Weekend DIY Project: How to Make a Rope Chandelier

Image via: Mindy Weiss

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Supplies

Existing Chandelier

One 1/2-inch spool of sisal rope (100 feet)

One 3/8-inch spool of sisal rope (100 feet)

Sharp scissors

Twine

A small hula hoop

A wooden spoon (or popsicle stick)

Hot glue gun and sticks

A handsaw

Some strips of duct tape

Super glue

Procedure

1. Use the handsaw to cut the hula hoop and pour out the beads inside.
2. Check if the hula hoop fits in the chandelier’s interior. If it doesn’t, reduce it with the scissors. It should fit snugly under the light holders on the chandelier.
3. Turn the chandelier upside down and begin wrapping the 1/4 inch rope around the extensions. Affix with hot glue. Use the wooden spoon to hold down the first portion of the rope to avoid finger burns. Apply a lot of glue to make sure the rope doesn’t slip.
4. Hide the rope ends by adding more rope and continuing up. Wrap the rope to the top.
5. Wrap the 3/8-inch rope around the hula hoop. You can also use the 1/4 inch rope if you want.
6. When you get close to the end, place the hula hoop inside the chandelier and glue its ends together with the super glue. Secure the ends with duct tape.
7. Cut small pieces of rope and wrap them around the circular top part of your chandelier. Attach them with hot glue.
8. Use twine to secure the hula hoop to each extension of the chandelier.
9. Hang the chandelier in the most desirable place.

Image via: Pottery Barn

This rope chandelier will look good in your lounge, living room, or dining room. You will love the way it brightens up your home. Don’t be surprised if you love this weekend DIY project so much you start dreaming up other rope projects. While it requires significant time and effort, the results are worth it. You can enlist the help of your family or friends if you are making more than one chandelier.

Have you ever tried a rope project? How did it turn out? For more DIY projects, click here.

Easter Decorations: How to Make Egg Carton Flower Lights

Image via: Creative Ideas

Image via: All You

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Easter Craft Supplies:

Craft Wire

Scissors

LED string lights

Different colored egg cartons – preferably cardboard

Hole puncher

Image via: Upcycled-Wonders

Easy Easter Crafts Directions:

1. Use the scissors to cut out the “cup” of the egg cartons. Cut away the extra cardboard surrounding the “cup.”
2. Trim the edges of each “cup” to create lovely petals.
3. Repeat the process for two additional “cups” making each one smaller than the other. The smallest one can have 3 petals instead of 4.
4. Place the flowers on top of each other starting with the smallest and ending with the largest.
5. Insert the wire into the holes in the middle of each flower. Fasten it to secure the flowers together. Make sure it extends from the hole so that it can attach the flower to a branch.
6. Make a small slit on the interior part of the innermost flower starting at the middle hole.
7. Insert the LED light into the slit.
8. You can make your flowers decorative by punching holes on the petals using the hole punch. If you don’t have a hole punch, use a sharp instrument.
9. Attach the flowers to a branch or a wire from the back.

Image via: Create My Event

Easter Crafts for Kids

Trying to think of creative Easter crafts to do with kids this season? Search Stagetecture’s Easter archives for Easter Crafts for Kids.

What do you usually do with your egg cartons when the eggs are finished? Toss them out? Try this DIY craft project and you’ll never think of throwing your egg cartons again. You can place the lights in your porch or indoors. Either way, they will look breathtaking! You can use one egg carton or use differently colored ones. Egg cartons with different colors create a whimsical look. Make sure you use LED lights. They are brighter and energy-efficient.

For more easy Easter crafts on Stagetecture click here.

Have Fun in This Solar-Powered Tree House

Image via: Yahoo Homes

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The Solar-Powered Tree House Project

The Skysphere is the brainchild of Jono Williams, a graphic designer and plastics engineer from New Zealand. He dreamt of creating an elevated building with a 360-view and Wi-Fi connectivity. Williams says that from a young age, he loved making things. When he was a kid, he would raid building sites to find wood for his tree houses. However, things have changed as he now imports up to 4 tons of steel to make a tree house.

