How to make the mason jar chandelier

First I built a box that is the base of the light fixture.  I used 1/2" MDF (because I had it laying around).

The base is 6"x35"

I took this opportunity to use my new Kreg tool

I also learned how to cut crown moulding

 I worked with the box upside down so the table would act as the ceiling, and I could position the crown moulding correctly.

very important to start your nails first

mark where your wires will come through

pre drill, then drill all of the holes

I painted with a sample from Home Depot... best value $2.99

Then I drilled all of the mason jar lids for the electrical fixture

I use a nail to tap the metal to keep the drill bit from walking

clean it up a bit so you don't get cut later

The top of the light fixture

this is a ceramic disk which acts as an insulator so you won't get shocked from hot wires touching the metal lid.

progress

I purchased fabric covered wire from an antique specialty store.  I put masking tape around the points where I cut to keep it from fraying.  I cut lengths varying from 23" to 27"... 16 total

this was 3 ply wire.  My fixtures had no connector for the ground, so I just cut it back.

After 2 coats of brown paint, I dry brushed some black paint on to match my kitchen cabinets

I am pleased with the results

Very carefully wiring to ensure that white wires and black wires cannot possibly touch.  If any wires are visible from under the wire caps, adding a little electrical tape is a good idea.  I wired to an electrical plug, because I don't want to hard wire this fixture, I am adding a plug to the socket.

preview on wiring

My electrician suggested adding sheet metal to the top of the fixture, just in case.  If anything shorts out, it won't  burn through the ceiling.

I enlisted the aide of the hubbs to actually hang the fixture

I used ceiling hangers with 5" screws

he measured and wallered out some holes

installed this into the existing light fixture, so I could just plug in!

Brighter than the surface of the sun!!!

So we added a dimmer switch!... be sure to get one rated for the correct wattage.  This fixture is currently putting out 640W, plus the other lights on the circuit, we got a 1000W dimmer.

I am not an electrician, but I know one.  This is my wiring diagram

Thanks for looking.

Master bedroom Obsession Project Update

This past week, Kevin and I closed on our new home. We have been very busy getting the house ready for the move. My dear sweet husband has indulged me, and helped me to complete a MAJOR project in the master bedroom... before we move into the house. I really wanted to do something to make the house my own, and put my special mark on it, rather than just having a cookie cutter new home.

I started the project by refinishing the furniture in my bedroom.

After we closed on the house, I headed to the paint store. We started with painting the bedroom walls.

Then I headed to Lowes and had all of the wood cut for the major project. Kevin met me at the store, after I convinced the young man to cut all of the wood for me :-)

My Mini Cooper loaded down with construction materials.

So... We installed crown moulding, and put casing around all of the windows.

Construction underway!

We met one of our new neighbors, and he offered up the use of his nail gun.... THANK GOD!! So we installed the boards and battens in about 3-4 hours.

Once the boards were up, there was still alot to do..... paint and caulk, but we totally ran out of steam, and it was Sunday night, and we were supposed to go to work in the morning. So we both called in 'Sick and tired' on Monday and headed to the house to finish our projects. I completed painting and caulking, and Kevin was able to epoxy the garage floor!

Moving day is this Friday..... stay tuned for the Master bedroom reveal!!