Chandelier Envy (Part 2): All That Glitters Can Be Made From Recycled Materials

In my last post, Chandelier Envy: All That Glitters Can Be Upcycled, I highlighted eco-artist, Michael McHale who creates impressive chandeliers from recycled materials. His illuminating designs meet my expectations for both aesthetics and heirloom worthiness. While McHale Designs chandeliers transcend the elements of sustainably-designed home décor, one thing I didn't mention in the last post was that these beauties are expensive.

With the possibility of DIY always looming in the greenscape, pricey lighting options can become attainable. While everyone has a different idea of what green eye candy is, when a cool manufactured lighting fixture presents itself, for those of us with the DIY ethos, the next question we'll ask is: "How can I make that for my home?"

Here are 10 inspired DIY chandeliers that use recycled or inexpensive materials and add sparkle to your home:

1. Lindsey Adelman provides downloadable DIY instructions for her You Make It Chandelier (above).

2. This chandelier made from mismatched stemware and a few other odds and ends, provides a waterfall lighting effect. It is spirited reuse for an overflowing collection of wineglasses.

3. Jewelry, beads, marbles, kitchen utensils and milk bottles are just some of the recycled items used in Madeleine Boulsteix's designs - "Using something that had a previous life can create interest and depth as well as being pragmatic."

4. Junk has found its way into these trash-to-treasure chandeliers made from cast-off materials.

5. These chandeliers are made from discarded eyeglasses and lenses.

6. This recycled porcelain china teacup chandelier looks like it gives off soft illumination.

7. For some, the simpler the better. A DIY branch chandelier is a rustic and easy solution for a dining room light.

8. Don't forget the beauty of a bare CFL bulb. Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle provides straightforward lighting projects.

9. Recycle and revampe thrift shop finds to make a retro-inspired chandelier.

10. Egg crates are the main ingredient in this lighting fixture. It's formed from several egg crates interlocked around a light bulb that gives off a warm glow.

Need more inspiration? ReadyMade magazine has a treasure trove of DIY lighting projects. Some of the fixtures are made from old umbrellas, coffee cans, twigs and even toilet paper.