Lamps are certainly utilitarian. We
need them to see in the dark. But they are also accents in a room’s decor, and
should be chosen with that in mind. Unusual lamps, ones that are more personal,
can be made easily if you have the right materials.
Bottles that come in a wonderful
array of shapes and sizes make lovely lamps, and by choosing a bottle that
speaks to your artistic side, you can create something quite special and
unique.
1.
Assemble your materials. Find a lampshade that appeals
to you and that compliments the shape of your chosen bottle. Most hardware
stores sell lamp making kits that come with everything you will need: a rubber
stopper with a hole in the center, a light bulb socket and cap, a switch, a paper-lined shell, some threaded bar to go
inside the stopper, electrical wire, and a wall plug. The tools required will
be: a utility knife, pliers, and small Phillips head screwdriver.
2.
To get your rubber stopper to fit your bottle, use the
utility knife to shave it down until it’s the right size. Putting the threaded
rod through the hole in the stopper - and leaving ¼” showing, place the
assembly and shave the stopper to make it flush with the bottle.
3.
Putting the harp base and socket cap on the threaded
rod, with your screwdriver, tighten the socket cap. Put your electrical wire
through the hole in the cap and make an underwriter’s” knot. Wrapping the
stripped wire ends of the electrical wire around the terminal screws, tighten
them. Now, sliding the shell over the whole thing, clip the socket assembly
into the cap.
4.
Add the top of
the harp and screw in your light bulb. Put on the lamp shade and plug it in. No
sparks? You've done it right!
This is basically an easy project,
and a great way to personalize a light source. You can be proud of yourself.
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