Hi friends! I am thrilled to be here today. I have so much to say (don't I always say that?), and so much fun-ness (is that a word?) on the Horizon. So, I say that we simply jump into some easy fantastical making of pretty things, don't you?
For about 2 months, I have been collecting old dry branches that were cut from my apricot tree. All along, knowing just what I wanted to do with them…
I wanted to make a woodland chandelier. Something with ribbons and color and fairy lights. Something you would find in an enchanted tiny village in the forest.
So….
While you are choosing your branches, decide what shape you would like to make. I was going to use 4 branches and make a square. But 3 branches called my name, and they formed a triangle.
So, I formed my triangle and then tied the corners together securely, with twine…
Side-note: A super important thing I want to share is that, while making this, I remembered that I had made something similar in college. What I did back then is that, I basically made a canopy over my bed, using bamboo pieces I purchased at Cost Plus World Market.
I formed a rectangle with the bamboo, bound the corners like we are doing here, and suspended it from 4 hooks using fishing line. It seemingly floated over my bed, and then I draped tulle and pretty things around it. It was super magical, inexpensive and easy.
So, keep in mind that, you can make a canopy for your bed as well, using this same technique. Just make sure you use the correct ceiling hooks, in case you don't have studs in your ceiling, and you only have drywall to work with.
Now, back to our chandelier…
After you securely tie your corners together, cover the corner ties with some pretty ribbon…
I chose ribbon and lace for my corners. The next step, is to choose pieces of a long length of ribbon for each corner, to suspend the chandelier from (I chose a sea foam green vintage satin).
Tie these ribbons at all corners, and then gather them in the center, and tie a knot, making it hangable…
Once your ribbons are balanced, and it hangs uniformly & beautifully…
The decorating fun begins!
I am going to have to make several of these chandeliers, based on all the things I thought of hanging from them. A smaller one could house earrings and other jewelry, or if you were having a tea party….
You could tie thread around your branches, and using a small piece of tape…
Attach tea bags to the thread…
Using oodles of tea bags, you could hang them all around, and let your guests gently pluck their tea of choice from the chandelier. Lovely, don't you think?
Oh, the items you could hang from these woodland chandeliers are endless. I am going to make another as soon as I am done here, with antique photos and cabinet cards dangling from it…
Then, I would like one to hang herbs from, in my tiny kitchen in the office. Yes, that would be lovely.
Or, you could go positively whimsical and colorful mad, and tie all sorts of bits of lace, ribbon and fabric strips to yours…
Oh yes, a woodland chandelier fit for a party deep in the forest, with all the fairies….
Test some fairy lights in the evening, as well as your ceiling hook…
Then, add some butterflies and dried flowers, oh and, anything else lovely that you desire…
Voila…
Your very own, easy & virtually cost free, piece of woodland enchantment…
I can see myself getting even more carried away with these…
I must go make some more now, I feel an obsession coming on. Oh but, before I go, I must share a beauty with you…
I brought a young sister to our garden. A sister to our 40 year old rose bushes, in the form of a tea stained, apricot glowing, Tea Rose bush. It has gifted us two blooms thus far, and even dried, the roses are beautiful.
Nature = Bliss Sigh…
Don't forget to invite the fairies to dance under the glow of your woodland chandelier.
I have been living in my garden, and am garden entranced. Oh, the things I have seen in the garden, in the wee full moon hours of the night, could send magical shivers down your spine. I even spotted a tiny fairy appear in the right hand side of an insect photo I was taking. Mister and I were speechless.
We believe, of course 😉
Fairy or other flying creature? You be the judge 😉
Now, I am itching to make more woodland chandeliers for my garden, so off I skip, whilst whistling. I whistle so much, I am getting (or have gotten) a tiny little whistle wrinkle on the left side of my upper lip. Oops ;)
Or should I call it, a whistle mark?
When I was a kid, my Dad always used to holler
"Vanaaaa, your whistliiinnng…."
