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January 14, 2013

Buying Chandelier Crystals

We all love Chandeliers
But where do you find the crystals? 

I blogged about it a couple years ago, but have had a couple requests for my source lately.   So, this is the perfect time to show you my latest chandelier transformation and tell you again where I purchase my crystals


I always have a chandelier hanging in my booth, I sell at least 10 a year.

They don't take up much space and give the back wall a nice three dimensional look.  I just finished this one and I'll price it at $85.00


I always spray them with heirloom white paint


Then add crystals and crystal strands.  Now you might be lucky enough to find vintage crystals like I used on this chandelier


But, since these are hard to find, more often than not I use new crystals

I buy my crystals at Freedom Crystal  These are 1.5" crystals and they are .40 each.  The crystal strands start at $7.26 a yard.  These are real crystal, not plastic (PS: These people do not even know I exist)



This was an exceptionally nice chandelier, not as easy to find


But these are...You've all seen them at the thrift store

I price them according to how many crystals I hang and if they have shades or not.  I priced and sold this one for $55.00

Even if you don't need crystals for a chandelier....I think everything looks better with a little bling


And my customers do too....It seems if I add crystals to anything...It sells!

Before I let you go...Thank you so much for your input and kind comments on my "What sells and what doesn't series". 

Thursday my guest blogger will talk about selling at Antique and Craft shows in California.  She has 18 years of selling experience and fills the post with her knowledge 

Happy Creating!
Carol


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36 comments:

  1. Celestina MarieJanuary 14, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    Hi Carol, just wonderful. Love your chandy and those crystals make it special. I use another company but going to look at the one you share. The prices look better.

    Thank you for sharing.
    Have a great week.
    Hugs, CM

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  2. CreateologyJanuary 14, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Crystals are pure magic. Never plastic! Everything you upcycle is simply lovely. Thank you for sharing your link source. Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...

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  3. sunnyskiesandsweetteaJanuary 14, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    Carol that is awesome! That chandelier probably won't last long.

    Blessings,
    Amy Jo

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  4. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresJanuary 14, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    What amazing transformations. Yes, crystals and a fresh coat of paint make everything look better and so special. It's no surprise you sell so many and they don't last long.

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  5. ConnieJanuary 14, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    Hi Carol, thank you for this interesting, informative and inspiring post. You Rock!
    I found a chandelier, late last fall. It is setting out on my screened porch waiting for springtime, for me to start my re-do. I do not remember if it was your blog or somewhere else, but I saw one where tea cups were mounted to it and candles placed in each tea cup. I have been wanting one ever since. So, that is going to be one of my first spring projects, other than yard work and gardening.
    I can not even put into words how very much I appreciate your wonderful blog. You are my number one inspiration.
    Have a glorious week,
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  6. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsJanuary 14, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    I definitely think the crystals add so much more to the light fixtures than if they were left without, Carol. I think they really draw your eye. I love the Heirloom White, too.

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  7. KayJanuary 14, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    Every year I think I am going to find a great chandelier to transform, so far no luck. I can see I may have been to particular, it looks like maybe anything can be transformed with a little white paint! Thanks for sharing this post. I can't wait to find a non-perfect chandelier this year.

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  8. NanaDianaJanuary 14, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    Carol- Just beautiful! Thank you so much for the information. I love that bloggers are so willing to share their knowledge and don't hug it to themselves hoping no one else finds out. You're the best and those redos are wonderful! xo Diana

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  9. GemmaJanuary 14, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    thanks for the tip! you do such nice work.

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  10. MariJanuary 14, 2013 at 5:57 PM

    Hi Carol,
    I loveee the way the chandy turned out, nothing speaks romance like a chandy dripping with crystals ;)

    Smiles~
    Mari

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  11. farmhouse-storyJanuary 14, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    thanks for sharing, carol:) your chandeliers are just beautiful!

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  12. UnknownJanuary 14, 2013 at 7:05 PM

    Bling makes it sing!! You have a gift and it seems like whatever you touch, turns to awesome. :)

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  13. Shabby chic SandyJanuary 14, 2013 at 7:12 PM

    I am drawn to anything with crystals and so I am not surprised you sell a lot. Your prices are great too :)

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  14. UnknownJanuary 14, 2013 at 8:54 PM

    Thanks for sharing your crystal source. It looks like need to start looking for some more chandeliers to bling out! Your's look great!

    www.kimskottage.blogspot.com

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  15. decorayadoraJanuary 14, 2013 at 9:23 PM

    Hi Carol, just wonderful. Love your chandy and those crystals make it special. The prices look better.
    Angelica

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  16. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovementJanuary 14, 2013 at 9:53 PM

    Carol, you do beautiful work! I love the chandeliers!

