When it comes to making your ceiling lights

Recycling and re-using has made its way onto the home décor front with the arrival of shabby chic, way to make even old items look personalised and pretty.
Chandeliers make great items for shabby chic projects, whether they are intended for functional or decorative purposes. If you are intending your Chandelier to be more on the functional side, you may wish to consider the amount and size of Ceiling lights the fitting will hold.
There are two basic options when it comes to making your ceiling lights into something really special. If you are embarking on the task of making your own chandelier, you may want to plump for something a little more idiosyncratic than traditional models –that’s if you’re not well versed in metal work and glass blowing! Nature throws up all kinds of beautiful materials which can be used to great effect in the home, such as driftwood, or tree branches, onto which votive lamps can be attached using twisted wire. Add glass beads and there you have it –your very own eco-friendly chandelier!
Colanders also make great ceiling lights for the kitchen, and add a quirky and humourous touch. Use the colander as a shade to allow the light to shine through, or weave colourful material through the holes. They can also be painted using specialized paint.
For a vintage look, try an old fashioned bird cage. Covered with fairy lights, this can look stunning, but if you want to add a bit more light, traditional bulbs can be hung in the middle of the cage.
A new lampshade frame can also be suspended, with almost anything –beads, buttons, small toys –suspended from it. Experiment with different materials to find what works the best.
When salvaging old chandeliers, handle with care as you will probably need to replace the wiring. Crystals can be mismatched to add real shabby style, and anything from earrings to ornaments can also be used. Many craft shops sell a variety of paints which you can use to paint metal luminaries with –why not try painting an old cast iron design with a bold, clashing colour? Colours such as lime green look amazing against a purple or plum wall.
Feathers, fake fur, fake flowers and old lace can all be used as trim to give chandeliers an unexpected twist. Experiment with gauze and netting to see what works best with the rest of your décor – and remember, it is generally advisable to check that the material you are using won’t be singed or burnt, so try to find cooler light bulbs. Another word of warning –crafting is addictive, so once you’ve finished your first project, don’t be surprised if every room in your home is soon adorned with a beautiful home made shade!