SewMini Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 So I'm getting close to the point of needing to run all my tapewire and start the initial steps of lighting my Orchid dollhouse BUT I'm running into a problem. I just do not like any of the lighting options I'm finding online. I've got a vision for my house now which is a French farmhouse that has been renovated and modernized so I'm looking for more modern lighting options with silver or black finishes OR rustic finishes. The vast majority of what I'm finding is Victorian style or fixtures that are brass. I know I can buy a screw in bulb line from Cir-Kit. Has anyone made their own working lights? Honestly, I'm just looking to do some modern style pendants and chandeliers so they would be simple designs. I'm pretty fearless when it comes to building things so I'm up for anything. Do other miniaturists have advice on where to go from here? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sable Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Pendants are the only thing I can recommend. The craft stores have metal pieces that a bulb can be easily set into. I few of us have tried multiarmed chandeliers which remain in boxes as failures. Bending metal tubing is difficult. Inserting wires in the metal tubing without stripping the wire of its covering and causing shorts is another risk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Since you know what you want, my suggestion would be to print out photos of real life fixtures and start looking for mini-sized components to approximate the look. (This is in keeping with my "If you can see it, you can replicate it" mantra. ) Once your "mini-eye" starts functioning, you'll be amazed at the amount of odd objects, table trash, etc., that can be adapted. Keep in mind that you can always change the finish on ready-made mini fixtures with a bit of paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
otterine Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 You can find many of the lights in more modern finishes like copper, silver, black though they do tend to be the same design as the brass ones. However, there are more modern lighting options to be purchased. You can find battery or 12V fixtures. Some links:http://www.miniatures.com/Ceiling-Fixtures-C189.aspxhttp://www.elfminiatures.co.uk/MODERN+LIGHTING+PWtETXdBVE02a25jdmRXWjBGMlk (there are links under this category on the left) You can buy LEDs from a couple of suppliers and make your own, too. It's best to just experiment, draw out what you want and see what parts you need. Chrysolite kits are also a nice way to get parts and make things your own. I've taken apart Lundby lamps to reuse with 12V LEDs. Here are a few of my examples. http://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/scratch-built-lampshttp://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/scratch-built-kitchen-pendant-lampshttp://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/handmade-sunflower-lampshttp://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/chrysolite-kitshttp://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/?app=gallery&module=gallery&controller=view&id=109756http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/?app=gallery&module=gallery&controller=view&id=115809 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 You could make a false ceiling and punch regularly spaced holes in it and run LED lights in between. Didn't someone once do mini canister lights? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1martinimomma Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 This hobby shop has lots of lights from various mfg. Actually they have a ton of dollhouse stuff on their website. I have bought from them several times. www.oakridgehobbies.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
otterine Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Here are some can lights, though you can certainly scratch build these from LEDs as Holly mentions -- you'd just need a ring to finish the hole. For a 1/8 thick board, you would need to add some padding.http://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/installing-novalyte-led-recessed-can-lights More lamps:http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/?app=gallery&module=gallery&controller=view&id=68784&browse=1http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/?app=gallery&module=gallery&controller=view&id=68788&browse=1 (this is a Heidi Ott sconce)http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/?app=gallery&module=gallery&controller=view&id=110083&browse=1 http://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/what-s-old-is-new-1 (rewiring old Lundby lamps) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SewMini Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, KathieB said: This is in keeping with my "If you can see it, you can replicate it" mantra. This has ALWAYS been my mantra with sewing. Whenever I've made something and someone says "I can't believe you made that" my response is "Someone, somewhere, makes your clothes. If they can make it, so can I." That's how I ended up doing a screen accurate Kylo Ren costume. That said, I never again want to hand pleat 15 yards of duck canvas. Stuff like this is what I have in my head Edited February 24, 2017 by SewMini 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
otterine Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Lighting Bug has the best bare bulb on the mini market. http://lightingbugltd.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_25 Spend some time in the jewelry findings and beads aisle at the craft store, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 2 hours ago, SewMini said: ...Stuff like this is what I have in my head Next time you have to have an outpatient procedure done, or if you know someone who gets IV treatments, get them to save you their IV tubing. You can cut it into sections (like the picture) and thread gor bulbs through them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I found this on Etsy Here's a few options from MinimumWorld. They are in the UK but if you spend $50 dollars shipping is free on selected items (ie: no bulky stuff like dollhouse kits. ) https://minimumworld.com/shop-by-product/dolls-house-lighting/wired-lights/lt6100-modern-3-arm-pewter-chandelier I think they have this in a single pendant and a couple of lamp options too. https://minimumworld.com/lt4006s-silver-ceiling-globe-light-de155 A simple globe light... picture is brass but it says it's silver https://minimumworld.com/lt2111-modern-pewter-wall-light