I didn’t take many pictures along the way, but I’ll tell you how I made this butterfly chandelier because I know some of you want to make one, too. And you definitely can, but I’m not gonna lie, it’s going to take some serious dedication.
When I first saw a chandelier like this, I knew I’d have to make one if we ever had a butterfly birthday party. Then, Olivia announced her theme – hooray!! All the credit here goes to April Meeker – you can see her incredible version here.
I made the chandelier with one foam wreath form (for the larger bottom) and a smaller embroidery hoop (for the top). I punched about ten million butterflies from patterned cardstock using three different craft punches (two are Martha Stewart punches). Then, I started hot gluing the smaller butterflies to cover all sides of the forms. This took a really long time to cover the wreath form. If you don’t want to dedicate a good chunk of time to this project, pick a different project you could probably speed things along by using a large embroidery hoop on the bottom as well. After the first layer of butterflies, begin layering again. Use both small and large butterflies and glue, glue, glue!
Once I finished covering the hoops, I used three long pieces of ribbon to connect the two hoops together and then knotted the ribbon at the top so that I could hang it easily. I blinged up the chandelier with leftover crystals from my real chandelier makeover project. Then I sewed long strings of small paper butterflies and draped them around the outside and straight down the center. A few other pieces of ribbon at various lengths were also hung down the center, and voila!
It’s so pretty, huh? I need to find a place to hang it in my house – I think it’s headed to the big girls’ bedroom. What are you going to do with yours?
Linking up over at Tatertots and Jello!
Comments & Reviews
Vayangi says
OMG this is absolutely gorgeous!!! so gorgeous that I have pinned it and giving it a go now
Christine says
Just adorable!))
Callie Powell says
I love your blog and this chandelier! I’m going to make one for my girl’s room.
kim says
I am so glad I found this page! I am making one of these in purple for my best friend, she is adopting a little girl with special needs from china and she looooves butterflies. She is doing her room in purple and I am so excited to make this for her. She has four boys and I know she will love to have something so girly!!
fiveintow says
I made it! Check out my version, and thanks for the great idea! http://fiveintow.com/2012/05/01/diy-butterfly-chandelier/
Phyl says
This is so special. Your girls are blessed to have a mom who makes them feel so special. I am wondering though, when do you sleep? You have wonderful ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Phyl
Meredith Tomasulo says
this is just beautiful – stunning!!
Anonymous says
I love this!! so beautiful. Im making this for my daughters 1st birthday. I started punching the butterflies already. Were did you get that ribbon from? I love it!