, it is much easier on the delicate sea stars and you will have more control when you get to the part where you need to drill the extra holes as the starfish are hanging on the chandelier.
Lay your starfish out in a mock set up to determine how many to use and how they will hang, I used a total of 36 starfish,( 12 strands of three). six of the stands had 3inch links of chain a at the top to attach to the metal ring and the other six 1.5 inch links. I did this to stagger the starfish so they would not bang into each other or overlap too much.
Keep in mind that the bottom starfish on the strand only needs one hole but the rest of them will need two or more.
E600 is the glue I used, although it  is messy and needs to be used in a well ventilated area it works well. You can find this glue at Walmart or Michaels.


I have the rhinestone chain for sale by the yard and the spool on Etsy as well as the starfish by the dozen!
I will be adding other creative supplies too!
I am also selling the chandelier I made in this video, (there is just the one)
it took me about two days to make this!
it is has a 12 inch diameter and is approximately 21 inches long.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/debisdesigndiary

If you make a chandelier please send a photo to my Facebook page with your comments, my hope is that my tutorials will be inspriring and easy to follow,  I really want to know what you discover as you try my projects if there is anything I missed please let me know.



I am so excited about all the wonderful comments I have received on my videos on Facebook and Youtube! I am so glad you are enjoying them, it truly makes my day!
Sincerely,
Debi Beard


6 comments:

  1. Are you kidding me?!?!! This is AMAZING!!! You are one talented lady!! Wowzers! I clearly must follow you!

    evie @ brown paper packages

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  2. Saw your amazing project over at our friend Roeshel's at DIY Showoff...this is fabulous. I want one for every room of my imaginary beach house. ;) Following here and on Facebook to keep up with your projects.

    Heather

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  3. Okay. I am a new follower who can't wait to read your entire blog backwards and then watch all your Youtube videos! If I was an HGTV exec, I would select you in a heartbeat, but I'm not, sorry. And, I can't even believe I missed the beginning of Design star...how in the heck did that happen!!?

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  4. This is SO pretty! I was in your shop last month and saw it or one like it that you were working on. I bought a couple scoops of shells for a project of my own...but NOTHING like your fabulous work! Thanks for helping with my own little project. You inspire me!
    rosie

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  5. I love this Debi!! I am tempted to try it out!

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  6. I am giong to use your idea to decorate star fish ornaments for my Florida Christmas tree. Saw some in a high end gift shop for $45.00 per ornament.

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