With just a few items, this craft easily sets the stage for an outdoor soiree fit for the Queen of Hearts.
1. Start with a parasol as the base of this dreamy chandelier. You’ll also need 40 to 50 fake flower sprigs (dollar stores are a great place to get these without breaking the bank). Pop the heads off the flowers.
2. To assemble the chandelier, thread flower heads onto nylon string with a needle. Make the garland long enough to reach from the edge of the open parasol to the handle. Start at the parasol edge, threading the nylon through the fabric of the parasol, and securing it before adding the first flower. Work toward the handle, and tie into place once you’ve reached it.
3. Hang the chandelier from a branch or light fixture to work on the bottom. Start at the outer edge, threading flowers until you reach the centre and have enough slack in the garland to hang slightly below the chandelier. You can secure the middle by threading up through the centre of the parasol and attaching a new flower on the inside to prevent the garland from pulling through.
4. Work in a circle, attaching a garland to every spoke, other spoke, or third spoke, depending on your parasol for the darker baskets.
5. Once the baskets are dry, turn them upside down and spray them with your accent colour from a distance of 10 to 12 inches, using a back and forth motion. Spray the bottom of the basket, and about halfway up the sides. The spray from the paint will naturally make an ombré pattern.
A version of this article appeared in our April 2014 issue with the headline "A Mad Hatter Easter picnic: A dreamy chandelier," p. 68.
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