Saturday, December 4, 2010

Making A Crystal Chandelier

I have been finding the most wonderful supplies. I think making those lamps started somthing.

I have always wanted to make a crystal chandelier but I wanted a certain look. I have found what I had in mind. First these 3/8" cupped glass doll buttons. They look perfect for holding the candle shaft and bulb which will hide the drilled holes from the top but allow wires to go through them. Also these will work for crystal candle sticks. I would share the link but I bought them all in ETSY.
These are 2mm round Swarovski beads which will be perfect for swags on the chandelier. I had no idea Swarovski made them so tiny. http://www.etsy.com/shop/twinkledropz/search?search_query=150+pcs+CLEAR+5000+2mm+Swarovski+Crystal+Small+Round+Beads&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5626531&shopname=twinkledropz

Best of all... These tiny top drilled teardrops. This means they are not drilled straight through the side of the bead at the narrow point. The hole is drilled straight in through the top and stops about 2.5mm into the crystal. Ooooh that is fantastic!!! They are 6x4mm a perfect size teardrop! http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=257098

21 comments:

  1. Ohh, I can't wait to see the results Catherine! Making a crystal chandelier is on my someday to do list..... your materials look really fine!

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  2. I have been looking for these supplies for a very, very long time! If you are interested in making a chandelier of embellishing a purchased one, you might want to save these links.
    This is what I like about blogging... Sharing is what I have never had before. :-)

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  3. This is going to be worth waiting for....I can't wait to see it....although I already know it will be spectacular Catherine!!

    Linda x

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  4. eagerly awaiting next installment!!! :)

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  5. Thanks, Catherine, for sharing the links. During my short experience making miniatures, I find it frustrating sourcing certain materials...I'm most grateful when I come across tips like yours! These crystal beads are so versatile and spark the imagination :)
    Looks like the start of what will be a beautiful chandelier!

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  6. Yep, one of my big frustrations too, trying to get the materials! Often I find one thing and then something else from another source, by the time I found what I need the shipping costs on all of them have become so rediculously high I just don't bother.
    The crystal beads are beautiful, I look forward to seeing the chandelier finished!

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  7. You must have been excited when you found these amazing tiny crystals. Looking forward to see what you make with them.

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  8. I know I shall be crazy at your chandelier as soon as youll finish it.I'm looking forward to it, it will be fabulous. Rosanna

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  9. Looking forward to seeing this finished project. I have only occasionally seen 2mm crystals...and usually not in quantity. Thank you for the links.

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  10. I have a lot to figure out still with this project. One thing I don't want to do is make any mistakes because these supplies are rather expensive. Josje is right! Once you add the postage it becomes astronomical!!!

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  11. Catherine, I can't wait to see what you make! It will be stunning an no doubt sterling for your house!!! It will be exciting to see what you do with all of these wonderful crystals!!

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  12. Patty,

    I doubt I will use it in my house. So you ask...What are you making this for? I am doing it for the challange and it is a big one for me. I also doubt i will be able to use the lamps I made in my house. Perhaps there IS an ETSY shop in my future.

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  13. Catherine!!! You MUST share your creations, especially if you won't even be using them, but just want to make them - yes get an Etsy account or something!
    This chandelier is going to be amazing! And I can tell from your post just how excited you are about it too because I've been there, LOL. It's so much fun to find the perfect something(s) to make miniatures with!
    I can't wait to see this beauty completed!

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  14. Thank you for the links Catherine! I am thinking of making chandeliers for some time now. I just couldn't find right size of beads! :)And I just can't wait to see your chandelier! I know it will be just fabulous!:)

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  15. Here is another link where you can buy perfect beads for chandelier. They have a good selection of ornaments too, and it is not too expensive to order from there.
    http://www.bindelsornaments.nl/joomla/

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  16. You are soooo talented! I can't wait to see the finished piece! :o))

    I could never make anything like this, so sadly my Edwardian House will have to have bought ones! lol

    Michelle xx

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  17. Thanks Everyone for the vote of confidence. Now I'm nervous, I have my share of ugly failures! Maybe I should have waited to post about this until it was a success.

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  18. Esa araƱa va a ser increible!!!!
    Tienes mucho talento y seguro que sera un exito.
    besitos ascension

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  19. Catherine..there is no such thing as a failure, really. As Thomas Edison once said (and I believe I have quoted him before) "...I've simply discovered several ways it doesn't work..." And that is part of the inventive process. Good Luck! I am sure it will be beautiful in the end.

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  20. Catherine I must have missed this post. I would love to see your chandelier, I have had so much trouble doing the electrics and fitting wire through metal tubes. I am lucky though that my local beading shop has the tiny Swarovski crystals. Hoping to find the solution soon. I am sure yours will be stunning!

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