Williams says that when building The Skysphere, he knew that a typical tree house would not be able to match his idea of an elevated room. Regular tree houses have many limitations. First, trees are affected by the elements and houses built on them can be damaged by harsh weather conditions. Secondly, trees grow with time and their branches can destroy tree houses as they expand. Trees also tend to obstruct the view from different angles and it’s almost impossible to see the surroundings. To avoid these drawbacks, Williams decided to forego a tree house and construct his own steel support. He customized the tree-like structure, ensuring it is ideal for any space and not just places where big trees grow.

Image via: Mashable

The engineer spent $50,000 and took 3 years to create and assemble each element – from the sphere and steel structure to the wood flooring and ceiling. He attended classes to learn how to make his tree house structurally sound and able to endure earthquakes and high winds. The end result was an incredibly awesome tree house that is pleasing to the eye and fitted with top-notch features. The structure is really impressive bearing in mind that Williams had no architectural experience before he started. The engineer not only created the basic design and energy systems, he also incorporated some avant-garde details.

Standout Features

The Skysphere is located in Linton, New Zealand and is comprised of a single room with transparent walls which provide guests with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The room can be accessed via a single ladder found at the base. The glass walls add to its beauty and bring the outdoors in. The tree house boasts a sleek modern design that makes it more striking than other tree houses. It is entirely powered by solar panels and uses solar power for all its devices.

This solar-powered tree house has dimmable LED lighting, high-speed internet, a wireless sound system, fingerprint entry, a refrigerated beer dispenser, and a Miracast projector. All of these features can be accessed through a Smartphone app. After you open the tree house with your fingerprint, climb a ladder to go to the main room, or up to the rooftop if you want a high vantage point. The room has a couch and a queen size bed where you can relax. The cooler is built into the couch ensuring refreshments are always within easy reach. The couch’s armrest has a built-in coaster which goes down and comes up with beer. In addition, the fridge sends an alert when the stock is diminishing.

Image via: Latest Solar News

The Skysphere is self-reliant thanks to solar panels. The panels power everything for 2 days every week and make the tree house a perfect weekend getaway. You won’t have to worry about powering your gadgets when it gets dark. The tree house doesn’t have a bathroom because Williams says he didn’t want to bother with plumbing. But he’s planning to build one in the surrounding trees.

Every person likes to have their own cozy space where they can be themselves and do whatever pleases them. Most people designate one room in their homes, but there are others who don’t conform to this trend. They leave no stone unturned to build their dream lounging room. Jono Williams did just that. If you love nature and are eco-conscious, visit this amazing structure. When evening comes and the stars shine brightly, you won’t have to say goodbye to the outdoors. You will lounge in your personal haven as you enjoy spectacular views and tranquil seclusion.

For more cool architecture on Stagetecture, click here.

Summer DIY Project – Tin Can Lanterns Craft

Image via: Casadex

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Materials:

Recycled tin cans

Nail

Hammer

Bailing wire

Spray paint

Pliers

Tea light candle

Outlines (natural or printed)

Sellotape

Sand

Directions

1. Remove labels from the cans with warm soapy water. Cut out the tops and remove any contents.
2. Fill the tins with ¾ sand and water and put them in the freezer. Remove them when the ice is solid. Freezing prevents the cans from being deformed and sand prevents bulging.
3. Remove one can from the freezer and make 2 holes on opposite sides near its top using the nail and hammer.
4. Use sellotape to fix the outline to the can. Make sure you like the placement before you start hammering.
5. Hammer on the outer sides of the outline before you hammer inside. Space the nail holes evenly to create a symmetrical pattern.
6. Once you’ve created a design, let the ice melt out then dry the tin.
7. Remove the outline to showcase the design. Cut a strip of bailing wire and bend its ends to form hooks. Stick these through the top side holes.
8. Repeat the above processes on the other cans
9. Spray paint the cans. Do not paint the cans before hammering as this may create a rough exterior.
10. Leave the tins to dry for about one day.
11. Fill the bottom of the cans with sand. Place the tea light candles inside and light them.

Image via: Tip Junkie

Lights are a unique design element. They can create a magical scene that lures and enchants. Unfortunately, most outdoor lights are expensive. If you want to brighten up your exterior without spending a lot of money, try this summer DIY project. It is not only ideal for summer, it can be reinvented throughout the year for parties, birthdays, and festive events.

