DIY Chicken Wire Pendant Light

Awhile ago, you may have read my post here, about the beginning stages of our kitchen remodel. I was indecisive on the light over our sink-which happens to be the only light in our kitchen right now. Then, I saw a chicken wire pendant lamp on my travels on the internet and thought, hey, I could attempt that! The only thing stopping me was that I didn't want a wire hanging down from the ceiling, like the ones you get in the DIY Light kits. After scouring stores and shops online I was coming up empty handed-I really didn't want to spend $200 plus! Then, I came across this light from Walmart that only cost $16.99! My brain started spinning and after some brainstorming in the lighting aisle with my kids and hubs...Grayson picked out this lovely burgundy lamp...

So my transformation started...and here's how I did it!

Part 1

1. Remove the fabric and glue off the current lampshade to expose the two rings (top and bottom). I used scissors, a utility knife, Goo Gone and lots of elbow grease!

2. Spray paint all lamp pieces black.

Then the fun begins....

Part 2- Supplies

 Wire cutters

Pliers

Chicken wire

Rings from your lampshade

Wire

I folded my sheet of chicken wire in half to make it look a bit thicker when on the lamp. I then measured out the length I needed by wrapping the wire around one of rings. I left a little extra at the ends so I would have some playing room when fastening it together. Then, cut the chicken wire to the desired size.

1. Warning-this project is not good for your manicure!

2. I gently shaped the chicken wire as I went along the ring, folding about half an inch over all the way around. Once you get to where the two sides meet use tiny pieces of wire to fasten the chicken wire together. (Sorry-no photo for that one!)

3. I then went back over the folded edges and used pliers to make sure it was good and tight.

4. With the bottom finished it resembles a cylinder shape.

5. Gently push the top ring inside the cylinder shape.

6. Position it at the desired height.

7. Bend the chicken wire around the lamp shade ring as you did for the bottom ring.

8. Use the pliers to tighten the wires in place.

 

Voila! Your finished chicken wire lamp shade.

Part 3

Installing your new pendant lamp

...Get your husband to do it! LOL!

To sum it up... you flip the base upside down. Pull back the fabric on the bottom of your lamp and strip back the wires to join them to the wires in the ceiling...boy, does this sound technical or what? Obviously I am not an electrician, well, neither is Mike, but he did it! He fastened the lamp to the ceiling with some butterfly clips, and that is all I know! :D

I love it! It's whimsical, rustic, modern and kitchy all in one-totally me! I love the way the light dances on the ceiling too!

Linking up with Vintage Wanna Bee, Crayon Freckles, Homework, Funky Polkadot Giraffe, Ginger Snap Crafts,  It's Overflowing, Uncommon, The 36th Ave., 52 Mantels, Happy Hour Projects, Tatertots and Jello, One Arty Mama, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Lolly Jane Boutique, The Girl Creative, Delectable Home