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Monday, March 26, 2012

Twiggy Outdoor Chandelier and a True Picture of Spring





Today I want to share a project with you that I made about a year and a half ago before I started blogging.  However, I was anticipating maybe starting a blog, so I took pictures of the process just in case.  


We have a covered sitting area on our back patio.  I searched for months for some kind of chunky iron candelabra to hang, but came up empty.  Then, while thrifting, I found this.  



I bought some glass votive holders that fit inside and some tea-light candles and used it as-is for a while.  But, it looked wimpy.  I wanted something bulkier.  I had seen some fantastic DIY twig chandeliers in the blogosphere,  and I thought it would be extremely fitting to try one, since this was outside and all!  I had previously painted it a few different colors, but spray painted the frame brown for this project so the frame would blend in with the twigs.

Then, I hung it and started poking twigs in the middle.  The frame had a big open section in the middle which was really helpful.  I didn't glue or wire or anything to secure the twigs, just kept stuffing more in until it looked full and they stayed secure by themselves.




The bottom looked a little puny with all of the drama coming out of the top, so I found some honeysuckle vine left over from another project and wrapped it around the base...  




and kept adding more sticks and "fluffing"




until I reached the look I wanted!




Don't worry, I did switch over to battery operated tea lights when all the sticks were added in.  Wouldn't want to burn the house down, and regular candles were next to impossible to keep lit out there with the fierce Oklahoma wind!



But, here's the real reason I wanted to share this project with you today.  A few weeks ago we noticed some visitors flitting around the twigs, and over the weekend we peeked up and found this:


Aren't God's creatures just the masters at DIY?  This nest is gorgeous.


The best part is that it's right outside our breakfast window, so we get to watch the Mama and Daddy come and go.  Daddy is the lookout while the Mama is on the nest.


The worst part is that we're waiting for that aforementioned fierce Oklahoma wind to kick up...those babies will be swinging from the rafters...literally.  Caleb has a plan to keep them still.  I'll keep you posted. :)   

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Random question of the day:  Do you paint ceilings with a flat or satin finish?  Our office painting is finished, but I'm not 100% loving the color of the ceiling, and it is an eggshell finish which seems very shiny...maybe because it's a dark color?  If I re-do, should I buy flat instead?  When we painted the ceilings in the tan color that's in the main part of our house we used satin and it doesn't seem to have as much sheen.  So I'm thinking maybe the darker colors look shinier?  


Would you like to comment?

  1. Oh my gosh - the nest!! That is awesome!!! I just love the twig chandelier and am feeling oh so sorry for myself that I don't have a porch to hang one on (note to self: must build porch for a twiggy chandelier.) But the next just makes it!!

    I always use flat paint on the ceiling.....but change it only if you have the energy to keep painting! It's not like it's "wrong", but if you don't like the color anyway - might was well go flat which doesn't reflect the light in weird ways :)

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  2. TOO adorable! Our neighbors have a nest right out their window and we all go over to watch mama feed her babies! Btw, your twig chandelier is fabulous, too! :)

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  3. I always use flat on the ceiling...good luck! I love the chandelier!

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  4. LOVE the twig chandy! Looks so full and the tea lights are perfect. I was wondering how you were going to avoid flames. :-) Seriously, I figured you would use the battery powered lights.

    The bird nest is so precious! They work so hard and yet the results are amazing. I so hope the wind does NOT destroy it. I know it must be a lot of fun to watch them.

    I haven't painted ceilings in a long time but flat paint was used. I think it helps with lighting and the colors are true.

    Have a wonderful week!
    xo
    Pat

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  5. Love that twig chandelier ... and it's newest occupants! Meanwhile women across the blogosphere are making their own little nests with eggs to include in their decor, but none could hold a battery-operated candle to the real thing!

    :)

    Linda

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    Replies
    1. So happy that you linked up to the "It's a Cinch" party!

      :)

      Linda

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  6. What a beautiful chandy! Good job. You are so lucky to have new residents. They must love their new home!

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  7. I LOVE the twiggy chandelier! Great Job!

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  8. That turned out fantastic, I love it all and the way it glows in the evening is wonderful

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  9. Great idea!! I love the glow through the branches. Really cool Spring idea.

    Amy

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  10. I Love it!
    I don't know about the ceiling paint :(
    xo

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  11. This turned out so pretty, and you get real birds to boot...love it. I wanted to let you know that I am passing down the Liebster award to you. Hope you have a great day, and don't let that crazy wind knock your chandelier down ;)

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  12. Flat paint is what I usually use for the ceiling - satin and eggshell do have a sheen and any light will reflect off the surface. Your diy light is adorable!

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  13. Love your chandelier!!! I'm new to your blog and a new follower!
    If I paint a ceiling dark, I use flat.... if it's white I use eggshell or satin. Hope that helps!

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  14. Jennifer,

    This is absolutely amazing. I paint my ceiling with flat paint! Thanks for linking up to the party. I am giving you a shout out on my facebook page :)

    blessings,
    karianne

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  15. You obviously did a fantastic job creating your twig chandelier, because the birds think it's a tree! :-) So awesome that you have a little egg-filled nest right there in your chandelier :-)

    Those battery operated tea light are great. I went to the Dollar Store yesterday to pick up some more, and they were completely sold out. Very popular!

    As for painted ceilings - my living room ceiling is a gold colour in flat and my dining room ceiling is a dark chocolate brown in eggshell. I totally didn't think when I bought the DR paint and realized after it was on the ceiling that it wasn't flat. I don't find it looks too shiny, though. Normally I go with flat on ceilings.

    Kelly

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  16. That is beautiful!! And so amazing that birds made a nest in it! That's so fun that you get to watch them through the window now. I love this project- pinning it now!

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  17. This is so creative and cute! So glad to have found your blog through Cre8tive Motives.

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  18. I absolutely love this, what a beautifully organic idea. Thank you so much for linking up. :)
    Karah

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  19. I LOVE this! I actually thought of buying a twig chandelier for my dining room (but it was mucho expensivo)! What a whimsical addition to your yard - and I'm sure the birds are thrilled!

    Pinning this beauty - so glad you joined our Cinch party.
    Kelly

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  20. the chandelier is incredible. love! i have never used anything on the ceiling other than flat but i have always admired the glow of a metallic so it's on my someday list.

    hope you'll visit soon--a great giveaway hapenning:

    http://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-giveaway.html

    smiles.

    michele

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