A few years ago I was given an old (but not vintage) brass colored chandelier. The gal who gave it to me said she simply hated the piece & couldn’t wait to replace it with a more modern style of light fixture. Of course, when she offered it to me, I gladly said yes, because I knew that I could think of someway to use it.
Fast forward a few years after the chandelier has been waiting in my basement for just the right project… A few days before Christmas, I came up with the idea of removing the crystals and finding a way to hang them in the window. I wanted to use all of the pretty pieces of glass, so nothing would be wasted. So… after putting my brain in creative mode, I decided to make a sort of window mobile / curtain of glass.
Step #1 – Remove all of the crystals
Crystals have been removed & are in a bucket waiting to be cleaned.
Step #2 – Clean
I put all of the pieces in a small cleaning bucket & soaked them in water/dish soap/ and a bit of alcohol. The alcohol helps to keep water spots from forming on the glass.
Step #4 – Hang curtain rod inside of window casing.
* Be sure that hanging crystals will not interfere with opening the window – or opening curtains.
Step #5 – String the Crystals
I didn’t want to see the string used to hang each strand of crystals, so I used clear nylon sewing thread (you could also use fishing line). Because I didn’t want to stand up on a ladder & string each crystal, I decided to lay the rod across 2 chairs & stabilize each end with a pair of heavy books. For my project, I wanted the height of each piece to be a bit random, but you may choose to make everything more even.
Step #6 – Hang the rod in the window
* VERY CAREFULLY 🙂
I am really enjoying my new display – even before I have my curtains up… that project will be for another day (soon I hope 🙂
Thanks for sharing the instructions on how you accomplished this beautiful way of using Crystals. This is an unique idea and I love the way the lights shine through each one – this must create a dazzling display on sunny days.
Very creative! I agree that it must be stunning on a sunny day!
how fun. I bet it’s beautiful when the sun catches them.
Wonderful idea! So unique and must be just gorgeous during the day!
That crystal window hanging looks absolutely beautiful! What a great idea you had! And I really like the basket of Hydrangeas.
tea
xo
That is a great idea. Last summer on The Victory Garden they showed a beautiful garden and one of the flowering trees had a few crystals hanging from it, it really looked pretty. Now I have two ideas for crystals, I need to keep my eyes open once the yard sales start up.
Jan
Thanks everyone! I really am enjoying my windows!
* Jan – that is a wonderful idea as well! I’ll have to keep an eye out for more crystals!
What a lovely idea! I agree it must look stunning on a sunny day! I bet you will get some beautiful colors on a sunny, snow covered day too!
Enjoy!
Heidi
What a marvelous idea! I am excited to try it out………maybe…..on my front porch????? Salvation Army….here I come!
Magical!!!
‘MN’
That is such a gorgeous idea…and reminds me of the movie “Pollyanna”. I have a couple of crystals hanging in my windows to make me rainbows on sunny days but this must be just so awesome! Glad I happened by to visit your blog…=)
Great crystal idea…. I have several chandeliers with crystals we picked up at flea markets in Italy, plus just loose crystals…. I need to find a way to use the loose ones!
I’m sure you would be able to find some great ways to put those little “gems” to work in your home decor! 🙂
Another great idea would be… bring a nice branch with lots of little brnaches in from the outdoors – place it in a pretty pot – or hang it in a corner – then decorate it with all of your different crystals!
By the way… beautiful B&B!!
Thank you so much!! Pollyanna was one of my favorite movies as a child and I’ve never outgrown my desire to have crystals in my windows. Now, off to search for crystals who need a new home! I could use some rainbows in my home for the days that are a little bit darker inside myself. Merci cherie! Nanc
beautiful idea and the sparkle is worth a million bucks!
Absolutely beautiful!!!!!
Thank you so very much!
Why has no one mentioned the scene in Pollyanna? Am I the only one old enough to remember?
I VOLUNTEER AT A THRIFT SHOP AND i NEEDED AN IDEA FOR A BOX OF CRYSTALS THAT WERE DONATED…BUT INSTEAD OF A CURTAIN, i WILL MAKE INDIVIDUAL SUNCATCHERS FOR SALE …THANK YOU SO MUCH. THE MONEY WE MAKE AT THE THRIFT STORE PROVIDES FOOD FOR A FOOD PANTRY..SO MANY PEOPLE ARE THANKING YOU …