Beaded ceiling light fixtures are growing in popularity. These light fixtures sometimes bridge between a traditional-type chandelier fixture and the simplicity of more modern light fixture shapes. Often, these transitional light fixtures will be quite expensive, but with a bit of ingenuity and work you can create an elegant yet modern beaded ceiling on a budget.
Instructions
1. Visit your local hardware store looking for the type of inexpensive fixture that has a built-in framework that extends beyond the lamps. These often look like spoked wheels. The framework will typically mount above the lamp section. Often, you can find leftover builder's lights that hang glass or plastic panes from this framework. Look for brass fixtures since they are likely to be quite inexpensive or on sale.
2. Tape off any sections of the lamp that you don't want to paint. Use medium-grit sandpaper to rough up the shiny brass. Wipe the residue off with a tack cloth. Use a metal coat hanger to hang the light from a tree limb or overhead spot so that you can easily paint all sides of the fixture.
3. Shake the paint and spray the fixture. Metallic paints are available in almost any finish, so it is easy to select a modern metal finish that will look good in your room. You will probably need to apply two to three coats with at least a 30-minute drying time between coats. Allow the fixture to dry for four hours before handling.
4. Hang the fixture in a location where you are comfortable to work. Mount the crystals and beads before the fixture is attached to the ceiling.
5. Use muffin tins to sort beads and crystals by type, size, color, shape and any other distinguishing feature. String beads using beading wire and needle-nose pliers to attach the strings to the fixture. Generally, work around the fixture in layers with your largest crystals at the bottom, below the level of the light bulbs and the bottom of the fixture. Often. the framing ribs (wheel-shaped) provide multiple places for positioning the strings.
Tags: light fixtures, ceiling light, light fixture