Today’s Tea: Shedding More Light on Upcycling

🍵🥄How to Make a Chandelier Out of Flatware and Tea Cups
Transforming vintage flatware and tea cups into a chandelier, a decorative mobile, or functional cup storage is a creative way to give new life to beloved heirlooms or bargain finds. This upcycled project adds a whimsical touch to your home, perfect for a dining room or kitchen with a vintage or eclectic vibe. Plus, it’s a great way to combine your love for antique flatware and elegant tea cups in a stunning and functional masterpiece.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

- Recycled chandelier frame (can be found at resale shops, yard sales, Grandma’s attic, online, or curbside)

- Vintage spoons

- Vintage tea cups

- Drill with metal bit (for drilling holes in spoons)

• Metal saw or jewelry cutter
• Hammer or mallet

- Pliers (for bending flatware or attaching chain)

• A broom handle or dowel rod to use as a guide to bend spoons uniformly for the top tier

- Light bulb(s) (vintage-style Edison bulbs work well for this project)

- Metal chain (if not already on the chandelier)

- Small metal “s” hooks

• Strong adhesive or epoxy for attaching flatware (if desired)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Repurpose the chandelier by stripping it down to the frame. If the frame is weathered or outdated, repaint it to fit the look you’re going for.

2. Measure the circumference of the top tier of the chandelier frame. Lay spoons in a row until you have enough spoons for the full distance around. Bend the top end of each spoon handle of the allotted number of spoons toward you by using pliers to start an arc. Lay each arced spoon over a broom handle or wooden dowel, and use a hammer or mallet to tap each handle until they take on a hook-shape that can safely hold your tea cups by the handle.

Lay each spoon flat (with the newly created hook facing upward), and bend the opposite end of the spoon (at the base of the spoon’s bowl) down toward the hook. The bowl should nearly touch the spoon handle (ensuring there’s enough space to slide it onto the thickness of the top tier of the chandelier frame). Heavier flatware may require heating and vice grips to bend. When step 2 is complete, set this group of spoons aside.

3. Measure the circumference of the bottom tier of the chandelier frame. Lay new spoons in a row until you have enough spoons for the full distance around.

Use a drill with a metal bit and drill a hole at the tip of each spoon bowl in this group of spoons (large enough to accommodate an “s” hook).

Then use pliers and bend each handle toward you (at the bottom where the handle meets the bowl of the spoon). When bent almost in half, use a metal saw or jewelry cutter to trim the handle so when it is bent completely in half, it doesn’t interfere with the hole needed at the tip of the spoon that will accomodate the top of “S” hook later.

Proceed with bending each trimmed spoon completely in half- leaving enough of a gap to slide it onto the chandelier frame. When step 3 is complete, set this second group of spoons aside.

4. Count the number of spoons in step 3. Count out the same number of a new group of fully intact (unbent) spoons and drill a small hold in the center of the top of each handle to accommodate the bottom of the “S” hook.

Set all prepared step 4 spoons aside

5. Hang your chandelier frame from the ceiling, making sure it’s securely fastened and positioned at the right height.

If your chandelier frame is wired for electricity, install the light bulbs. Vintage-style Edison bulbs or small, clear chandelier bulbs work well with this project, complementing the antique vibe.

6. Start with hanging the set of spoons from Step 2 along the top tier of the chandelier- reaching under so that the backs of the spoons and the hooks that will accommodate your cups are facing you. Make sure each is securely hooked onto the chandelier frame. Once in place, add adhesive or epoxy as an added measure if desired.

Next, hang the bent and trimmed spoons from Step 3 around the lower tier of the chandelier reaching under so that the backs of the spoons are facing you and the hole for the “s” hook is at the bottom. Make sure each is securely hooked onto the chandelier frame, adding adhesive or epoxy as an added measure if desired. Then insert s-hooks in each hole.

Hang the spoons from step 4 onto the bottom of the “s” hooks that are already in place.

7. Finally, hang your tea cups from the spoon hooks on the top tier of the chandelier.

Helpful tip: inspect the photos of the completed chandeliers before proceeding with each step, to give you a clear visual and help avoid confusion.

This flatware and tea cup chandelier brings a unique, eclectic style to any space, with the bonus of being a personal creation. This upcycled project is sure to be a conversation piece and a reminder of the craftsmanship and creativity that went into making it! 🙌🏼

Photo courtesy: Life’s Patina Mercantile and Cafe, located in Chester Springs. A wonderful shop with a peaceful atmosphere, amazing merchandise, fresh gourmet coffee, and delicious food! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