Chicken wire (sometimes called hex mesh or poultry netting) is a flexible yet durable material traditionally used to fence in chickens. Available in stainless steel, copper, or bronze in several sizes and weaves, chickens aren't the only ones who flock to poultry netting. While it has an apparent use for farming and livestock, this type of wire mesh is a popular choice for crafts.
How Is Decorative Wire Mesh Used for Crafts?
So, what is wire mesh used for in the world of crafting? The various metal options, styles, and weave sizes allow artisans and creative DIYers to fashion a broad range of one-of-a-kind designs and decorative pieces.
Hex mesh, in particular, is a notably versatile product with a rustic appeal. It's the perfect balance of malleable and resilient, making it easy to cut and mold into various shapes but also durable enough to last for years.
The best chicken wire craft ideas include making your own fruit basket, lanterns, decorative frames, pendant lights, and magazine racks. Want to try out some of these crafts? Read on for tips and inspiration.
Fruit Basket
Fastening your own fruit basket out of wire mesh is relatively easy. You can make a hanging design with one or multiple tiers and attach a chain or twine on top. Alternatively, you can create a countertop basket to hold your fruits and veggies or mount one to the wall.
DIY Lantern
Chicken wire can be wrapped around glass jars for DIY candle lanterns. Whether you place them indoors or outside, this farmhouse-inspired design provides a subtle decorative touch and charming ambiance.
DIY Pendant Light
To take your chicken wire illumination up a notch, why not create a country-chic pendant light? Take two embroidery hoops or the frame of an old lampshade, and wrap the hex mesh around the outside. Once you have it securely in place, you can attach it to a pendant light cord—use an existing cord or order a kit online—and hang it from your ceiling.
Chicken Wire Frames
Hardware cloth can be secured to the back of a wood or metal frame to create a rustic home accent (indoors or out). If you've got an old picture frame or window, all you need is chicken wire and heavy-duty staples or a glue gun. Place photos inside, attach memorabilia or reminders with clothespins, use it as a family message board, or turn it into a shadow box.
Magazine Rack
A chicken wire magazine rack is simple to make. Aside from mesh and staples, all you'll need is something to attach your rack to the wall.
DIY mesh racks are an excellent storage solution for various areas of your home. You can put one in your entryway as a place to keep incoming or outgoing mail. Another option is to hang one in your kitchen or home office to keep important papers within reach.
Where to Buy Decorative Wire Mesh for Crafts
TWP Inc. is a premier resource for metal craft wire, decorative mesh, and multi-use poultry netting. Our women-owned business has been supplying and fabricating top-tier wire mesh and hardware cloth for over five decades, and we're proud to serve crafters and DIYers from around the world.
We carry stainless steel, bronze, and copper chicken wire and other types of decorative mesh suitable for the crafts mentioned above. Craft papermaking is another popular project, though it typically calls for mesh with a finer weave, which TWP Inc. supplies as well. Order yours today or get in touch with us to learn more about our products.
To get your crafts featured in our gallery, upload your photos to Instagram and tag them with #TWPWireMesh.
