January 10, 2011

How to Add Chandelier Crystals to Anything (Part two)

Attaching a Chandelier crystal adds that extra bling to everything!

This is part 2 if you missed part 1 it is HERE 

Before we get started I am having a giveaway for this mosaic shoe, the drawing is 1/15/11

OK, here we go.......
 If I find something that has thin metal I use my Dremel 

Oh, these sconces were just screaming for a crystal


I drilled a hole with my Dremel

Found some decorative pins

And dropped one thru the hole, twisted it into a circle and attached the crystal


I painted this ugly candle opera.


To hang the crystals I used Jump Rings, they are found in the jewelry department at any craft store and come in various sizes.  You could use jewelry wire, but I like the perfect circle especially since I was going to sell this in my booth.


It's not ugly anymore!  It sold immediately, I bought it for $2.00 and sold it for $20


This pole lamp got the same treatment


Some paint, a couple jump rings, and crystals.



Now if you have something that is a bigger diameter than your jump rings will accommodate I use hoop earrings, also in the jewelry department at the craft store, jewelry wire would work for this also, but I like the look of the perfect circle.


Here is a bad closeup picture

I just recently used these on a light fixture I was making into a chandelier

I hung crystals from hoop earrings on the arms that were to big for jump rings.  Then I used my wire cutter to remove the excess.


  Now you will have to take my word on this, by the time I realized I had forgotten to take an after picture (2 days later) this had  already sold for $50.00.  I bought it for $2.50, hung 10 crystals $3.00, added shades I picked up for .25 each and covered them in rose fabric.  Total cost $6.75.

I always look for things that have holes readymade for crystals.

I needed a tray for dessert bars and petite fours (This is the first and last time I will make petite fours, what a pain) for my holiday brunch.


I bought this from another vendor at the antique mall and they all looked at me like I was nuts and wanted to know why I was buying it.  The reason we are all crafty is because we have a vision of what something can be.

Now, if all else fails you can always use a bobache.  You can purchase a bobache for $2.95 at Freedom Crystals , this is also a great place to buy crystals.

Before

After
Just add crystals
Here is another candle using a bobache with crystals attached

Well that's it kids, everything I know about attaching crystals. 

 I know that when I add crystals to anything in my booth it sells quickly and I love the bling and romance it adds to my home.

Do you have any projects in mind?  

Happy Crafting!
Carol
















16 comments:

Debbiedoos said...

Carol you are so good! I loved the tutorial great for a dummies like me!

Debbie said...

I love every single thing. I think my favorite is the pole lamp or maybe that tiered tray. BUT I would have LOVED to see an after picture of that chandelier. I'll bet it was wonderful!

You have such an eye and such a gift.

Trisha said...

I am going to have to give this a try! Thanks for the inspiration!!

~Trisha

Susan said...

Carol its awesome that you can make a profit out of your creations!!

Unknown said...

Everything is stunning. I have that light fixture in my dining room and I plan on painting it. Now I know how I can add the crystals to it! GREAT tutorial! Thanks for sharing again. Remember, Karma is good and will come back tenfold for you :)
xo
Roselle

Char said...

Carol, being a stained glass artist as well as a crafter, I wanted to let you know that you can make your own jump rings. You may already know this but,
take the gauge wire you need and simply wrap it several times around something (like a dowel) the size that you need. Take the wire cutters and start snipping away. You will end up with several jump rings, all perfectly round and ready to go.
Love your tutorial, now I must buy crystals too and find everything I can to attached them too.....run hubby, run......char

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

That is so great that adding a little "bling" brings the sale! It's too cold to spray paint here...as I have a couple of things that need a little "bling"...
I may take you up on the hankies that you can make with your sewing machine! Great idea! Thanks for offering.
Warmly,
deb

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
I found one of those ugly brown wooden candlelabras and did the same as you, painted it white and added crystals. It sold right away.
I think you are absolutely right about adding crystals and watching it sell right away.

Thanks for all the great tips.

hugs
Sissie

Bring Pretty Back said...

Carol! OHHHH! I can hardly stand it! Yhis is SO exciting to me! Now I need a dremel! THANK YOU!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Createology said...

Love your before and after photos of the items you buy and sell. You really have vision. Love the addition of crystals. Thank you for sharing your techniques. Happy enhancing...

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

Carol you are without a doubt the most amazing crafter I have met! Another wonderful idea that I am just going to have to give a try (Yes I have many ugly things I held onto waiting for a great idea). Where do you buy the crystals from?
Wow I love all the attachments you have for the Dremel too! I bought a Dremel last year and it came with some attachments but yours is awesome!
When I have the time I will definitely be trying some of your techniques on my uglies!
Thanks for the great post and ideas!
Tina xo

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all the great tips you are such a generous individual. Please enter me in your giveawy..

Rita

sweetpea said...

hi carol! we had actually commented back and forth before and i have visited your booth at orange tree. thanks for your comment!

hugs,

shelley

Unknown said...

Carol, thanks for the post, great information. I have lots of items to work on, just no time. I will file this away and use in the future. Thanks again and have a great day!

Unknown said...

I just love how you can see potential in old items and how you can magically turn them into shabby and gorgeous pieces! Have a great day Carol!

Sandy xox

Melanie {The Tiny Tudor} said...

Everything looks better with a little sparkle. I love all these pieces!