https://minimumworld.com/shop-by-product/dolls-house-lighting/wired-lights/lt7002blk-3-arm-chandelier I think you could lose some of the crystals on this to make it more modern industrial/shabby. https://minimumworld.com/shop-by-product/dolls-house-lighting/battery-led-lights-no-wiring/lt7532ww-copper-lantern-with-warm-white-led-bulb https://minimumworld.com/shop-by-product/dolls-house-lighting/wired-lights/lt5027-bird-cage-lamp you could deconstruct and spray paint these birdcage lamps black to modernise. You actually can paint brass fixtures. I've seen people have a lot of success at it. This blogger makes the their own lights kind of in the style you are looking at. I'm not sure if she blogs the actual process but you might be able to ask her some questions. This blogger made a mason jar light also.. her process is at the bottom of the page Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sable Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 1 hour ago, SewMini said: This has ALWAYS been my mantra with sewing. Whenever I've made something and someone says "I can't believe you made that" my response is "Someone, somewhere, makes your clothes. If they can make it, so can I." That's how I ended up doing a screen accurate Kylo Ren costume. That said, I never again want to hand pleat 15 yards of duck canvas. Stuff like this is what I have in my head Edit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 World market has some cool string lights that you might be able to use the decorative part from, to rewire for single pendants. http://www.worldmarket.com/product/clear+orb+solar+led+20+bulb+string+lights.do?&from=fn These are 1.5 inches in diameter so would be like a large ball pendant when hung http://www.worldmarket.com/product/clear+orb+solar+led+20+bulb+string+lights.do?&from=fn these are super cool, but are 2.75 inches in diameter so about the same size as a 10 arm dollhouse chandelier. They would definitely be a large ball cage light feature. You would need high ceilings to accomodate it. They have other super cool edison fairy lights and cage fairy lights, but they seem to be a bit large for 1/12, they would probably work great in 1/6 though for anyone contemplating modern lighting for their playscale house. Pier 1 has awesome modern string lights too but I can't find any dimensions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SewMini Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 28 minutes ago, Samusa said: This blogger made a mason jar light also.. her process is at the bottom of the page That is PERFECT Samantha! Just what I was looking for. I popped into the art store during my lunch and boy is that a light building wonderland! They had all manner of tubing perfect for miniatures. Looks like I need to take a detour into miniature lighting land :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SewMini Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 So I have a question. I have a string of battery powered LED lights left over from making a light up dress for my daughter (oy that was a project). Would it be safe to cut those up to use the lights and directly wire them into the house? If so, I could use those rather than having to buy a bunch of GOR lights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 1 minute ago, SewMini said: So I have a question. I have a string of battery powered LED lights left over from making a light up dress for my daughter (oy that was a project). Would it be safe to cut those up to use the lights and directly wire them into the house? If so, I could use those rather than having to buy a bunch of GOR lights. I think it would depend on their voltage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shannonc60 Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Lundby is smaller in scale but have modern style lights. My guess is the variation in scale wouldn't matter too much with modern lights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Just speaking as a diabetic, but insulin vials could be I think easily transformed into your first option. I know I save these thinking I'll use them in mini, and have yet to -- but do have them in a few sizes. If you would like I can go ahead and measure them, and if you want real glass hanging pendant lights just msg me your address and I can mail you a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Insulin vials (particularly Humulin) are a good size for propane bottles for the Travel Trailer: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mid-life madness Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I saw this on a website. She purchased bulbs and wiring from Radio Shack....might be of use. Kris compas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SewMini Posted February 26, 2017 Author Share Posted February 26, 2017 (edited) I never thought of that! Ironically, I work at JDRF International. We're the largest non-governmental funder of type 1 diabetes research. You'd think I'd know how big insulin vials are. Well I futzed and futzed and futzed today once I got home from working a JDRF event this morning. On the way home, I stopped off at Joann's and looked for some interesting jewelry findings. I happened upon these cool rectangular sliding clasp that reminded me a lot of the metal lanterns I've seen in various souks around North Africa and the Middle East: http://www.joann.com/blue-moon-findings-clasp-metal-slider-rectangle-5-loop-antique-silver/12120655.html#q=clasp&prefn1=prod_type&sz=90&start=91&prefv1=Product So I bought two and glued/soldered them together (though the soldering didn't really want to stick for some reason.) Then I took some chain from an old necklace and attached that with some jump rings. Add in a salvaged dollhouse light bulb and I have my first chandelier! Well, technically second but the first attempt was hideous so lets pretend that didn't happen. Edit: Forgot to add pics! Edited February 26, 2017 by SewMini 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 Well done! It's great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 Miranda, it's gorgeous! Insulin vials would work really well for the mason jar-type lights in 1:6 (Barbie) scale. Vaccine vials and NS diluent vials would work in 1:12 (I'm a long-retired PHN). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 Miranda, you've got the eye and the touch ... will be looking for more wonderfully imaginative creations from you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlbradwisch Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 awesome job that looks amazing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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