tie-ing up a chandelier

The tie chandelier for Paul’s 45th birthday party was really easy to make. I went to our local Goodwill store and purchased about 15 ties, staying within a blue, green, brown and grey color range.

I laid them out on the floor (labels up), starting with a cross, then adding ties on the diagonal until all the space was filled. I next took invisible nylon thread and punched all the way down the center intersection, then came back up (leaving two open ends at the top).

Next, I tied the centerpoint of the bundle to the arbor (note that the nylon thread length was at least several feet and that the labels were facing up). Then, my dad threaded needles with 3-foot lengths of nylon thread (un-knotted) and I pierced the thick or thin end of each tie and tied them to the arbor.

In order to create a balanced composition, I tied up one end then moved 90 degrees opposite. I kept moving around until all tie ends were secured. Finally, we hung the glass candleholders with brown grossgrain ribbon (7 total) and added tea lights and a bit of water. C’est tout!

P.S. If you missed the party preview photos, please see yesterday’s post. If you are interested in having this tie chandelier for your own party, please leave me a comment. I’m planning to give it away on Friday!