Weddingbee boards

Hello Crafty Ladies!

I posted this a few weeks ago in the DIY section but nobody commented but I'll try again here.  I'd really love some feedback.  What do you think?  Cheesy/tacky? 

We will be having our ceremony outside and I was looking for a fun way to make the sceneny more interesting.  I came across Mrs Spring Roll's paper chandelier idea the other day.

<span style="color: #81a026; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #81a026; font-size: x-small;">http://diy.weddingbee.com/topic/mrs-spring-rolls-paper-chandelier

I thought that idea has good potential.  I thought I could have a few (5? 9? not sure) hanging behind/above us between the trees.  But of course, I never do anything the 'simple' way so I decided: Hey, I can do the chandelier ALL BY MYSELF!  (Okay, I admit it, I have lots of time and I need to keep busy!  lol)

So I found this AMAZING paper chandelier on the internet <span style="color: #81a026; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #81a026; font-size: x-small;">http://www.craftstylish.com/item/26379/extreme-paper-the-long-dark-road-to-a-bright-idea

And that convinced me that I could do it too.  So I got my exacto knife ready and started cutting away. 

Here is what I got so far.  I appologize for the very poor quality of the pictures.  I can do paper chandeliers but can't take clear pictures apparently :)

As you can see, this is less than perfect but that's ok, it's just a prototype so I knew I'd have lots of things to fix before I'de be satisfited with the result.

1. The candles are too heavy even though they're simply made of paper.  I think I found a way of fixing that.

2. You can't really see it but from up close, you can see that the layers of paper are a little uneven.  It bothers me BIG time! but I found a way of fixing it).

3. Because it's a prototype, I didn't bother making the 'jewel garlands' sparkle but they will be.  (If you look closely, you can see some one at the top and one where my hand is that sparkle a little).

4. This chandelier is fairly small (approx 14'' by 8'') but I'm planning on making bigger one for a more over the top feel.

So, I'm going to do more shortly but I thought I'd show you ladies what I've made so far.  If anyone is interested, I can post more pictures later.  Hopefully, I'll find a way to take clearer pictures before then!  lol

Let me know what you think!  I'd love your feedback.

@Soon2BeMrsC - Thanks for your comment :)  Yes I think I've found a way of fixing everything.  I have to try to get the 'branches' sturdier.  What I thought was using floral wire between the layers.  This should be just sturdy enough to hold the candles and will allow me to place it exactly the way I want.

@fiftyfootbride - I actually used 'regular' copy paper.  I wanted to try the cheap way first, in case it worked.  But I might have to go for thicker paper.  Or I also though of the floral wire as I said to Soon2BeMrsC.   Adding layers is definitely somthing I want to do because the bigger the chandelier, the more layers I'll need to get it to look full and 3D.  Thanks for sharing your ideas :)

Omg! It's amazing that you did that yourself! How long did it take you?

I can see it would work with metallic paper as well. The glossiness would gives a really cool reflection of the lights or candles that you have all over the reception area.

@StarletS - It took me forever (that means 6-8hrs) from the time I started to draw my template to the time I finished glueing the candles and garlands.  I'm sure someone could do it a lot faster because 1. I'm very very very picky and want things to look perfect so I kept retouching every layer for a perfect fit 2. I was watching TV at the same time lol   

Metallic paper would be cool!  I have to think about it.  Someone also mentioned spay glitter.  I agree with you, I need more sparkles!  I don't know if I'd do the whole thing metallic but maybe every other layer or something.  Thanks for the idea :)

@ texaslawgirl - I can definitely try and prepare a tutorial if people are interested :)    I'll probably try to do another one this weekend or the next and will take - good - pictures of the process.  It's really easy but takes a long time.  But hey, I have over a year to do 5 or 7 so I think I'll be able to do it!

@fiftyfootbride - Thanks for the comments on the type of paper.  I looked at the links that you posted.  It does look like good quality paper... unfortunately, given that I probably need at least 60 (very minimum if I do 5 chandeliers, more if I do more complex shapes), I think it's not in my budget anymore (this is really an aside project, and I wasn't planning on spending too too much on it).   And I thought about the cardstock but my only fear is that I'll bend it by accident and you know how once it's folded, the crease on cardstock is there forever and it stays 'weak' in that spot.  I'm just afraid I'll fix one problem but will end up with another...   Maybe I'll look for that fancy paper on sale somewhere... 

Thanks for all the great comments!  I'm glad to see that people don't think it's cheesy/tacky.  I now feel confident enough to actually use my chandeliers at the ceremony :)

@fiftyfoot bride - You're right, I think an art store might have what I need for a good price.

@beffielou - Yes, a few people made that comment about the candles not being necessary or like it better without the candles.  I have to say it's not a bad idea.  And it would solve the weight problem because the candles are a bit heavy for the 'branches'.  I'll definitely consider it for my next chandelier :)