A Cup of Light

Seattle artist Russ Morgan creates lighting fixtures using recycled glass and glass objects. They are interesting and beautiful pieces. I have seen them around Seattle for many years and have admired them. It was not too long ago when I saw a few of his pieces and was inspired to create my own.

I went on ebay and began searching for glass punch cups. It took me about a month to collect 30 cups. I also purchased a chafing dish holder. At the hardware store I picked up the lighting parts and all the hardware for assembly.

The idea was to hang the cups from the chafing dish holder with wire, while the light bulb hangs surrounded by the glass cups. I hung the chafing dish holder from the ceiling light cap. For working purposes I hung the entire contraption from a hook on the ceiling while I wired the cups.

Transferring the finished chandelier to the dining room proved to be the most challenging part of the project as it weighed quite a bit. It ended up being a three person job. With my aunts Annie and Joyce in town, I put them to work holding up the chandelier while I wired the electricity. After struggling with the old wiring in the ceiling, I finally got it ready to hang.

I am happy with the finished chandelier. It is contemporary and traditional, fancy and simple and decorative and useful. You can do it too. Really.

Be good,

Scott