A charming chandelier decorated by combining found discarded materials and greenery.
This is a very random creation made from a tree branch, an old glass yogurt bottle, a tea light and a senecio. Senecio is an easy-to-grow succulent that makes a beautiful indoor potted plant.
For the support structure I used an old dead tree branch that has multiple branches and is well balanced. You can also use bicycle wheels or other metal objects instead of wood. When you hang your glass jars from wood, arrange them evenly so that their weight is evenly distributed on the stand so that the branches (or other objects) stay level!
Material Tools:
Eyebolts
Twigs
30 feet of vintage brass beads
8 to 9 ball chains
Glass jar
Vintage brass connector for bead ball chain
6-inch Senecio or other small hanging plant
Battery powered tea light
Electric drill
Pliers
1. Pre-drill a hole in the top of the branch or where you will place the eyebolts. I recommend holding the branch gently to find its natural balance point and then pre-drilling holes at that point.
2. Screw the eyebolt into the pre-drilled hole.
3. Using wire cutters, cut the chandelier chain to the length you need to hang the chandelier from the ceiling.
4. Attach the chain to the eyebolt and use pliers to keep the ring closed.
5. Wrap a ball chain around the opening of the jar and cut the chain to the same length as the circumference of the part.
6. Wrap the chain around the glass jar, connect one end of the ball chain to the connector, and secure it to the jar.
7. Make a handle for hanging the jar. Attach a ball chain to the chain you just made and repeat on the other side of the jar.
8. For each glass jar you will be using, cut a piece of ball chain between 6 inches and 15 inches (so that the jars can be hung at different lengths).
9. Attach the chain to the handle of each jar by wrapping the chain around the handle and using a connector to connect the end of the chain back to itself, as close to the end as possible.
10. Divide Senecio into four parts. Grow each section in a pot.
11. Place tea lights in remaining jars.
12. Attach all the hanging jars to the branches at different locations by wrapping the ball chain around the branches and using connectors to connect them back to themselves. Check to see that the weight of the jar is distributed on the branches and hang evenly when finished.
13. Final notes:
Water
Water less frequently during the dormant season (fall and winter). Glass jars do not have drainage holes, so be careful not to overwater.
If you put too much water in the jar and see water at the bottom, you can gently turn the jar upside down to let the water drain out of the jar. Be alert for any signs of mold.
Light
Indoors, Senecio prefers very bright, indirect light. Avoid hanging them near air conditioners and radiators.
Fertilization
Fertilize once or twice in spring and summer, with general indoor plant fertilizer diluted in half the recommended amount.