🖤
Love, V
ps: Furry family update- As some of you know, A few months ago Baby was diagnosed with a tumor in her head, and we were told to take her home and wait for the saddest day of our lives to arrive. But, that was too sad and too heavy for us.
So, we took her to a new vet, just to be sure (whom we adore). A super nice and caring gal vet, who makes funny noises and talks in furry love talk tones, like me, to my pups (and probably all pups and meowsers). She is awesome. Anyhow, she ran all her own tests. Baby had a biopsy this past week (hence me missing in action). Her blood shows that she is fighting something. Maybe the C word and tumor (gag gag), but maybe not… We will know in a couple of weeks or less. Because of the new vet, and getting a second opinion, no matter what happens, I have found peace, and the heaviness feels different, in a good way.
Then, Matty had a pre-neuter visit. Matty hates the car. He is also trying to get leash trained (he equates this with world disaster). He is still beyond beautifully mannered and lovable only to Mommy and Daddy, and mean and vicious to the rest of the world. We are working on him, and he is getting good training and love and treats, and he just needs time and patience. He is stubborn. He has personal space issues. It has been a huge journey with him. I have never told the tales have I? But the love he gives to me is just gorgeous and mind blowing. Maybe one day I shall tell some Matty tales…
Cousin Douglas came over this past week too. Matty thought he was lunch. Baby saved his life. Douggie and His Mom (my sis Kristen) and myself did crafts. Kristen made Douggie a majorly appropriate super hero/carnival leader cape and hat. She's extra crafty.
Isn't it amazing, what a proper cape and hat can do for the demeanor? 😉
We must make capes next ;) I could sure use one. Couldn't you?
Oh!!! This is a beautiful woodland creation, Dear miss Fanciful!! 🙂 And I love all the bits of colour and ribbons you’ve added!! OH! I’m hopeful for your dear little Baby, and that she may get better yet!!
What a darling little pup, too, is little Douggie……and that cap!! tee hee!! I’m smitten!!!
happy rest of the merry little weekend times to You Miss!!! 🖤
Oh my goodness, that Douggie is sooo adorable in his cape and hat, tee hee! So glad to hear the maybe good news about Baby girl! And your woodland chandelier is wonderful Vanessa, I know the girls are going to want them in their rooms!
Big hugs to you and your furry critter,
Jamie 🙂
p.s. that is definitely a fairy 😉
Hi V,
I live in the smoky mountains and so I’m totally surrounded by forest…My husband is a woodcarver so we are always collecting tree branches, etc.
I’ve got a great collection that I’m gonna use over windows to drape fabrics but I now will be adding the woodland chandeliers to the project list….they are adorable and such endless ways to adorn them.
Thanks for the inspiration! I’m also sending healing energy for your furbaby…My Miss Morgan is such a valuable member of the family…I know how upsetting this is for you.
Hugs,
Stephanie 🖤
Ohh Douggie, break my heart, he looks so very rascally.
I had no idea what we were doing today but now I see its making a woodland chandalier, so thank you so much again for brightening our day.
I love 2nd opinions, even third and fourths too.
and I love that you have a sister xxx
have a fun day
xxx
Sheree
Clever, clever girl! Love the woodland chandeliers and hooray for capes and hats! Will catch up soon; have been traveling hither and thither and yon like a mad woman; off to London tomorrow. Miss you! xoxox
You are part fairy, you know that, don’t you? Dear girl, I do believe that is most certainly, definitely, positively, beyond a shadow of a doubt a fairy soul come to peek in on you and Mister Lovee. You could be a fairy exterior decorator now couldn’t you? And I am sending furry love your way for your brood. That little pup is so sweet to put up with the clothes. He is a love.
Enjoy the day, Miss V!
Erin
Oh too special! Wouldn’t you know I am planning my Mad GARDEN Tea Party for that one day in June, as we speak…now I really truly need to put all that driftwood I have been collecting together and create….why does sleep get in the way?
Maybe then we will see the fairy, we have been looking for.
Thanks for sharing and I so love that last puppy photo (all dogs and fur babies are puppies to me, no matter how old they are!)
