Lamps From Just About Anything
Follow me on Social Media Shop My Treasures Here Spring Lamp-by Margo
For this lamp I purchased an inexpensive lamp kit from Ikea. It consisted of the base, rod and socket, all wired up
and ready. It was less than $10.00. To secure the spring, I attached a disk I made from wood scraps to the top of the spring, and sandwiched it between the socket collar and the spring.
Tied Fabric Scrap Lamp Shade
All you need is an old lamp shade, scraps of fabric and scissors and time to tie This book has so much inspiration So I began to keep my eye out for old metal trouble lights at garage sales. They are not the easiest thing to find, but they are out there. I was able to put a few lamps together and I love them.
Then I saw these on the Anthropology web page
Lamps can be made from almost anything. Here are some pictures of different items turned into unique lamps. In my search for home made lamps, I have found everything from the truly beautiful, the the absolutely bizarre. I hope you enjoy.
This is a lamp project based on one of Ki Nassauer's projects. It's basically 4 spindles, attached to scrap wood on top and below. Then It needs to be wired as a lamp. See youtube video link below for instructions on lamp wiring. Safety I'd like to say a quick word about safety. Please use common sense when doing any of these projects. Use Caution with saws and power tools. Remember to wear gloves and eye protection. We want you to enjoy years of junking and crafting, so please play it safe.
Here's something you can do with those old cigar boxes.
I made this lamp from an old wooden Tri-pod, I think this was one of Ki Nassauer's ideas.
This Lamp was made from leftover wood from another project
A Word about lamp wiring kits Wiring up a lamp is not difficult. Most home stores have kits available for around $10.00. I've purchsed kits at both Home Depot and Lowe's and I prefer the ones from Home Depot, for several reasons. Most kits do not come with the threaded rod you will need to insert down the center of whatever lamp you make. These rods are usually located near the kits and are about $5.00. Be sure to pick one up and save yourself another trip later. Home depot also sells lamp kits for converting bottles into lamps. I have not seen these kits at Lowe's. I've not checked craft stores but I'm sure they sell the kits as well. Enjoy You can probably find many Lamp wiring tutorials on You Tube
Reader Contributions
Egg Basket Light Fixture by Carole: GreenBean Workshop made this unique lamp out of an old boom box. She says: "I took the guts out and painted it white (what else). I used the speakers for feet which you can't see very well in the pic." Great T2T Lamp by Caleb Read more about Caleb's projects here
I love to see the younger generation jumping on the T2T bandwagon. This is a great project Caleb, thanks for sharing, and keep it up. *****************************
Greenbean workshop made this old toaster into a lamp ***************************** Clydene sent in this lamp picture
Would you believe this used to be a piano leg *****************************
Gayle Tells how she totally re-vamped this Garage Sale Lamp, "Started with an old $1 chandelier from a yard sale - I dismantled it - and spray painted the arms. Used wood, and an aluminum ruler for the base and made a new light fixture for my bathroom when it was redecorated." *****************************
Brittany dog mom made this lamp from a 'Chinese Wedding basket that she bought at Bombay House. *****************************
Toots made this from an old bottle *****************************
Toots Made this non-electric one, from an old chandie... *****************************
This lamp was made from a Teacup and Saucer by kylesgram ***************************** This idea came from kudzukween from Ivillage Garen Junk forum. OK it's not a lamp, but it used to be. Teacup/lamp birdfeeder Here are her instructions: "The tea cup birdfeeder was made from a cheap old chandelier, the arms used to hang down, I simply twisted the arms facing up and took out all the wiring. It won't matter,as long as it's flat enough to glue the saucer to it. I didn't sand it or do anything to it, but you might want to, this one was rusty,and I spray painted it white knowing rust would come back through which was the look I was going for. I looked for pretty cups and saucers at yard sales and thrift stores til I got 5 sets, for the 5 arms on this particular chandelier, they don't need to match. So pretty much scrounge up an old lamp, spray paint it, use silicone to glue the saucers to the lamp, glue the cups to the saucers, add some birdseed and hang it up. You could use any lamp that will work for you, mine had a chain already on it."
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This pink one was made by Skyler, and was made from a glass candy dish. "I just removed the dish and added the lighting fixtures. I found the shade at the flea market." How to pick a lamp shade The rule of thumb is that the shade should be the shape of the base. If the base is square or rectangle you should get a square or rectangle shade, if it's round or oval you should look for a round shade. The shade should be 2/3 the height of the base and 1/2" wider than the base on each side. It should be large enough to hide the socket and switch. This is a rule of thumb, the best thing to do is to take your lamp with you and try shades on for size. When you find the right one, you'll know it.
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