START
WIRE OLD CAMP LANTERNS TO
MAKE A RUSTIC CHANDELIER
Time: 4– 6 Hours Complexity: Medium
1. SELECT BRANCHES AND LANTERNS
1a. Choose branches with a circumference of at least 5" (but not much more), preferably dry (dead), and
most definitely free of rot. The branches used here were each about 24" in length and were selected for
their arch, branch variation, fungal decoration, and node accents. Avoid pine if possible, as it will gum up
your drill bit and drip tar over time.
1b. Old-time kerosene lanterns are plentiful secondhand; old guys selling tools and camping stuff at
flea markets tend to have them, and the classic American roadside junk barn is always a safe bet. Choose
lanterns that look the most road-weary and rusted, and make sure they’re completely bone-dry of all
kerosene. The glass globes featuring a layer of sooty black crust are the most desirable for this application;
if you have trouble finding one, make like a prop master and lightly spritz the inside of the glass with black
spray paint, then scrape some of the paint away with some steel wool or fine sandpaper for convincingly
faux filth.
2. CONSTRUCT THE FORM
2a. Cut the ends of the branches to your desired length with
a handsaw. Cut ends on an angle or with a faceted cut. Clean up
nodes and small branches if necessary by trimming with a pair
of gardening shears, also at an angle. Smooth cut ends with a
light sanding.
2b. The framework of the chandelier is more or less an X made
of 2 branches. Determine which branch is to be the lower half of
the X and which is to be the top half. To find their point of balance,
center the bottom branch on the very tip of the corner of your
worktable, adjusting for balance.
Next, center the top branch over the balanced lower branch,
forming the X, so that the 2 balance with each other on the same
point. This may take some minor adjustments before you find
their combined axis.
