I have long admired the French antique-inspired chandeliers from Aidan Gray. The Charlemagne Chandelier caught my eye but the $1,300.00 price tag caught my breath. This post features a tutorial for creating The Finishing Touch for my Aidan Gray Inspired Chandy.
You may remember that I found a similar knockoff version on clearance.
Through the power of paint and gilding, it was transformed.
Tutorial
It was however still missing one thing ~ the hand painted drops. But I just couldn’t bring myself to pay $66.00. So I put on my thinking cap and searched for inspiration. I found some 3 1/2” spindles at Hobby Lobby for $1.99. You can also purchase them HERE. I bought two bags as they are sold in groups of 3.
I wanted them to appear less spindle like and more drop like so the bottom end was cut off with a hackshaw. Next, a small pilot hole was created at the top of the drop so that a small hook could be screwed in.
Two coats of paint were added. I improvised a drying rack with our fruitbasket. (smile)
Lastly, a bit of gilding was added with gold metallic lustre.
The only thing left to do was hang them up!
I adore how the intensity of the gilding changes with the light.
It’s a small transformation that makes me happy.
Since I already had the paint, gilding and screws, plus I used a coupon for the spindles, this transformation was a mere $2.58.
I think I might make a cord cover to hide the chain next.
Laura
Oh how fabulous is this. Great idea, it really does look like the original.
Laura, that looks amazing! Pinning to my lighting board.
WOW- I love this! You did a great job with “the look for less!” Well done, Lauren! It looks amazing! : – )
Have a wonderful week of love. ♥♥♥
It really is transformed. You are so clever. I wish you would run for president.
Wow, love the transformation. he new color and those drops just add the right touch.
Great job!
I am very impressed! Love how your chandy turned out.
You are so creative, Laura…the chandelier turned out so beautiful!
Very creative-love it!
Jemma
Laura,
Your so creative. I'd say it has more character than the $pendier chandelier.
I can imagine an off-white cord cover with gold specks. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
~Kiki~
Laura, this is absolutely brilliant. I think you have started something here!
Ginene
Your did a great job and it's beautiful Laura!
wow so beautiful
Looks fantastic. You did an amazing job creating a copy for less.
This looks fabulous!
Where there's a will…You certainly found a way! It's beautiful!
Laura that is amazing and beautiful!
I bought a new one for our dining room and had no idea what the style was called. Thank you for the info!
Laura- your chandelier is stunning!
What a great solution.
Everything is so expensive these days.
I love seeing a practical/beautiful solution.
So cute!! I love it!!! It looks great painted
You are so smart, Laura! your Chandy looks great.
This is great. What a clever idea and a fun craft. It looks amazing.
What a pretty addition! So creative.
What a fantastic chandy! You did a great job and it looks amazing!
Great job Laura! I am enjoying this new party too.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Great transformation Laura…very pretty!
The chandy looks fantastic, Laura; you are so clever!
Warm hugs,
Carol
Simply gorgeous. I love this and the beautiful paint technique you gave this chandy. You added your magic and it's lovely! xo
YOU and the chandy are amazing! 🙂
When you look at your beautiful chandelier don't you feel a little sorry for all the people who bought that fixture at full price and hung it in their homes without the beautiful transformation you have made of it? It is so elegant now. Awesome work! 🙂
That turned out great! Plus, don't you love the satisfaction of being able to make it yourself?