I am so SO excited to share with you my little chandelier love project. Sometime last summer, I drove up to the stop sign in front of my little antique shop. While the drivers around me scowled, I scanned the storefront for new treasures. Seeing two shabby chandeliers hanging in the window, I drove on trying to dream up a use for them. I had none. But I couldn’t stop thinking about them. When the objects of my fantasy chandelier makeover were still hanging in the window a couple weeks later, I made my move.
I lugged home both chandeliers and tried to avoid the rolling eyes and disapproving glare of my dear husband. They were stashed in storage since, still, I had no use for them. Recently, I started thinking that a chandelier hanging over our tea party table might not be a bad idea.
So, I got out the big chandelier, which cost just $10 because it was missing some parts, and I started layering coats of spray paint (Rust-o-leum heirloom white). Then I added some shiny new light bulbs. When I realized that she was looking pretty good, I did some online hunting and found all the parts I needed to spruce her up (I got the parts here). I used E6000 to adhere new leaves on the bottom of the arms as several of them were missing. I drilled holes in the tips of the leaves with the tiniest drill bit I could find; this worked great for adding some extra crystal pendants. I hung various sizes of crystal pendants and a string of crystal beads. 
I can’t get over just how great of a transformation this was! In fact, my disapproving husband has changed his tune entirely and agrees with me that the shabby chandy just might make a perfect new light fixture over our kitchen table. I do still intend to hang it outside for the tea party so it’s just rigged up above the table in the name of pictures, but don’t you think it will look nice in the kitchen?
What “treasures” have you stashed away? Why not tackle one today? There’s an extra long weekend coming up, perfect for a new project…
I’m linking up at Tatertots and Jello; come join the party.
Amy says
I love it it’s gorgoeus!!!!
Sixty-Fifth Avenue says
Wow!! What a makeover!! I love that chandelier too!! And yes…I think that pretty chandy is Perfect above your kitchen table! And for the tea party. You did a fantastic job sprucing her up Stef! I was laughing at the part about the disapproving eye…I have that all the time. He always comes around though.
As far as projects go…maybe I should finally finish the back hallway.:)
xo
hilljean says
I absolutely love it! Great job!
Gina says
That is gorgoeus, I just looked up at the UGLy lightfixture above my head, I have now found my new project, Thank you!
Kristie says
I’m loving it! It turned out beautiful. I need an awesome chandy now. I wish I could start a new project but my nightstand is still sitting in the garage half sanded. I might just declare tonight leftover night and finish her up right now.
[email protected] says
Gorgeous! I want one too!
found you on TT&J
Rachelle says
Wow! That’s beautiful! And I love your blog…you have a new follower! 🙂
Ali Richardson says
WOW!!!!! This is gorgeous!!! Great great job! I have been looking for a thrify chandy to fix up. You’re really inspired me to get hunting. Just popping in from TT&J 🙂
Melanie says
Just awesome, you are so good at seeing the potential in items. I think it’s a keeper for the kitchen table. Can’t wait for pics of Addie’s party!
Kristin says
What a treasure you have! Love it!
Splendiferous Girls says
LOVE IT…I want to do something like this for my daughters room…great job.
Sommer says
I’m seriously hunting for one of these this summer! That turned out so amazing! Please come link to my party this weekend =) http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/06/vip-party-18.html