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Designing a Wrought Iron Chandelier
QuiQue -
Thursday, October 5, 2006 - 8:06pm
Blacksmithing | Artist Inspiration chandelier | furniture | lighting | wrought iron
The original idea I had for the lower cluster was to have individual hand forged leaves between the main arms of the chandelier. I then started thinking about adding some small individual lights within each of the leaves. Something that doesn't put off too much light, but kind of like a pen light. I know there are some new types of lighting that will fit this criteria, but since I am not a lighting expert, I'm not sure where to look or what to call this type of lighting. If you know anything about the various types of lighting currently on the market, I would love to hear from you. After the client looked at this design, she is now asking about the possible use of colored crystal glass within the chandelier. I think this is doable, but again, since I'm not sure where to get the crystals for the chandelier, I don't quite know how this will be implemented. Any help in finding sources for the crystals will be appreciated! Now to go to google and see what I can find. Stay tuned to see what the final design will be.  Adding LED Fiber Optics to Chandelier
QuiQue -
Wednesday, October 18, 2006 - 2:02am
Rich, Thanks for the feedback! I have been doing some research on LEDs and found a UK based business named LiteWave.co.uk that has some cool products. What I've decided to use is their CoolFusion LED projector along with an 80 tail fiber optic loom. What this is going to do, is give the client the ability to have any color within the light spectrum shown on their chandelier. By adding a controller, they will even be able to have the colors change with music! I'm also planning on putting clear crystals in front of the fiber optics so that they will refract the colored light. I think it's going to look real cool! I'll hopefully post some additional information as I get closer to finalizing the design of the chandelier.  Glad I could stimulate some
Rich Waugh -
Monday, October 23, 2006 - 10:52pm
Glad I could stimulate some ideas for you, QuiQue. I'll be interested to see the finished chandelier. Should be pretty cool, for sure! Great idea on the projector and fiberoptics.  Keep us updated on the
Alex in Welderland -
Monday, October 23, 2006 - 11:06pm
Keep us updated on the fiberoptics. Ease of use, possibilities and all that. Sounds like something fun to play with. It does look like it is
QuiQue -
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 2:57pm
It does look like it is going to be some fun! The client has accepted the change order to add the LED lighting and as soon as I get the next progress payment, I will be ordering the lighting from UK. Can't wait... I'm excited!  led lighting
Rick Crawford -
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - 9:18pm
That is a sharp website. Have you got something picked out, or are you just going to try some stuff? Rick Crawford at Smoky Forge Yea, I'm going to get the
QuiQue -
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - 12:57am
Yea, I'm going to get the CoolFusion Projector with the 80 LED fiber optics and their controller. Basically the whole shebang listed on the link above. Gonna be interesting! I think...  lighting
Cassandra -
Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 9:52am
Don't know if you're still looking but chandelier crystals sell down here for $3 each at the Canton Flea Market. I just bought a couple, they come in different faceted shapes. Great chandelier design, your work is always inspiring. LED's are an interesting alternative. Looking forward to seeing finished piece. I am trying to figure out the lighting now for my outdoor sculpture using solar lights. Of course, there's only so much light available unless you go with a massive panel and that's just not an option, so that's the downside of using sun power. I am thinking perhaps a combination though...Cassandra www.tanzende.com I'm going to get my crystals
QuiQue -
Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 5:09pm
I'm going to get my crystals from chandelierparts.com. Never bought from them, but they seem to have quite a collection of them and a variety of prices. Some really nice ones for less than $1. I'm not a lighting expert, but I do know that LED lights use much less power than standard lights. Seems to me you could use a mix of solar power with LED lights. Maybe you can search with google and see what you get. I hope that you will share pictures of your outdoor sculpture once you get your lighting and all set up. I'm looking forward to seeing what you're up to! Solar lights
Alex in Welderland -
Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 7:54pm
Hey Cassandra,  Your rendering
visitor -
Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 10:33am
Rick, |
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ArtMetal
Lighting notions
QuiQue,
I would think that some of the light-emitting diode (LED) lighting that is available would do about what you want. Super low current drain so it can be wired with hair-thin leads, yet it puts out a decent amount of lumens. They're available in pretty good colors these days, not just the old red and blue of the past. Some of them go up to five watts and put out enough light to equal a good-sized spotlight. I'd check with an electronics parts supply house to see what is available.
For the crystals, I'm mostly stumped, unless you can find something at one of the big craft stores or Pier-1 type places. I mean, crystals are so last-year, y'know? (grin)