the lighting problem

So with an old house comes old lighting. And my house is no exception. There are even some florescent lights. In the room that's going to be my studio. *shudder*

But the first problem is the dining area light. Right now there's a light hanging by the wires, just begging to be replaced. There's no light switch leading to that light, so it really needs some sort of switch built into it. The dining area is one half of a very long room, and the other half has a ceiling fan in it, so I'd really like the light to be a statement piece for this area.

I can't afford the beautiful light fixtures that I really want, such as the Edison Chandelier from Pottery Barn, an awesome tenticle chandelier by Adam Wallacavage, a vintage sputnik light, or a Cord Chandelier by Brendan Ravenhill. Unless I win the lottery (and I mean a big win) in the next month, or happen to find the perfect piece at some resale shop (believe me, I've been looking) I'm going to have to go the DIY route. So here's a round up of my favorite DIY lights.

One: 

This WONDERFUL tutorial from Lindsey Adelman is just... jaw dropping. I would love to be able to put together a piece like this, but I'm afraid I'd set my own house on fire. Maybe someone less awkward than me should give it a try.

Two:

I love these quilt lights from Tamara Maynes. They're so simple but colorful. Perfect!

Three:

This cube pendant from Vintage Revivals is great. I've seen other pieces like this, but they seemed really complicated. This one looks quite simple to make, and the effect is awesome. 

Four:

Twig chandelier from Funky Junk Interiors. I'm a sucker for natural things brought inside, especially in unexpected places. That's why I'm so drawn to chandeliers like this one.

Five:

DIY chandelier tutorial from Brassy Apple. This tutorial uses hanging flower baskets in a super creative way. This picture isn't actually the finished product, but I love the industrial look of this. I would keep it like this and add bulbs. 

Six:

These two are actually products. One is the Cut Glass Chandelier and the other is the Steel Chandelier, both from Squint. Both products are over 1000, but I think if you found the right base chandelier and had some coordinating colors of yarn and paint, you could easily DIY something that had the same feel.

Seven:

Bulb Cage chandelier from Rich Brilliant Willing. Again with the industrial. This cluster actually looks pretty easy to make, though. I might end up going with something like this, just because it looks decently simple. We'll see!