This is a tutorial I posted several years ago. But this project is still incredible and still worth sharing. It’s also still a little bit creepy, but I love it nonetheless. Ready to think outside of the box?
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In response to my craft club’s June challenge – finish a project you’ve already started – I decided to complete a hanging light pendant I began last year. My youngest son just received his EMT certification this week (woo-hoo!) so there’s no better time than the present to finish this fixture made from human xrays! I bought a KNAPPA light kit from Ikea for $24.99. It comes with a cord, frame, and white plastic “petals” which snap onto the frame. It is fairly easy to assemble and offers some sweet mood lighting. Yes, it’s an Xray light fixture.
When my son first became interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, I thought it would be cool to use human x-rays instead of the pre-cut white petals. In theory, it sounds interesting, but in reality, it became a personal pursuit to collect enough x-rays. I checked with my doctor, my dentist, even my vet! Apparently, due to privacy acts as well as changing technology, x-rays are difficult to find. I’d tell you how I finally located enough of them to build this chandelier, but I don’t want to give away my sources in the world of black-market x-rays.
I used the white petals included in the kit as a template to cut 40 new petals from my covert x-ray collection.
I then snapped them into place, according to the kit instructions. And here’s the finished Xray light fixture! I admit, it conveys a slightly different ambience from the white tulip lamp in the kit, but I think its Darth Vader-esque quality is perfect for a bachelor pad!
*Note – For safety reasons, I suggest using an LED bulb, which gives out low heat.
The biggest compliment is a little share – please pin the photo below!
Thank you for resharing this post. My husband is also in the medical field and would think this was very cool looking. This post will be a feature this week. #HomeMattersParty
This is seriously the coolest chandelier I’ve ever seen! I want one so bad!
I am super curious how you did get all the xray sheets. It seems like it would be near impossible!
Hi Wayne – you are right! It was nearly impossible to collect enough xrays. I felt like I was dealing on the black market! I collected them from friends and a few from ebay. My vet and other doctors were unable to help. Took me almost a year to collect enough, but it makes a great story!!
This is really nice. Thanks for sharing your idea so anyone can do it too. Great article.
What a cool idea, Wendy! I love it!!!
Wow… this is really cool and unique! Thank you for sharing at the Celebrate Your Story Link Up Party.
Oh my goodness how creative is this! Thank you so much for sharing at Celebrate Your Story Link Party. I hope you join us again.