Kiss Noises Linda
Hoping the new vet has some better results on Baby’s condition, and possibly a treatment. Keeping paws crossed!
How do you think of these things? The woodland chandelier is so creative and I love all the ribbons and other adornments. I feel that I must make one soon!
Dougie’s hat and cape are so cute ~ he is a good boy to wear these. I so hope that Baby will be much better…I’m impressed with this new vet. Still keeping all of you in my prayers and send healing energy to your beautiful girl.
xoxo
Pat
Oh Vanessa! Super magical post! I love your chandeliers! And of course that is a wee fairy in your photo…cousin Douglas looks super cool in his hat and cape (still smiling over this photo). And, lo and behold, when I checked out your link, realised I have this very fairy CD…I also have another one in which my best friend since we were 5, Wendy Rule sings with Gary Stadler…magic indeed
I so needed to see a Dougie dog in a cape and hat today! I’m battling the blues, and that sure did make me smile and giggle to see him! (now I will have to make a similar ensemble for my wiener dog: Bonsai!) Your site always makes me smile and I leave brimming with inspired ideas! I am grateful for you. I am praying that the new vet has magic miracles to reveal that will lengthen sweet Baby’s life! (BTW: When Bonsai first came to me at 2 yrs old, his name was Baby!He got his new name because he blends into my wood floors camouflage-style!)
Vanessa,
as usual your creations are amazing!!! I can think of so many ways to embellish a woodland chandelier. In addition, I love the doggie crown. I have had a pattern that I created for my kitties for a long time now. You have just inspired me to get that out and work on it for them.
P.S. I would have to say that it was a magical faery in the picture, no doubt!
I would love to dance with the fairies under that chandelier. The hat on your dog is perfect. My cat is having a birthday on Saturday and I just made him a birthday hat. I hope he wears it with pride.
Oh a kitty with a birthday hat, how thrilling!!! My sisters dog,
Douglas,is the guy with the hat, and I have to tell you, he is such a good sport in that hat she made him. I love furry creatures that enjoy a little dress up 😉 Make sure you share kitty in a hat photos. Oh Oh, Cat in a hat :)) tee heee …
What great inspiration for are for so many of us… I love your chandelier and bed top… so now I know what I’m going to do tomorrow : )
I’m glad you got another vet and one that makes you and Baby feel better…
What a sweet little Dougie~
Have a wonderful week…
Ohhh!!! Definitely a fairy, like the ones I think about before going to sleep. What an amazing picture!
Thank you for the wonderful and beautiful idea of the woodland chandelier, I might get carried away myself with these… 🙂
Maia
Yay, I love that chandelier and must start collecting my branches as soon as possible! Oh and that little fairy – yes, she’s beautiful and perfect in every way. And much love to all those special doggies in your life. All your photos are all so colorful and full of life. Thank you always for sharing. Do post again real soon, please please please!
interesting post! I even spotted a tiny fairy appear in the right hand side of an insect photo I was taking.
Just what I need, an excuse to go foraging into the woods looking for branches!! I just wish I could catch one of those fairies too ~ LOL!!! I send you Best Wishes for Baby.
Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend!
What a simply fun idea. The chandelier is so fun and whimsical (you are too). It’s all so inspiring. It makes me want to go out in my yard and collect branches too. I would love to know the pattern for the cute hat on that cute doggy. I need to make a costume for my Penny Lane. Contest at the ice cream store. She only weighs 3 lbs. Any suggestions?
I am so happy that your new vet is so loving and carring. That always makes things a litte easier. I am sending prayers for Baby. thank you for sharing your ideas.
Douggie is adorable!!!!! I want to steal him right thru my screen! (If only I could just reach in and grab him. Heheh.)
