Chalk-Painted Chandelier with Roping Accents

Happiest Birthdayiversary to Chelsea {and Matt}!  Thank you Chelsea for sharing such sweet words of wisdom about turning the big three-O in your last post.

Since Chelsea is taking the day off to celebrate with the family, I am coming at you with another guest post.

When I found this chandelier at the ReStore, it already had a chalk-like grey finish.  The problem was it had a broken top loop and a missing decorative finial at the bottom.  I salvaged suitable replacements from another light fixture but they were a nickel finish and did not match.  So... in steps chalk paint to save the day!  

You can't even tell which were the mismatched replacement pieces.

I love the effect chalk paint has on metal.  It tones down the sheen and gleam of a typical chandelier and makes the light fixture feel more earthy.   I painted the metal frame of this chandelier in a warm gray color called "Primitive" by Americana Decor.  I have been making my own chalk paint as of late, but saw this sample at Home Depot and thought what the hey...

For a fun twist, I removed the candle covers, wrapped them in sisal rope, and secured the rope in place with hot glue.  

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, right?  Thanks Chels for introducing sisal rope accents to me in your sisal rope lamp tutorial and using rope to add interest to a hanging photo posts ;)

This 5-bulb chalk-painted chandelier is available for sale.
$150

If you're interested in this piece, please contact Cate to see it in person.  This and many other gorgeous pieces are listed in the Available for Sale sections in the right-hand menu.  Let us know if you find something you like!

~Cate

This post was published under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Chandelier Terrarium {Part II}

Last time I posted on a chandelier terrarium that was in fact a terrarium - see it here at Chandelier Terrarium {Part I}.  Now let me show you another take on repurposing a chandelier: a potted plant "greenhouse."  Although not exactly a terrarium {which usually has rocks, soil, and rooting plants}, this glass geometric structure is a beautiful display case for your average indoor potted plant.  

{Before & After}

I removed the chain, suspended candelabra, and that crazy Alibaba topper thing.  The roundness of the topper just wasn't gelling with the geometric lines of the lantern.  It was frankly out-dating the look so... of with his head!  I did end up keeping the chandelier loop {which is the loop where the chain attaches to the lantern} and put it back onto the top by screwing it into the existing center hole. 

What is great about this size chandelier, is they usually come with a latching glass panel allow for easy light bulb changes.  Now it allows for easy plant watering.

Dusty brass chandelier?  Meet beautiful orchid.  No more hanging in lonely entryways for you mister.  Your job now is to protect your vulnerable charge while showcasing the delicate display.

The gold-glint chandelier case is almost as delicate-looking as the orchid.

 If you ask me, this orchid seem rather happy about its new living arrangements.  Don't you think?

Now it's your turn to turn something old new,

~Cate

This post was originally published on Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.

Chandelier Terrarium {Part I}

We've all seen em' - those brass chandelier/lanterns hanging in hallways or entryways...  The mascot for all houses built in the 80's maybe... But brass is coming back and geometric is in so why not make the most of these old chandeliers and a new trend: make a terrarium!

ter·rar·i·um: noun  a usually transparent enclosure for keeping or raising plants indoors

There are several ways to build a terrarium.  West Elm has a great tutorial on how to create a terrarium - both succulent (dry) and fern (wet).  For my repurposed chandelier, I chose to build a wet terrarium.  

After gutting a boring brass entryway lantern, I turned it upside down and filled the base with river rocks for drainage.  After, I layered with potting soil and then planted some Moneywort {also known as Creeping Jenny}.  For a wet terrarium, you can plant ferns or moss, but I chose Moneywort because of it's vivid chartreuse-green coloring.

{Before & After}

I chose to place my terrarium on our little balcony bistro table.

  Oh hey there Thor {our new puppy}.

You can also position it on its side.  Love how it looks "spilling" out.

Here's a better look at the base of the terrarium {what was once the top of the chandelier}.  As you can see, there are holes so don't forget to put in on something for drips.

You can kind of see the river rocks layer a little better in this photo. 

 And here you can see it all together with the red orb light I posted about last week!

Visit us again soon to find out what will happen to this guy...

~Cate

This post was originally published on Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.