Just say no to boring hanging light fixtures.

Use this weekend to enliven your ceiling with a dash of funky, handmade style. This project will add a new level of functionality to the standard photo frame. Print your favorite pictures on vellum paper and insert them in the frames for a translucent effect.
Photo Art Hanging Lantern
Supplies
• 4 wood frames
• Craft paint
• Brushes
• Photos color copied onto vellum paper sized to fit in the frame
• 8 small hinges
• E6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive
• Drill
• 4 eye screws
• Chain or cording
• Large jump ring
• Gallery Glass squeeze paint

Directions: Disassemble the frames. Set the glass aside and then base-coat and embellish frames with paint. Let dry.

Insert the vellum paper. Reassemble the frames and lay them face down. Use the glue to affix two hinges to each frame back and connect them until it forms a box. Let dry.

You also can use hot glue to hold the hinges until the E6000 cures. Let dry.

Drill a small hole at the top of each frame border. Add a dab of E6000 and attach an eye screw. Let dry and attach chain. Repeat the process. Connect the four chains at the top with a large ring for hanging. Use it with a hanging light (sold in home-décor stores with the Chinese lanterns) or skip the eye screws and use as a table lantern.

Variations: Add fringe or beaded trim along the bottom. Instead of photos, create a collage and color copy it on vellum for use inside the frame, or use glass paint to create a colorful design.


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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: inside, lights