DIY Projects: 10 Lamps You Can Make (or Imitate) at Home
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
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Truth be told, I don't really play around with electricity myself. If we have a problem, I get on the phone with an electrician - pronto. But you know what? That might change - because I'm starting to think about making my own lamp.
Whether it's a start-from-scratch (with a lamp kit) lamp, or a simple IKEA hack, there are lots of ways to make custom lamps that are fairly simple and straightforward (and not terribly dangerous). These ten lamps can be made at home with just a little artsy-craftsy skill - and they produce some cool results.
Click on the bold name of the lamp for a link to further information about how to make the lamp:
1. The feather lamp. This lamp, an IKEA sphere covered with tissue paper "feathers," is simple and produces a very cool effect.
2. The dedacahedron lamp. This lamp, made with IKEA Lampan lamps, is a cool study in geometry.
3. The plastic spoon chandelier. Inspired by this Daisake Hiraiwa's lamp, shown at the 2009 ICFF show, the plastic spoon lamp would be a cool mix of high and low art. The original has tiny holes punctured in the spoons to diffuse light - but even whole spoons would make a great effect.
4. The twig lamp. This twig lamp requires a lamp kit - and a trip to the backyard to pick out some great branches.
5. The "potted plant" lamp. This lamp was inspired by outdoor lighting at the Savannah College of Art & Design - and has a great, simple profile that's perfect inside or out.
6. The bird stencil lamp. Paint and a great stencil turn this standard metal pendant into something really special.
7. The Lladro knockoff lamp. This original is made from tiny metal pieces - and costs $90,000. A DIY version could be made with heavy paper and wire, plus a stencil cutter, for much, much less.
8. The Lego light lamp. Legos might be the coolest thing ever - and these Lego light bulbs prove it. A lamp constructed of Legos would be perfect for a modern playroom.
9. The felt petal lamp. Adding petal-shaped felt pieces to an IKEA Melodi pendant lamp creates a soft, feminine profile.
10. The cardboard lamp. Inspired by a pricey vintage mid-century piece, this simple lamp involves little more than a lamp kit, some cardboard, and a couple of wooden circles.
Whether it's a start-from-scratch (with a lamp kit) lamp, or a simple IKEA hack, there are lots of ways to make custom lamps that are fairly simple and straightforward (and not terribly dangerous). These ten lamps can be made at home with just a little artsy-craftsy skill - and they produce some cool results.
Click on the bold name of the lamp for a link to further information about how to make the lamp:
1. The feather lamp. This lamp, an IKEA sphere covered with tissue paper "feathers," is simple and produces a very cool effect.
2. The dedacahedron lamp. This lamp, made with IKEA Lampan lamps, is a cool study in geometry.
3. The plastic spoon chandelier. Inspired by this Daisake Hiraiwa's lamp, shown at the 2009 ICFF show, the plastic spoon lamp would be a cool mix of high and low art. The original has tiny holes punctured in the spoons to diffuse light - but even whole spoons would make a great effect.
4. The twig lamp. This twig lamp requires a lamp kit - and a trip to the backyard to pick out some great branches.
5. The "potted plant" lamp. This lamp was inspired by outdoor lighting at the Savannah College of Art & Design - and has a great, simple profile that's perfect inside or out.
6. The bird stencil lamp. Paint and a great stencil turn this standard metal pendant into something really special.
7. The Lladro knockoff lamp. This original is made from tiny metal pieces - and costs $90,000. A DIY version could be made with heavy paper and wire, plus a stencil cutter, for much, much less.
8. The Lego light lamp. Legos might be the coolest thing ever - and these Lego light bulbs prove it. A lamp constructed of Legos would be perfect for a modern playroom.
9. The felt petal lamp. Adding petal-shaped felt pieces to an IKEA Melodi pendant lamp creates a soft, feminine profile.
10. The cardboard lamp. Inspired by a pricey vintage mid-century piece, this simple lamp involves little more than a lamp kit, some cardboard, and a couple of wooden circles.
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The feather lamp - kind of like an updated disco ball.
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The Lampan dedacahedron lamp is a study in geometry.
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The plastic spoon lamp might involve picnic products, but it is not at all hokey.
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The twig lamp is a cool example of easy naturalism.
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The potted plant lamp is all about simplicity - and a cool bulb.
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A stencil + pain make a simple IKEA lamp exciting.
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This Lladro chandelier is laughably expensive - but the make-at-home version wouldn't have to be.
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Legos can make anything - even lamps.
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The felt petal lamp is pretty, feminine, and easy to make.
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A little cardboard and some wooden circles create a cool, mid-century-inspired lamp.
Ideabook updated on Nov. 2, 2009.
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A specially commissioned piece by Joseph Ellis.
"2000 bottles of soya sauce and vinegar bottles made of china were handstrung together and hung from our ceiling, with 6 rings of light, symbolically representing the chinese saying of “六六大顺”, meaning everything goes as planned, 6 being a very auspicious Chinese number that represents a full cycle eg the recent massive 60th anniversary celebration, where the elemental zodiac cycle comes full circle."
Here are the links to the photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theoppositehouse/sets/72157622840398869/
Of course, no one would do that in their home, but even just stringing up a few of them would be a cool idea for a DIY chandelier :-)