Twig pendant

This sensational pendant shade was created by the TV show’s Tara Dennis for Jason Hodges’ 2009 MIFGS garden. Made with – of all things – garden twigs, it casts beautiful shadows when lit, creating a magical setting in which to entertain or dine. A similar piece from an outdoor or garden specialist will set you back a pretty packet, but you can make this shade for next to nix. You can hang it from your pergola or craft a few of these beauties and feature them throughout your home

Gather your supplies
Bundle of straight gum-tree twigs of even thickness; short twigs (fillers); garden secateurs; string; tie wire, cut into 15cm lengths; pliers; pendant; 4 small ‘S’ hooks; 1.6mm chain (length to suit); cup hook; bayonet pendant adapter (if necessary)

Notes: 1. Gum twigs are strong but will flex without breaking easily.
2. As you begin to build the ‘ball’ around the twig base, allow room to insert a suspended pendant fitting, or a standard light socket pendant adapter, and light bulb. You may need to adapt these instructions to suit your fitting.

Here’s how
STEP 1 Trim twigs to measure about 45cm long. You can cut twigs shorter or longer to suit desired size of your pendant.

STEP 2 Tie 3 twigs together with string to form an equilateral triangle featuring 30cm sides, as pictured. Ensuring it is at a comfortable height for working, attach equal lengths of string to each triangle side, then suspend triangle from a hook.

STEP 3 To create an upside-down pyramid, use string to attach a twig to each corner of triangle. Bring 3 ends together and tie.

STEP 4 Working clockwise around the pyramid, wire several twigs at a slight angle. When wiring, use pliers and twist ends together several times before trimming and tucking wires under so sharp ends are not exposed.

STEP 5 Working anti-clockwise around pyramid, wire twigs in the opposite direction to complete a trellis-style framework.

STEP 6 Allowing for a ‘nest’ area to accommodate pendant fitting and light bulb, poke twigs through pendant framework until you achieve a ball-like shape. As you work, tie each twig in place with wire, as before. As the ball begins to take shape and becomes more solid in mass, you’ll be able to push twigs through without having to wire them. Insert short filler twigs to close up any obvious gaps.

STEP 7 Cut chain into 3 equal lengths. Attach 1 end of each chain to an ‘S’ hook, then attach hooks evenly around ball. With light bulb nestled within ball of twigs – but not touching them, slip 3 ends of chain onto remaining ‘S’ hook and suspend it from a cup hook