The lamp you will put together is unusual, but is a pretty cheap way of creating an interesting object for your home.
The result of your work will be an intricate and attractive lamp making for an excellent conversation piece.
Supplies Needed
Pink Drill Set For WomenFenchel Lamp Shades
A selection of dishware in a color and style of your choice, usually 5-6 pieces. Make sure you can stack them as described in the video.
E6000 Glue OR Loctite Gel Control Super Glue
** AS A NOTE OF CAUTION: A chemical in the glue E6000 has carcinogenic properties at certain concentrations. The concentrations of this chemical in the glue are low and if the glue is used in a reasonably ventilated area, i.e. window open, the risks of using it are low. If you prefer an alternative to the E6000 is Loctite Gel Control Super Glue.
A 1/2 inch (12mm) diamond tipped drill bit (Lennox).
Bottle Lamp Kit (Portfolio)
8 inch (200mm) detachable Harp (Portfolio) - for both types of Lamp Shade
Finial of your choice
Step by Step Instructions
1. Create a design for yourself and select the pieces of dishware that you want. Make sure that the pieces you have chosen are stackable as in the video. Usually about 5-6 pieces so the lamp is not too tall, and the base needs to be wider than all the other pieces of dishware by about 2x to ensure the finished lamp will not tip over. This also gives the lamp the right proportions.Having a "topper" for your lamp, like the teapot lid in the video, is a very good idea for fixing the light fitting and the lamp shade.
2. Now it is time to drill the holes. This may be something you have not done before so as suggested in the video, it is a good idea to buy a spare piece of dishware to practise your drilling skills. This will give you confidence for the real thing.
All drilling needs to be done under water or with flowing water to stop the drill bit and the dishware overheating. Please keep the actual drill away from the water.
Hold the drill firmly and have the bit on an angle when starting. In this way the whole bit is not in contact with the dishware and this helps to grind off a bit of the glaze on the dishware. When through the glaze, gradually straighten up the bit to start drilling the hole. One important thing to remember is to let the drill do the work. Be patient, and only apply light pressure.
3. When you are assembling and glueing the dishware pieces together, thread the power lead through the holes as you go so that when the last piece is glued the power lead is at the top. The E6000 or Loctite Gel Control Super Glue both take 24 hours for maximum strength, so when you have the lamp pieces glued together, leave it alone for 24 hours to avoid frustrating mistakes.
**AS A NOTE OF CAUTION: A chemical in the glue E6000 has carcinogenic properties at certain concentrations. The concentrations of this chemical in the glue are low and if the glue is used in a reasonably ventilated area, i.e. window open, the risks of using it are low. An alternative to the E6000 is Loctite Gel Control Super Glue.
4. Men are not renowned for this but women are - that is, following instructions. So when wiring up and assembling the light fixture, please follow the instructions and the process will seem pretty simple. When the light fixture is assembled just check it by adding a light bulb and turning on the switch.
5. Glue the light fixture into the "topper" and again allow 24 hours for the glue to set properly before attaching the lamp shade.
6. Fit the lamp shade to the light fixture and screw in the finial.
That's it - you now have a lovely new lamp.
OK this is not the simplest project, it does require a gentle touch and some drilling technique. But it is not difficult if the instructions are followed closely.
A key really is allowing the glue set completely. We all want it to be finished asap, but in this project a little patience will go a long way!
Seeing the completed lamp with lamp shade attached will be a real thrill, a great addition to your house or kitchen decor, and a great conversation piece.