We've admired Seattle designers Iacoli & McAllister's Spica Pendant for some time now, and were pleasantly surprised to come across a similar looking light via Swedish blog Mormors Glamour. But unlike the Spica (which is handmade from brass-plated steel, and starts at $795), this shade is a DIY project made from drinking straws that are formed into diamond-shaped pendants and spray painted gold.
Photographs via Sköna Hem for blog Mormors Glamour.
Above: Hanging pendants made from drinking straws. Since straws are easily trimmed and bent, a multitude of shapes are possible.
Above: The Swedish project makes use of old-fashioned coated paper straws that are spray painted. We'd like to try using stainless steel straws to make a sturdier shade. Stainless Steel Straws are available from Williams Sonoma; $12.95 for a set of four.
Above: For a finished design, pair the straw shade with the Nud Classic Pendant by Swedish Company Nud Collection, shown here. It's available in eight cord color combinations; $45 from LBC Lighting. Also consider a budget alternative, the Hemma Cord Set in white; $5 from Ikea. You can always spray paint the cord and fitting black.
Above: To make the shade, you'll need drinking straws (such as Just Artifacts' Solid Color Party Paper Straws, 25 for $2.15), Pipe Cleaners ($12.95 for a pack of 100 via Amazon), and a pair of scissors (if you like the look of these, Brook Farm General Store sells Chinese Scissors for $12).
Above: To make a diamond-like shade, cut the drinking straws to the right lengths for your setting, and use pipe cleaners to connect the straws.
Above: You can use several pipe cleaners in each straw hole to make the shade sturdier. Once you've completed the shade, the blogger recommends glueing the joints, but don't add glue until you're done.
Above: Spray paint the shades in brass or gold. Consider using Krylon Metallic Spray Paint; $5.88 from Amazon and available in several colors.
Above: A sampling of the shapes and sizes that are possible.
Above: Here's a similar light made by blogger Heather of Restless Oasis; see her "Brass" Lighting Tutorial for the details.
Into brass? Have a look at The New Bestlite Collection—and feel free to join the Bestlite vs. Ikea Renarp discussion at the bottom of the post. Also don't miss Gardenista's new find: Brass Flower Pots from Sweden.
Ready for another project? Go to DIY to see dozens of our favorite, easy ideas.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on December 19, 2013 as part of our DIY Holiday Decor issue.
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