DIY Mason Jar Chandelier

One of the hottest things in home decor right now is mason jars (just google "diy" or "home decor" and "mason jars" and you'll see what I mean).  Even before we bought this house, I saw mason jar chandeliers everywhere and thought they were one of the cutest things ever!  When we realized that we had to change almost all the lights in the house, I started scrutinizing each one to see if I could redo it somehow.

It took awhile before I gave the stairwell light a second glance.  Doesn't look like it could be much different!

Plastic Tiffany-style lamp just wasn't the look I was going for. Then, I realized that if I just took the shade off, the lights underneath were actually in pretty good shape and very simple.

So, with a little spray paint, a few mason jars and a very handy husband who is not scared to climb a ladder and balance on the stair rail, I got this:

It's really hard to take good pictures of new lighting, especially in a dark stairwell with no natural light! 

I love it - even more so since it only cost $4 for some oil-rubbed bronze spray paint.  I basically just took apart the chandelier, painted it, cut holes in the jar lid with tin snips, then balanced the jars (found in my mom's basement - thanks mom!) on the "arms" (what would those things be called??).  One is a little off-balance, but as long as we don't swing it around, it will be fine :)

$4 for a chandelier makeover vs. $100+ for a new light?  Of course!