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Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

If you’ve been following my blog over the past couple of weeks, you are already well aware of my love for air plants. The moment I saw the Air Plant Chandelier Tutorial over at Modishblog.com by way of Ready Made’s blog, my tillandsia interest went from enchantment to full-blown obsession. Once the seed was planted, I knew I couldn’t help but make my own. I was determined to do it on a shoestring budget, so I hit my local Salvation Army to scope out glassware, used leftover wire from making lanterns for my wedding, and picked up some twine from the True Value Hardware down the street. After a trip to Dig for my air plant fix, I put the whole thing together for less than $50–$10 in supplies, $40 in plants (ah, supply and demand in NYC).

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

It’s entirely possible that you already have all of the materials that you need to make a chandelier of your own.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

You need: 4 air plants, 4 clear glass containers with a lip around the top (or a handle), flexible wire, twine, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a pair of scissors.

1.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Cut a piece of wire about 24″ long. This length may need to be adjusted depending on the diameter of the container you’re using. My containers were 3″ across.

2.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Wrap the wire around the container so you have equal length on both ends. Twist like a twisty tie.

3.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Tighten the wire by twisting a few times with your pliers. Stop when the wire is snug, but not too tight.

Additional Option: If you’re using heavier glassware, or if you just prefer the look, you can wrap the wire around the lip twice. See the photo below.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

4.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Create a loop by crossing the loose ends of the wire.

5.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Using your pliers, wrap the wire around the loop. It’s easiest to start at the top on each side, twisting down to the base.

6.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Once you reach the bottom, wrap any extra wire around the base, taking care to squeeze in any loose ends so they don’t poke you later.

7.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Measure the twine into pieces that are twice as long as your desired length (you will be folding them in half), then cut three pieces of each length. I chose 4 feet, 3 feet, 2 feet, and 1 foot, but you can use whatever lengths make sense for you.

8.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

It’s time to braid. Bundle 3 pieces of twine of the same length, and tie a knot at one end. Bring the pieces through the loop, securing the loop at the bottom of the braid.

9.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

If you’re working with long pieces, secure the container between your feet, then braid up. When done, loop the twine through the second side of the loop, and knot to secure.

10.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

To create a hanger at the top, gather all of the twine braids together, and tie a knot with a loop at the end.

11.

Tutorial: Air Plant Chandelier | Red-Handled Scissors

Add air plants, hang, and enjoy!

I definitely know what I’m making for everyone who’s getting married this summer

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