House TalkN is a fun lookiloo at houses, houses, houses. It will answer pressing questions like, "When folks build a McMansion on a small lot, what are they compensating for?" or "Was the real estate agent drunk when they staged this house?" or "Why don't the Smiths' ever leave their drapes open when I am on a harmless walk-by?"

Thursday, January 19, 2012

How We Changed A Dining Room Chandelier!

Over Christmas break, I cleaned out my dungeon basement. The basement had become the graveyard for unfinished projects. I was so excited to find a chandy that I bought at a neighbors yard sale several YEARS ago for $20 buck-a-roos!
I called in my friend and decorator extraordinaire, Karen. We changed out my old fixture in a jiffy. When I say "we", I mean Karen did all the work and I held the screwdriver and cracked jokes. 

Super Karen and her tools!
 My old fixture was...blah. And, yes, I know it was hung too high. When my kiddos were toddlers and I was constantly leaning over to cut their food or wipe their mouths, I got sick of bonking my head (it doesn't help that I'm 8 feet tall!) so I raised the light to hillbilly height for my own safety.

Before...blah.



Old light a goner!


Construction Adhesive.

The mirrored medallion is my favorite part!


I swear that I didn't write "Made in Italy"

Time to turn the power back on...

LET THERE BE LIGHT!



The touch of pink sets off my mother's pink depression glass.

After!
Karen supplied these instructions...I don't think she approved of my "doo-dad thingy" terminology. 



1. Disconnect power.

2. Use pliers to disconnect fixture from ceiling plate by unscrewing the existing nut from the threaded pipe. 

3. Disconnect the old fixture from power by unscrewing wire nuts from the hot (black), neutral (white) and ground (copper) wires.  Remove fixture. 

4. Install mirrored medallion with glue, centering on ceiling box. 

5. Install new fixture by joining,  with a wire nut, the fixture wire with the corresponding wire in the ceiling. Tuck wires in the ceiling box.

6.  Hold ceiling plate to ceiling. Tighten the existing nut to the threaded pipe.  This will hold the ceiling plate in place.

7. Turn power back on to see your handy work!


(Click here for a tour of Karen's awesome house)

Link Par-taay at:
http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/
http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/
http://www.myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/
http://addicted2decorating.com/
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/
http://www.abeachcottage.com/
http://www.craftyconfessions.com/
http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/
http://www.chef-in-training.com/
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/
http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/
http://www.askannamoseley.com/
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
http://www.skiptomylou.org/
http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/
http://www.iheartnaptime.net/
http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
http://www.504main.com/
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
http://www.commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/



Tip Junkie handmade projects
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37 comments:

  2. The two best things in your "report" were hillbilly height and doo-dad thingy. I understand your language-we must be from the same planet! Lucky you to find such a treasure in your dungeon. Maybe there's hope for me when I dare go down in mine. Nice work.♥♫

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  3. Oooooh, it looks beautiful and what great help you had, complete with written instructions. Awesome!

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  4. Beautiful chandelier and I really like the mirrored medallion. I follow you on twitter and am glad to find your blog.
    Your newest follower, Mary Alice

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  5. What a difference a pretty chandy can make!! The medallion is a great feature too!

    I am having a fun giveaway at my place and hope you will come over and sign up for it!

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  6. Just gorgeous, and I am loving that mirrored medallion, I have to have one!

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  7. I love the new chandelier! It looks so pretty in your room!

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  8. Love your chandelier and think that mirrored medallion is awesome! Lucky you:)

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  9. Love it. You are braver then I am, that is one thing I will not mess with....I can see my house burning to the ground if I did...lol...great job.
    http://pam-lifethroughmyeyes.blogspot.com/

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  10. Wowzas! I want a house so I can have a chandy. But I want the bubble one found here: http://twigdecor.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-years-party.html
    Too much?

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  11. Hillbilly height! Looks beautiful!

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  12. Beautiful!!! Love the mirrored medallion too! Lucky to have a HANDY friend, too. XO, Pinky

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  14. Love it. The medallion is super.

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  15. wonderful job installing your chandy... I have to admit... this is not my forte'... I always call on hubby to do anything with electricity or power tools... and before you say... Aw..you could do it.. trust me... my hubby won't let me use his power tools!!

    You did a beautiful job... GOOD FOR YOU!!

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  16. Love the chandelier, so pretty. It is nice to be a woman with tools, Laura

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  17. Your new chandelier is gorgeous! I just love it when I find a treasure that I already own, but had completely forgotten about.

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  18. That is a stunning chandelier! Wow!!! I liked your old one too, though. I would spray paint it a fun colour and get rid of those lampshades. Maybe you could use it in another room (or send it to me!!) :)

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  20. Visiting today from Susan's Between Naps on the Porch..
    I love your new to you Chandelier..its really pretty and the medallion is beautiful! I just posted about my new Chandelier too with Susan. I was thinking about adding a medallion but then didn't, I do have a medallion on the ceiling with the chandelier hanging in my kitchen.
    I have enjoyed your post today and have become your newest follower.
    Have a sweet day, Elizabeth

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  21. I love it too!! I always love stopping by to vivid cause you always crack me up!

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  22. I LOVE it!! How gorgeous and love your fun post!! :) Thanks for linking up!! :)

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  23. Love it! This is a great post! I'm having a linky party as well, and would love for you to join it! Here is the link http://www.thesouthernproductqueen.com/one-stop-s... Thanks for sharing!

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  24. What a fun post! And beautiful chandy. Thank you so much for linking up to the challenge! Karah

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  25. That chandelier is fantastic! Trying to get my hubs to put up a light in my daughters room so I may have to show him this! Thanks for joining our Impossibilities Challenge!
    Kelly

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  26. loved it all~the chandy is so pretty, and the story was so fun to read. I wish I looked as pretty as karen toting my tool box!

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    1. Oh, Amy! Karen always looks like a million bucks. She has 4 kiddos (which includes triplets!) and she never looks wiped out with coffee dribbles on her shirt and I am sure she never drinks milk from the carton.

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  27. 1. Can you send Karen to my house?
    2. Why do you need a mirror on the ceiling above the dining table ... unless, are you planning more than just EATING on that table, my dear?

    So glad you came to my party!

    Linda
    itallstartedwithpaint@gmail.com

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    Replies

    1. I do actually rent Karen out...send me the check and she is all yours.
      Why, Linda...you are a naughty girl...I knew I liked you!

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  28. Love your tutorial. You go Tool Girl!!!

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  29. Beautiful chandy...and I love that mirrored medallion too! Thanks so much for sharing this at our party!
    Karah

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  30. Thanks for linking to our Cinch party!!
    Kelly

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  31. I loved this the first time I saw it and I love it now! Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for linking up to our party!

    blessings,
    karianne

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