Miss Linda, Heloo there~ My sis used a scrap piece of
felt and just folded it like a cone for the hat. We both marveled at how
lucky she was that it turned out so cute. She just winged it, cape and
all. Shes so crafty. So, I say, take a triangle of felt and shape
it into a cone, measuring it on your pup as you go. I think that might
work for certain 😉 Warmest, Vanessa
Vanessa, have I told you lately that I love you? I have been catching up with you this morning and just am overcome with a heart full of love for you and your furry family. I love everything you do, your style and your spirit. Have a beautiful week! Twyla
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Oh….how adorable is that hat and cape on that little furry guy!
Oh how proud he it!
And BABY…sweet sweet BABY!
So blowing her sweet kisses….and Sweet WISHES!
He just KNOW she KNOWS you feel at PEACE now Vanessa….
and this must be a HUGE burden off of her furry, soft back!
She needs to know you are okay…and resting in this newly found PEACE about her sweet self!
Please love her and snuggle her for Doogan and I!
And Matty!
Growly Matty!
Please snuggle him for us too!
I just know with your tender love and care he will one day realize that he no longer has to PROTECT himself…and YOU from the evil of the world. Soon he will surrender to your loveliness! ;o)
Well the chandelier is perfection!
If I had that chandelier hanging anywhere near me I would be full of such utter JOY!!!!
Ribbons, twigs, sweet strips of patterned fabric…it all makes me BEAM with HAPPY!
Love it!
What a sweet soul you have to create such things!
Sending you all sweet thoughts Vanessa!
It is an honor and a pleasure to visit your magical world!
xo
And the flying fairy….well that’s a sweet little fairy miracle! xo
Well I am re-reading my post!
And it seems that I am babbling away and making all kinds of crazy mistakes…not even making sense in some spots!
Woops!
It must be because your world excites me so my little fingers begin typing so FAST and furious and then I stumble all over the place!
Hope you can make heads or tails out of my crazy phrases!
I should always re-read before posting! ;o)
I need to slow my fingers down!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Cute!
What a beautiful woodland chandelier! I love it so much. We always have branches laying about, so I think we could make a pretty one. Much love to you as you wait for Baby’s tests. And you must indeed share some Matty stories with us! What a little sweetie Douggie is….that cute smoochable little face!!!
Hope you are having a lovely Monday…Theresa
PS That is definitely a wee faerie in the photo! 😉 I am sure of it!
Hahaha…little Douggie seems tolerant to the costume but there’s a mild bit of annoyed “ok, the fun game is over ladies. get this hat off me and commence with the treats and tummy petting, now.” ‘;)
Me oh my, where to start!?! Just LoVe everything, all of it…Douggie is beyond adorable and clearly believes that he really IS a superhero. OooooooooooOOOOOoooo **squeals** your woodland chandelier! I must make one TODAY. You must have been such a delight to your Mombie growing up. Pure JoY. It HAS been De-Lovely here in the desert with the weather indecisive. I must email you something…along the woodland chandelier lines. **blows kisses** Deb
FAERIE most definitely. In fact, looks like one of my garden faeries got loose…
What a magical project! I must try this sometime very soon! I hope Baby’s tests turn out well, so glad you have a vet you feel safe with!
I love the cape!!! So cute.
Hope your puppy is going to be okay.
Yippee about Baby. We are all pulling for her.
Douggie is adorable in his little cap.
Your woodland chandelier is pretty. Do you have to treat the wood in some way before you can use it?
You did a great job again with the apricot tree branches and ribbons.
I send lots of love to your puppy. I lost my old kitty not so long ago and my best friend (my old dog) 2 years ago. They were my babies…
I am glad you have found a great vet. She sounds wonderful! It is nice to see she has genuine love for animals.
Oh! before I forget,the garland I made with your lovely stickers was perfect for Aliénore’s birthday by the way! It was good to have a bit of your magic with us.
Now I have to prepare our tea party for the big day.oooooooooh cannot wait!
All the love from my home to yours.
P.
Most definitely a fairy 🙂 I adore the woodland hanging. I’m going to make one for my little woodland nest and enjoy looking at it from my tent. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Baby, too. My old kitty was diagnosed with a bowel tumour, but he’s been in remission for over a year and showing no signs of giving in!
