Organize & Clean

The Best Lighting DIY Ever! Bubble Chandeliers

updated May 6, 2019
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(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

I’m sure a few of you are thinking…haven’t I seen this here on Re-Nest before? Yes, in fact, you have. A post by Trent Johnson ran in early 2010 that highlighted the project, but because this Bubble Chandelier is oh-so-beautiful and seems relatively easy-to-assemble—and not to mention it’s at the top of my DIY To-Do—I wanted to share the updated DIY and link from ReadyMade.

Requiring about $75 worth of materials this “off-the-hook lighting fixture is built from off-the-shelf parts.” You’ll need to visit CB2 to purchase the delicate 4″ glass bubble balls (each one costs $1.95 and the DIY calls for 12).

Other supplies you’ll need:

  • 6 feet cotton parcel-post string, 1/16-inch thickness
  • 12 clear 1/8-inch-thick plastic rods, cut into 2-foot lengths (wooden skewers would also work)
  • 12 glass bubble balls (4 inches diameter) (link to CB2 above)
  • 3 clear globe light bulbs (similar size as balls)
  • 3 porcelain sockets with attached wires
  • 24 feet cotton parcel-post string, 1/8-inch thickness
  • Extension cord
  • Electrical tape
  • Ceiling anchor and eyescrew (optional)

The DIY consists of six easy-to-follow steps. The full tutorial can be viewed here.

As Trent mentioned in his January 2010 post, the DIY was originally designed by Jean Pelle for ReadyMade Magazine in February/March 2009, and if you’re interested in purchasing a completed Bubble Chandelier from Jean Pelle, they are available here on Etsy. A completed chandelier will run you anywhere between $425 and $1835.00. But even if you’re not in market for purchase and want to make your own, check out Jean Pelle’s Etsy store; it might inspire you to change up the DIY a little and create a masterpiece!

(Image: ReadyMade)