New use for the common "twig"

Check out this fabulous idea for making a tree branch chandelier!! During a search for cost effective unique lighting for a rustic restaurant, we came accross this "do it yourself" pendant on the Apartment Therapy San Fransisco Blog. It is made out of fallen limbs or twig. Yes, you will need to have some electrical knowledge or advise from a professional. One could make this as contemporary or rustic as desired and in any size or shape.

I have decided that I will be creating one for my cabin retreat so check back in the next couple of months for photos and a finished product.

Here are the directions to building your next fabulous and very unique chandelier:

• Choose the branches that you like - feel free to add a little color if you would like!
• Clean them up by removing all the little twigs that are not attractive and pull off loose bark
• Place the branches on a long table or dining table that way you can match the table and the bottom will be flat when hung.
• Screw the branches together - First drill a pilot hole and use small "bullet" head wood screws
• Buy some lamp cord, small candelabra sockets, some 1/4 IP nipple, and a light canopy at your local hardware store.
• Drill a shallow hole a little smaller than the 1/4 IP nipple and twist them into the hole.
• Wire all the candelbra sockets together ("daisy chained") and screw them onto the nipples
• Cover the sockets with plastic candelabra "candle" covers
• Suspend the whole thing using thin plastic-coated cable.... the hanging wires were passed through 2 small pulleys and attached to the light in four places so it could be balanced back and forth to get it level.
• Run the electrical to a canopy that you need to buy ...connected to the "daisy chain" on the lamp with small wire nuts, and hang it up!
  

The whole thing cost roughly $35 in lamp parts from a local hardware store and about a couple of hours to make!