A Butterfly Chandelier {Megity's Handmade}

Prepare yourselves for a totally cool tutorial!!  I was so excited with how Megan's butterfly chandelier turned out!!  Go for it, Megan!

**************************

Hi!  I'm Megan from Megity's Handmade.  I am super flattered to be guest posting today on Oopsey Daisy.  Today, we are going to make a beautiful butterfly chandelier for your little one.  It's going to fun! 

Supplies:

• 6-8 scrapbook papers of your choice - make sure it's thicker paper.  I used 12x12, but 8 1/2 x 11 works just as good - you just need more.
• 8-10 sheets of vellum (optional)
• 1 package of Mini Glue Dots
• fishing line
• a 12" hoop
• craft wire
• 15-20 yards of ribbon and tulle

Let the fun begin!!

Step 1:  Start by cutting out a gazillion butterflies of your choice.  Depending on your size of your chandy and how full you want it.  I made this one with 150 butterflies but had a few left over.  You can also cut butterflies out of the vellum.  When layered with a paper, the vellum butterfly looks extra soft and ethereal. 

Step 2:  Take your hoop and make a criss-cross shape with your wire.  Make sure it's secure and centered evenly.  Mine doesn't appear to be centered, but believe me, it is! 

Step 3:  I found it easiest to attach the butterflies while the hoop is hanging.  I secured mine to dangle off the side of the table with a very official crafting tool, a Tonka crane toy.  This Tonka toy is not necessary, you may use anything you want to secure it.  :)  Beginning with the center of the chandelier, tie one end of your fishing line to it.  Do not clip the length yet, just leave it attached to your spool.   Use one glue dot on the center of a butterfly, center it over your fishing line and press the other butterfly on top.  Continue down until you are satisfied with the length.  Mine alternated from lengths of four and five butterflies.  Once satisfied with the length, clip the fishing line. 

Step 4:  Continue attaching butterflies using the above technique working your way from the inside out.  The order used was the center of the cross wires, then each corner where the wire was attached to the hoop and finally one or two strands in between each corner.  Fill in your chandelier as much or as little as you want.

Step 5:  Tie tulle to the top of your hoop on each corner where the wire is.  Be generous in your length so that you can make a full bow.  Knot the tulle together and then make two large bows with the excess.


Step 6:  Fill in the rest of the hoop by tying the ribbons into simple knots.  This looks best with several different styles of ribbons and the knots going in different directions.  I used a satin, tulle, sheer and grosgrain in soft creams and perfect creamy pink.

Step 7:  Hang and enjoy!*

Voila!  The most adorable butterfly chandelier!  Now go forth and create for those you procreated!  ;)  Make your own or purchase a DIY kit from my Etsy shop.  The kit will include everything you need to complete your own chandelier.  No cutting required!  Custom colors and/or shapes available for an additional fee.

Thanks for having me here.  It was a pleasure.  Please, feel free to come and visit me on my blog Megity's Handmade.  Thanks!

*If hanging the chandelier over a crib, be sure to hang out of reach of baby. 

This chandelier is over an infants crib and although it may not appear to be, it is still high enough that the baby will not be able to reach when able to stand.  Safety first!

Is she fabulous or what?!  Thanks so much, Megan!  I already have plans for making an airplane chandelier for my son's room!