Needing A Lighting Make-Over? Try This!

Boredom forces me into being creative.  Is that a thing?    Thanks to boredom we now have two new light fixtures!  Two evenings working in front of the TV turned out to be pretty productive. 
Why so bored, you ask? (commence whining.....)
It's been weeks since I was put back into a boot for my ankle injury, back onto crutches and using a rented knee scooter.  If you know me you know this would make me insane.   I've run out of projects that don't involve much standing and have become a grump, and let's just say that hubby is happier when I come up with a "sit at a table" projects to entertain me.  So am I!!    So back to the project....

My Inspiration Light

After shopping online forever for lights to replace all the domed lights around the house,  (we refer to them as "boob lights".  You know the ones.) this look became my favorite.  I found several variations and all of them around $200+.... not happening!

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My Version

This is my completed version.  I decided to do a different pattern and to leave it more open to allow more light to come through. It's at the bottom of a stairway that needs good lighting.  We also liked seeing the clear bulbs.  When making more for rooms upstairs I'll fill them in more since there is other  lamp lighting available.

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The project:

You'll need to start with one of these bad boys.  Mine was especially gross with it's bright brass shine.
If you don't already have one installed you can more than likely find one at a thrift store or Habitat Restore.
Shut off the power, take it down and throw away the glass.

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Grab your spray paint in whatever finish you prefer.  I considered off white but decided on dark bronze so my wooden beads would really pop.  Make sure to stuff something inside the sockets to keep paint out.   Next take a sharpie and mark your drill holes on the little center cap.  Then make the same number of dots on the fixture itself.  I used my dremel to make the holes.

You can find your wooden beads at a craft store in a variety of sizes.  Have fun here with your pattern.  I used wire head pins to link the beads the way crystals would be linked.  You could also string them on beading wire for a more solid look like the inspiration photo.

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Loving The Look!

I couldn't stop there!  I had beads left and an even uglier fixture off my kitchen that lights the top of a stairway...

A small touch of glam was added to this light by mixing in some glass beads.

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The shadows when lit give off such a romantic pattern.  

The total investment in enough beads for two lights (using some coupons) and a can of spray paint was around $50.  $25 a light!!   Now take down those boob lights and get creative!