    Have a great day.
    Pam

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  17. Little Miss MaggieJanuary 14, 2013 at 11:31 PM

    Thanks for the crystal source. That is a phenomenal price. I love that first chandelier. Just beautiful.

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  18. Stacy's Shabby ShoppeJanuary 15, 2013 at 12:24 AM

    Lovely chandies Carol! I've purchased my crystals from Freedom since 1999. They are the best!

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  19. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasJanuary 15, 2013 at 3:13 AM

    Carol,

    Love your chandy's with the crystals!! I used to buy them on Ebay but have not purchased any for some time...

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  20. Bellenza Wedding BistroJanuary 15, 2013 at 7:53 AM

    Such lovely pieces!

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  21. Perfectly PrintedJanuary 15, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Love these! I pick one up at a garage sale for $5.00....I haven't done anything with it yet, and I don't even remember if it needs crystals or not....after reading this post I think I'll go look!!

    chris

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  22. Pink Paper RoseJanuary 15, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    Hi! I just love your blog! I also refurbish chandeliers, it's amazing what a little paint and new crystals can do! I would like to share where I get my crystals...I buy 100 for $17.00 and 10yard chain crystals for $20.00. It's an ebay seller with only Buy-it-Now listings, the seller is Citi65 great quality crystals and fast shipping too!
    Take care,
    Karen

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  23. AngelaJanuary 15, 2013 at 10:17 AM

    Your chandeliers look amazing!
    I love what you can do to make them look romantic.
    I love the ones that use only candles, so easy to use and can be put up anywhere.
    Hugs,
    Angela.

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  24. WandaJanuary 15, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    I am a huge fan of chandeliers, I have one in almost every room in the house, I even have one in my travel trailer. I got a box full of the crystals at a garage sale, waiting for that special chandelier to put them on. I must say you sell yours at a real reasonable price, Most I see here in the antique malls are between $200.00 and $300.00 price range. TTFN

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  25. Rooms by AnnJanuary 15, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    I agree crystals should go on everthing. I love your makeover on the gold chady.

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  26. ConnieJanuary 15, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    Hi Carol, my dear friend and lover of polka dots . . .check this out . . .I think you will like it :)
    http://parisandbeyond-genie.blogspot.com/

    The girls of Paris and their polka dot socks :)
    Have a great day.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Lola and BeaJanuary 15, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    Talk about perfect timing, I havea chandi sitting in my garage waiting for some crystals. You always have the best ideas. Thanks for inspiring me.

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  28. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2013 at 10:05 PM

    Thanks, Carol! ♥

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  29. DonnaJanuary 15, 2013 at 11:11 PM

    Thanks so much for sharing your source for great crystals with us! Your chandelier makeovers are amazing! I can see why you sell so many of them! I can't get enough bling either:)

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  30. UnknownJanuary 16, 2013 at 3:38 AM

    Oh I love chandeliers and the crystals!!! :D LOVE LOVE the gold one!

    Hugs,

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  31. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    Hi Carol, hope the New Year is treating you right. I try to always use the old crystals because the worn gold wires match the ones that may be already on the piece. So I buy the single crystals whenever I run across them and the price is right. Okay...now I am off to read more of your blog posts. :) xoxoxox

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  32. MarlynneJanuary 16, 2013 at 10:44 PM

    I love the painted white look! May have to try that! have a couple available.

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  33. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️January 17, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Beautiful Carol! I love anything that has BLING :)

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  34. Laurel StephensJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    What a great idea for all those discarded brass chandeliers!

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  35. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeJanuary 22, 2013 at 3:10 PM

    thanks for the crystals source! It seems that whenever I discover something is 'hot' -- it's already unattainable (like vintage crystals) so I'm glad to have a source for new ones!

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  36. Heart Vintage Design January 27, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    Love your posts. And a little bling never hurt anyone, lol : )

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