Directions for a Tea Ball Bead Chandelier
Datetime:2013-11-28 Hits:
Mesh tea balls are shiny, aluminum screens shaped into small globes. They have hinges on one side and a small clasp on the other so you can open them and put loose tea inside. When placed in hot water, the tea steeps without leaving loose tea leaves behind. For a posh way to reuse worn out tea balls, try creating a stylish chandelier. The mesh balls will sparkle as they filter light for a romantic glow.
Instructions
1
Cut about 15 pieces of 8-foot long fishing line. Fold each piece in half and pinch the fold to create a loop. Slip the loop of each piece under your 3-inch metal jump ring and bring the ends of the fishing line up through the loop, tugging until the fishing line tightens around the jump ring in a lark's head knot.
2
Gently separate the fishing line pieces and slip the end of string of 100 battery powered twinkle lights through the jump ring. Brace the battery pack (they aren't usually very large) against the jump ring and secure it in place with a zip tie.
3
Arrange the pieces of fishing line so they fall around the outside of the battery pack. Allow the lights to hang straight down.
4
Feed a piece of string through the mesh in one of your tea balls, directing the string vertically through the center of the ball. Slide the ball all the way up to the hook at the top of your chandelier. Add tea balls to each string this way until only about 1/2 inch of each string is left.Tie a knot in the end of each fishing line piece to keep the balls in place.You may choose one size for your ball beads or vary the sizes for variety.
5
Hang the chandelier from a wall hook so your hands are free. Gently separate the strings of tea balls and slip an 18-inch embroidery hoop up into the center of the chandelier. Arrange the strings so they come out and hang down from the hoop in a teepee formation. About a foot of each tea ball string should hang down from the embroidery hoop.
6
Attach the embroidery hoop to the inside of the chandelier with more zip ties. Cut away the excess of each tie to disguise them. Do the same with the lights, attaching them to different strings and the embroidery hoop so they're distributed evenly inside the chandelier.
