Tutorial: Faux Capiz Shell Chandelier

Since my last tutorial I've just been dying to do another! So, I dug one up that I'd been meaning to do for a while. I'm learning there's nothing quite like a blog for getting caught up on all things crafty you've been "meaning to do". :D

Have you seen these faux capiz shell chandeliers? There are a few out there in bloggy land so this isn't an orignial idea - though I do wish I could take the credit because they are phenomenal - and oh so economically friendly. Mine cost me a grand total of 2 dollars! Ready for a peek? .. okay, okay - here she is:

Even for all it's "wonkiness" I love it! I have to find something to cover that terrible brass - but I think she's a real looker - all in all. :)

So.. this is how I did it. First I gathered my supplies. I used an old lamp shade for the bones of the operation. You don't have to use a lamp shade - I've seen it done with hanging baskets and such - you just need some kind of tiered structure. 

 

I used a coat hanger to make the second tier and then wrapped all the tiers in fabric - I did this because I was going to be hot gluing and needed something for the glue to grab on to. You will need wax paper - the bigger and fluffier you intend to make your chandelier the more paper you will use. I got 2 rolls from the Dollar Tree and used a little over 1 whole box. You need a good circle punch - I'd hate to see someone cut all those circles individually.. though I know that's been done and will be again. Carry on you Frugalistas!

Next you will need to start ironing sheets of wax paper together - you need it to be thicker than it comes in the box. This step was the easiest part for me and still.. I don't know how in the world I forgot to take pics! Basically you just tear sheets of waxed paper (you want them to be approximately all the same size - but just eyeball it!). Iron 3 sheets together to form 1 sheet. I have read that others used a piece of parchment paper between the wax paper and the iron but I didn't. I just stuck the iron straight on the wax paper and it worked beautifully. No worries about which side of the paper is touching what - it doesn't seem to matter. 

After you fuse your sheets together it's almost time to start punching circles. My punch performed much better when it had multiple layers to work through so I folded each sheet accordion style. It was much faster that way too! Then, just punch, punch, punch!

Get yourself a bowl or something to hold all your circles. I've seen them organized neatly into muffin tins - but I'm just not that "together". Lol. Besides, I found a whole set of silver nesting bowls last weekend and had to put one to use!

When you think you have enough circles to start stringing them together you need to break out your sewing machine. You may have seen these strung together with ribbon or even hot glued all together but I wanted to use my sewing machine - use your own discretion here. :)

Now I know you can't tell much by that photo. There is a video out there somewhere that shows exactly how to do this and I can't find it! I promise to post a link when I do dig it up again. Anyway, you basically just feed the circles through controlling the pace with your machine. Does that help explain it at all? It's pretty easy when you get the hang of it! I strung 8 at a time together. 

 

From this point I used my trusty little glue gun. The fabric wrapped around the tiers really helped. I started with the bottom tier - just seemed logical but do it how you like. :) And keep adding strands till it's as full and fluffy as you like.

 

 I wish I had some better pics! I'll see what I can get tomorrow when there is plenty of sunlight. I hope you decide to do this project - it's cheap and fun and it turns out so pretty. (and it's pretty easy too!) Till next time! xo

This is where I party:

Monday
Between Naps on the Porch - Metamorphosis Monday 
Polly Want A Crafter? - Monday Craft Linky Party 
Keeping It Simple - Motivate Me Monday
Skip to My Lou - Made by You Mondays
A Diamond in the Stuff - Time to Shine

Tuesday

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesday's Treasures
Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty
Creating a House of Grace - Twice Owned Tuesday
Not Just a Housewife - Show Me What Ya Got

Wednesday

Primp - Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays 
 

Thursday

What Allie's Making Now

Beyond the Picket Fence

Shabby Chic Cottage
Delightful Order - Featuring You
Creations By Kara
Frugalicious Me
From My Front Porch To Yours - Treasure Hunt Thursday
 

Friday
Chic on a Shoestring
Home is Where My Story Begins
Fingerprints on the Fridge

The Shabby Nest - Frugal Friday
Finding Fabulous - Frugalicious Friday

Saturday
Be Different, Act Normal
Remodelaholic

Sunday

I Heart Nap Time - Sundae Scoop