For more summer crafts on Stagetecture, click here.

Fun DIY Project: Tree Stump Candle Holders

Image via: Cozy Stylish Chic

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Things You Will Need

Drill

Handsaw

Miter saw

Jig saw

1½” wood boring drill bit

Tea light candles

Sandpaper

Procedure

1. Choose a few logs from the stack and pick those with a diameter of about 4”.
2. Clean the logs with a slightly damp cloth to get rid of the dust and dirt.
3. Saw off the protruding branches with a jig saw or a handsaw. A jig saw is better than a handsaw because it doesn’t make your arms tired.
4. Use the miter saw to slice the ends of the logs. It creates a nice, clean cut. Make sure that the cut is perpendicular to the log’s length so it doesn’t lean when upright.
5. Reduce the length of some logs to ensure they have varying heights. You can make one 3”, another 7”, and another 9”. When the logs have different heights they make for a more interesting candle arrangement.
6. Using the drill and drill bit, make a hole in each tree stump. It should be approximately 1/2”. If you aren’t sure that the size of the hole is accurate, place a tea light. Its flat top should align with the surface of the log.
7. Sand the bark of each log to create a rustic appearance. If the wood has a thick bark, you may require a sander.
8. After cutting, drilling, and sanding take your tree stump candle holders indoors and arrange them on your dining table or fireplace mantel.

Image via: Craft Hubs

This fun DIY project isn’t just for the holidays, it can be done any time of year. The next time your landscaper cuts the damaged trees in your yard, tell him you need a few trunks for a project. The candle holders also make great gifts any time of year. They are beautiful, inexpensive, and offer a great way to bring the outdoors in.

For more DIY crafts on Stagetecture, click here.

Simple DIY Project: Picture Frame Key Holder

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Things You Will Need

• Wood picture frame
• Screw hooks
• Paint (optional)
• Adornments (optional)
• A screwdriver
• A Frame
• Tailor’s Chalk or pencil
• Pliers
• Protective glasses
• Craft Glue

Instructions

1. Wear the protective glasses because wood and glass may break or splinter.
2. Remove the glass from the picture frame and store it well. Use the pliers to remove the stapes securing the glass.
3. Beautify your picture frame by painting it. Most picture frames are dull and need freshening up. Apply 2-3 coats of paint to cover the frame. You can also paint the hooks.
4. Use the chalk or pencil to mark where you want to place the hooks. You can use many hooks depending on the size of the frame.
5. Once you make the markings, drill holes into the frame.
6. Screw in the hooks and adjust them to create a uniform look.
7. Fix the embellishments to the frame using craft glue.
8. Mount the frame on your wall and hang your keys.

Nothing compares to the joy you get from creating things. Whether you are an amateur or an expert, you will enjoy this DIY project. It is fun, easy, beautiful, and functional. Your visitors will be amazed at your creativity and your friends will want to know how you made it. For a unique look, buy a beautiful vintage frame from an antique store. You can also decorate the frame with seasonal flowers or sprigs. It can be as simple or as fancy as you want it to be. You can even make it the focal point of your living room.

How would you decorate your picture frame key holder?

Start the Year Right: Make a New Years Resolution Tree

Things You’ll Need

• Branches
• Paper
• Scissors
• Twine
• Marker
• Glass vase
• Stones
• Paper punch
• Basket

New Year’s Resolution Tree Directions:

1. Cut the paper according to your preferred shapes. Make sure they are big enough to write on.
2. Make holes on every piece of paper with the paper punch.
3. Cut the twine into small pieces and put them through the holes you made. Tie the ends.
4. Put some of the stones inside the vase. Vary the sizes so as to leave gaps where you can insert the branches.
5. Place the branches inside the vase and add the remaining stones.
6. Write your resolutions so as to let your guests know the purpose of the tree.
7. Place the blank papers in the basket and set it next to the tree.

This New Year’s craft is a small project with a big impact. It will add color and interest to your home. Encourage your family and friends to jot down their resolutions and hang them on the tree. Afterwards, you can support each other when the going gets tough. You can assign the tree a permanent spot in your home so as to remind yourself of your goals. It will enhance your decor and serve as a constant reminder.

