How to use an indoor chandelier outside.

I needed more outdoor lighting for our patio. 
I needed more money to get what I wanted
I compromised and got what I needed with a little ingenuity and only a little money.

 

How did I get this cool turquoise chandelier?
Lowe’s.  On sale for $20.   Want to know why it was only $20?
Cuz it was UUUUGGGGGGGG-LLLEEEEEEEEEE!

Yes. Brass. 
Yes. An indoor light fixture.
No problem.

You already know that I think spray paint can solve most of the world’s problems…. I also figured that Handsome Hubby could strip the wires and make it so I can plug this sucker into a regular outlet instead of needing to hardwire it into the ceiling.

First: Spray paint.  In this case, Valspar’s Mediterranean (My favorite color of the moment.)

Tape off whatever you don’t want to get covered with paint…

Gather your tools.  (Or in my case, have your husband gather his tools…)

I had Handsome Hubby wire the end of the chandelier’s electrical wires to an extension cord, basically creating a “plug-in” light fixture, rather than one that needs to be hard-wired.

I have heard that there are adapters you can buy that make it super easy to do this, but I haven’t used them.
This worked great.  (You can google how to splice electrical wire and find lots of good tutorials.*)

Since HH wired the chandy's electrical cord to an extension cord, we can hang it from our patio cover, run the cord over the top and plug it into a socket just like a regular lamp.  I plan to make a cute fabric cord cover.  Someday.  Maybe burlap...?

I am having photography problems, but trust me, it looks waaay better than this at night. It’s a crummy shot.

The bottom line? I have an outdoor chandelier when I need it... in a color I want (that can be changed on a whim) and all for $20 plus half an hour's worth of HH's electrical skills.

Yay.

*Disclaimer: I am not an electrician. I had someone who knew what he was doing fix the wiring for me. 

If you don't have electrical know-how, for goodness sake, consult someone who does before you try it. 
It's obviously important to make sure you do this safely and correctly. 
Don't play with matches or electricity.  Always wash your hands after using the bathroom.
Use your manners and remember to say your prayers.

Check out the bottom of the blog to see where I link up.
also Savvy Southern Style