Hugs to you all.x
As always, you are a delight to read, Vanessa! I’m happy to hear that you’ve come to terms with whatever the future holds for Baby. Animals just want to make us happy. They are concerned when we are not. The peace in your soul will be so good for Baby’s soul, too!
Love the twiggy chandelier. I have a large branch that hangs in my dining room. Similar idea. Covered in junque! It makes me happy. Tra-la! Off to the adventure of a new week.
Kathy
Oh, gracious….
I just KNOW that Douggie and Mooskies are long lost cousins. Don’t you??????
Perhaps they had the same grandfather….a rascally French rapscallion sort. Maybe named Gaston. Gastonskees.
I love all your colors, they inspire me to abandon the monochromatic! I also love hanging things from the ceiling with fishing line! I have my chest of drawers in the bedroom caddy-corner and I like to hang framed pictures or mirrors parallel to it above via fishing line. I just love stuff hanging from the ceiling!
Your little furry is TOO cute.
Big, huge, brave hugs to Baby! My fingers are crossed for her. I’m so glad you found a vet you love and trust. That makes all the difference in the world!
And your goodie-filled chandelier is AMAZING! I love it so much! I’ll be linking.
Love to sweet Baby and wascally Matty! What a beautiful woodland chandelier! Thank you so much for sharing the how-to’s! Ooooh, and that fweetum Douggie boy. If I were there I fear I would smother him with all those great auntie hugs and kisses all children (and adorable puppies!) want to run away from! He is beyond precious!! I hope he keeps those lovely clothes handy, for they would be just perfect for attending a Mad Hatter tea party . . . .
I MADE A WOODLAND CHANDELIER!!! Come on over to see it Vanessa! THANK YOU!!! for the inspiration! I have Baby in my prayers and cousin Doug is sooOOOOoo adorable!!! hehe http://www.turquoisecro.blogspot.com
How lovely!!!! I’m just about to re-do my daughters bedroom, and I think this might just be the centerpiece we’ve been looking for!! How utterly, fantastically enchanting!!!
xo
How interesting, I was planning on creating a chandelier/mobile very similar to that for my bedroom. Your pictures are a great source of inspiration for my project. Now I just need to get out to the craft store and actually get the things I need ^_^
sending continuing….
….
….
….
🖤 hopeful thoughts 🖤
for baby.
🙂
{{ even vets can get things wrong,
you know }}
Yer a goof bomb!!
i love it. It remind me of wood chimes. So pretty and to think when the wind blows on it, its the fairy saying hi. lol. I love fairy too.
Dougie looks delightful and so handsome in his cape and hat! He must be preparing for a party! Could it be the tea party?? We will see!
Hugging you
SueAnn
I know I already said it, but I kind of want to steal Dougie
How interesting, I was planning on creating a chandelier/mobile very similar to that for my bedroom. Your pictures are a great source of inspiration for my project. Now I just need to get out to the craft store and actually get the things I need ^_^
Pure magic! Love your designs! 🖤
Your dog is SO CUTE!!! 🙂
Greetings from Denmark…
//Lisbet
!!! PS. !!!
I really hope for you all, Baby will be just FINE! I’m sending you good thoughts and prayers! 🖤🖤🖤
I´m very inspired by this chandelier, and has the branches, ribbons, some of my boyfriends old ties I thouhgt I also could use, and much more, so now I´m soon getting started, and looking forward to it.
I hope the best for your little doggie…….. !!!!
I’m coming rather late (two years) to this blog entry, but I’m curious what you used to make the “fairy lights” of the chandelier, and how you handled any wires involved therein. Thanks!
Kind of a kindred soul I feel towards you. As I read 2nd opinion… The grief and joy we so experience are from the same wells in life… if we didn’t have such utter grief felt – we would never feel the utter joy or appreciate as we appreciate even the smallest of things! You are a love, a joy to read and even visually – a pick me upper! I could be in the darkest well of grief now (just sayin) and look at your woodland chandelier with tea bags and old photos and ribbons – and somehow the photos can place me on a path to joy.
Thank you.