Easy DIY Gift: CD Picture Frame

Image via: Jam Carin

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Things You Will Need

• An old CD. If the width of your picture frame is wide you may need more than one CD.
• Scissors or tin snips
• Tacky glue
• Tweezers
• A piece of thin cardboard or a piece of cereal box
• Black slick dimensional fabric paint

Instructions

1. Cut the CD into pieces using the scissors. Vary the shapes and sizes.
2. Apply the glue on the front part of the frame and spread it using the cardboard.
3. Use the tweezers to pick up the CD pieces and place them on the glued frame. Continue this process and leave space between each piece.
4. Put the CD pieces on every part of the frame until it is fully covered. Leave to dry.
5. Squeeze the paint onto a scrap paper to ensure it doesn’t come out with bubbles.
6. Fill in the spaces between the CD pieces with the paint. Keep the lines even.
7. You can repeat the lines to make them bold. However, make sure you don’t smear the previous lines.
8. When all the lines are filled, leave the frame to dry.
9. Display for all to see!

Image via: Make it easy crafts

Who knew old CDs could make stunning artwork? This easy DIY project is ideal for beginners and requires few materials. You will love it for its simplicity. Try it this holiday season and display your family pictures, holiday images, or beautiful art. Your friends and guests will ask you for tips on how to make the frames. After you show them, get started on another DIY project.

Can you think of anyone on your gift list who would enjoy this holiday craft?

DIY Christmas Gifts: Etched Candle Holders

 

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Supplies

Fast-acting etching cream

Glass candle holders (without any decorations)

Adhesive stencils

Candles

Paint Brush

Drop cloth

Rubber gloves

Procedure

1. Place the adhesive stencils on the glass candle holders and smooth down the edges to prevent etching cream from slipping under them.
2. Inspect all the areas where the etching cream will be applied to ensure that the stencil has no gaps.
3. Put on your rubber gloves because etching cream can cause burns.
4. Place the drop cloth on a flat surface and begin applying the etching cream on the gaps in the stencil.
5. Leave the cream to dry for about 8-10 minutes.
6. Rinse thoroughly in water (with your rubber gloves on).
7. If you are etching different sides of the candle holder, repeat the process.

These DIY Christmas gifts make great decorations for any room. You can add lovely words to warm your friends’ hearts. Each time they light candles in their homes, they will see your sweet messages written on their candle holders. Candles make great gifts and are must-haves in beautiful settings. They bring a lovely glow to any environment and are perfect for holiday parties. For the best glow, use tea lights and put a little rice in the candle holders to keep the lights in place.

Who will you make these etched candle holders for on your holiday list?

Holiday DIY Project: Ombre Vases

Image via: Creme de la Craft

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Video – How to Make Ombre Vases

Link to video: How to make an ombre vase

Supplies

• Glass vases or bottles
• White acrylic paint
• An acrylic paint of your choice (to create the darkest color)
• A small container to mix paint
• Mod podge
• Paintbrush

Directions

1. Remove labels from your bottles or vases. Peel the paper then soak the glass containers in warm water for approximately 20 minutes. Remove any residue with a scraper.
2. Pour the acrylic paint you’ve chosen into a container. Pour enough paint as you’ll use it for the entire vase or bottle.
3. Paint a strip on the bottom part of the bottle. Leave it to dry then add a second coat. If you want a darker shade, add a third coat.
4. Add a little white paint to the container and mix. Apply a second strip on the bottle on top of the first.
5. For a steady transition between shades, add a small amount of white paint each time.
6. Work your way up and continue adding a lighter strip until the vase or bottle is completely covered.
7. Once done, add a coat of mod podge to lock in the paint.
8. Repeat the process for other cylinders.
9. Put flowers, add water, and enjoy your new vases!

Image via: Almost Makes Perfect

Instructions

This holiday DIY project is inexpensive and has a lot of wow factor. You can use any glass container with a flattering shape for a unique outcome. Without a doubt, you’ll enjoy displaying flowers or branches in your ombre vase. While flowers steal the show in many instances, your vase will be the showstopper this time around.

Which color will you use for this project?