DIY Spider Web for Halloween or Just Because

In January, I went to Las Olas Art Show in Ft. Lauderdale and fell in love with some rebar spider webs. Since then, they have stuck in my mind, and I have been trying to think of a way to recreate them. In the end, I came up with a way to make a spider web in my own way inspired by Ortega’s beauties.

Artist Lorenzo Ortega's spider webs

It all started with a frame that I pulled out of the trash. The beautiful cat is optional, but I really would not recommend getting one for this project. She was a bit of a nuisance.

Cat in a frame

She is cute, though. Look how she is waving at you. She really knows how to ham it up for the camera.

Cat in a frame

After selecting the frame, the first task was to put nails around the perimeter from the back of the frame. Just be careful not to pound the nails through the wood. You do not want them sticking out the front.

Nails in a frame Nail in a frame

Next I threaded the wire around a nail, stretched it to the opposite side, cut it with a pair of wire cutters and twisted it around the nail on that side.

Wires stretched across a frame

Once I had all of the wires stretched across the frame, I started weaving the wire on the inside. I started by twisting the end around a wire.

Making a spider web of wire

Then, I went around in a circle weaving the wire first over and then under the wires. This was the most difficult part. My wire was not originally on a spool. I had found a wire figure in the trash and unraveled it. Not wanting to cut the wire and unsure of exactly how much I would need, I had a ridiculously long piece of wire that I had to weave through. It took me forever, but it was worth it. I expect that the project would be a great deal easier if you were to begin with wire on a spool. Unfortunately, ridiculously seems to be the manner in which I prefer to do most things.

Making a spider web of wireMaking a spider web of wire

Despite the challenge of working with about twenty feet of wire, I made good progress and finished the web in a couple of hours.

Making a spider web of wire Making a spider web of wire

Periodically, I would wrap the wire around another. At the end, I cut the wire and twisted the end around another strand.

Making a spider web of wire Making a spider web of wire

Here is my finished web from the front and from the back. I am no spider and may not catch any flies, but I am proud of my work of art.

Wire spider web in a frame Wire spider web in a frame

 

Douglas helped me hang it from the curtain rod with fishing line. A big spider quickly made her home there, much to Menderes’ dismay. He hates spiders.

Fake spider in a wire spider web in a frame

I have enjoyed the changing look at different times of the day. Please excuse the poor photography. My good camera broke, and the poor little cheap one I am working with is on its last legs.

Fake spider in a wire spider web in a frame

Here is the web at sunset.

Fake spider in a wire spider web in a frame

And from outside, it looks pretty good as well if I do say so myself.

Wire spider web in a frame Wire spider web in a frame

I hope I have inspired you! This makes a lovely Halloween decoration, but I like it well enough that I am tempted to leave it up year round. I am thinking I could hang it on the porch in the summer.

Fake spider in a wire spider web in a frame

I am linking this post at Black and White Obsession, Pneumatic Addict, BD Design Blog, Splendid Design, and 365 Days of Craft.

Happy Homemaking!

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About

I am a teacher, traveler, artist, writer, homemaker and a whole lot more. In January 2009, I bought the Cape of Dreams. It was the second house that I had ever owned, but it was the first that I bought by myself. I now live in the house with my husband Douglas, our dog Kahlua, and Crème de Menthe, the cat. Because, what life is complete without a little Kahlua and Cream? I love arts and crafts of all kinds, and I refinish furniture as well. We are slowly redoing our entire house. You can read about my projects on my blog www.CapeofDreams.com

8 Comments on “DIY Spider Web for Halloween or Just Because

  1. your good camera did not break. you can still use it on manual focus and it works just fine. it is just the lens gears for autofocus that are broken.

    • It is super shimmery! Crème is taking all of the credit for the spiderweb. Any time someone comes to visit she is all,”How do you like the web I made?” I guess I should just be glad that she hasn’t attacked the spider yet.

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