DIY Mason Jar Chandelier

This project is not too complicated if you know the basics of wiring. I did it in about 1 day but had majority of the materials.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials

1. Wire (I used 14 gauge, 3 wire since it's a lighting project

2. Plug (Optional, you can hard wire it if you choose to do so)

3. 2x12
4. Mason Jars

5. Light Sockets

6. Light Bulbs

7. Wire Nuts

Tools

1. Wire strippers or Box Knife

2. Side Cutters

2. Screwdriver

3. Miter Saw or Rip Saw

4. Scroll Saw or Coping Saw

5. Router, Router Table, or Chisel

6. Drill or Drill Press

Step 2: Build the Box

The box is simple and can be built to your needs and desires. The box size depends on location and number of mason jars. I squared up a 2x12 (11.25 x 11.25). This will be my box.

You can build your box out of whatever you have around though (Pallets, Scrap, etc.)

Step 3: Get Rid of the Middle

This step is the point where you make the place to hide the wires. If you didn't use a solid chunk of wood you can skip this part.

I went in an inch on all sides and made a square. This is the stuff I will be removing. I first removed the edges of the square 3/4" deep with a router (adjust yours to the thickness of your board, I just did half of mine). Then you can take out the rest in the middle. This process takes awhile but doesn't have to be perfect because it will be hidden.

I then notched a slot 3/8" deep for my plug wire to come out of. If you are hardwiring, you don't have to do this.

Step 4: Space Out Your Holes and Drill

At this point you will drill the holes for the wire to run through. I am only using 4 mason jars, so 4 holes. You can equally space them out but I did mine randomly. Drill a hole just big enough for your light socket because the mason jar lid will need to cover it.

Step 5: Drill the Mason Jars

Drill the lids of your mason jars to the size of the threads on your socket. If you are using a socket that doesn't have threads drill the hole big enough for the sockets and hot glue them in place.

When the holes are drilled, thread in the light sockets.

Step 6: Feed the Assemblies Through

You then feed the lid assembly through the hole making sure you place the band on with it. You can then screw it down using short drywall screws.

After this is done thread on the mason jar.

Step 7: Start Wiring

The wiring is very simple depending on the amount of sockets you have. It is even easier if you wire it in series but if one socket goes bad the rest down the line will go. I parallel wired it which continues the flow of electricity even through a bad socket.

Mine may look like a mess but it is safely wired and all works.

Step 8: Plug It in and Your Done

Comments

[tpmike]

Very nice work....)

[KristaD3]

I'm looking to make this with 8 glasses total but it in two rows of 4 staggered so all can be seen from the sides. It will be mounted like you have on a board and the board itself have rope from each corner to hang from the ceiling. I'm not familiar with electric so I'm busy teaching myself before I make mine. But would cutting the very bottom of the glasses off give more light? what was your wattage? i'm looking for something l e d that is equivalent to 60-100 watts each. As i need to brighten and area up for dinner.

[SIRJAMES09]

Q:

Seeing how this is made, which ai think is quite nice to say the least, I wonder if the light bulbs would get too hot & crack/break the jars?

Now keep in mind, my knowledge of electricity, light bulbs etc. is limited at best....I am no electrician by any stretch of the imagination.

As for the looks of this Ible & the functionality, I love it!

It looks simple, plain, seems to provide lots of light....I love it!

[normal52]

I had it on for about 2 hours and I could still touch the light bulbs.

[SIRJAMES09]

OH WOW!

ok....I learned something new today.....TY Sir.

I think what I will do then, is get busy & make one or 3. :)

TY Sir for the info & the quick reply. much appreciated.

[SIRJAMES09]

Q:

Seeing how this is made, which ai think is quite nice to say the least, I wonder if the light bulbs would get too hot & crack/break the jars?

Now keep in mind, my knowledge of electricity, light bulbs etc. is limited at best....I am no electrician by any stretch of the imagination.

As for the looks of this Ible & the functionality, I love it!

It looks simple, plain, seems to provide lots of light....I love it!