Faux Capiz Shell Chandelier

{Faux Chandelier by Christi}

This is my friend Christi....

I am realizing that I have a lot of friends named Christie! or Kristi, or Kristie.....This chandelier was done by another friend names Christi....she graciously took pictures along the way to share with us how to make a beautiful Capiz Shell Chandelier out of WAX PAPER!!!!  Here are her instructions....

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Here's what you need:

Scissors, circle punch (I used 1 3/8", but you can suit the size to your liking), wax paper (I used 3 rolls), an iron, 2 pieces of parchment paper

This is a type of chandelier I have always drooled over. Being the cheapskate that I am, I have never indulged because they can cost from $300-$2000!  Imagine my excitement when I found online instructions for a DIY faux capiz shell chandelier made from wax paper at The Little Apartment. That I can afford!

I started with a white wire hanging plant basket. This will be the frame of your chandelier.

I spray painted it silver.

Next, I cut three sheets of wax paper to the same length.  I then sandwiched them together and placed them between the 2 sheets of parchment. You need to iron until fused. Keep going until you have all of your sheets fused together.

I then took all of those fused sheets of wax paper and used the circle punch to make the faux capiz shells.

I then made rows of "shells" with tops overlappin​g (I made rows of 13)...for this part you will need scissors, thick white thread and a hot glue gun.  You also want to be sure to line them up on some type of guide so that they are straight.

I then cut thread to extend partially over both sides of my row.  You will need to anchor one side down. You can see I used one of my husband's heavy pliers.



I then placed a small glob of glue on the thread near the top of each circle and pushed it down against the "shell" to attach it.

I found it easiest to hold the other side of the thread while I made my glue dots, but if you can think of an easy way to anchor both sides, I recommend doing that.

After the glue dried, I started at the middle of the basket and would tie and hot glue the "shell" strands. I tried to stagger mine and put them every 2 or 3". You will need to trim any loose thread ends.

You will need to keep going until the basket is covered. This is partially done, but in the spot where it will permanentl​y hang.

It is so easy to be married to a jack-of-al​l-trades..​especially when he can do all of the things that I don't know how to do...like get electricit​y to the lamp! Finished product...​and we love it!

Total spent, about $15!

The wire basket being 2/3 of that price because I fell in love with the twirled wire at the top...and here I come to find out that you can get them at the dollar store. (Of course, Nicole would have known that.)  My next project...​twine ball chandelier​s for my dining room...of course I have to wait for my dining room to be remodeled.......

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Christie.....thank you SO much for sharing that tutorial with us.  I imagine that your chandelier is looking gorgeous in your newly remodeled kitchen!  I can't wait to see your twine ball chandelier....PLEASE take pictures again!

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