Straw Light

 
http://www.onegoodthing.net/files/b51e6579aa6a92aabb94bf80700401fb-278.html

Papote Lamp is a perfect example of fine skills directed towards making an intricate yet exclusive design. The exquisite lamp is made by using something as trivial as straw, yes; thousands of plastic straws have been used in making the beautiful honeycomb design. 

The beauty of the lamp becomes all the more alluring when you see light seeping out of the centre of each straw and creating a unique tactile luminance.

Cloud Light

Cloud Light

By now, I’m sure you’ve realized I love a good DIY project.  I don’t get too intimidated by projects so long as it doesn’t includebuilding.  That’s Ben’s domain.  It’s a definite plus when I get to use a glue gun, too.  With that out on the table, I have another confession.  I loathe ceiling fans.  We have two in our house, well,now we have one.  They were in the house when Ben bought it and we kept them because we didn’t have air conditioning before.  Now that we have air, (not to mention we’re going into winter) we no longer needed the fans.  I saw a DIY lighting idea over at Kara Paslay Designs and I knew I had to make one. 

I already had a paper lantern (I think mine is smaller than this one listed at IKEA), so I bought a package of coffee filters and warmed up my glue gun. 

First, I crumpled up a batch of filters.

Add a liberal amount of hot glue at the base and press firmly to the lantern.  To avoid glue burns, put your fingers inside the filter to press.  Yeah, learned that a few times…

Start at the base, working around the center opening.

Work your way down and around, keeping the filters close to one another.

Keep gluing, and gluing, and gluing. 

Run out of coffee filters because you only bought 200 thinking that would be plenty for a small light.  Unplug glue gun, go to Target and get more.  Come back, warm up glue gun and proceed gluing. 

Once the shade is finished, I needed to find a cord kit.  How hard could that be?  Very, without an IKEA nearby.  I suggest picking up their cord kit.  Because I didn’t have their handy-dandy cord, I bought this assortment.

The lamp kit cost $4.97 and the picture wire was $1.97, both from Wal-Mart.  The ceiling canopy was from Lowe’s for $4.98.  I needed the canopy because we were hard wiring the light. 

To hang, get the help of an electrician or your handy husband.  Once handy man is present and accounted for, assemble socket, switch, and cord, securing to the lantern.  Throw away remaining bottle lamp kit pieces.  Add a length of wire to bear the weight of the shade.  Hardwire and affix to canopy.  Flip the switch and bask in the beauty that is your new, cheap pendant.

I still have some touch up work to do on the ceiling where the fan covered, but I’m happy to procrastinate on that.

So, now I’m sure you’re wondering what the thing cost. 

Paper shade:  Already owned

500 coffee filters: $3.98

Glue gun and glue:  Already owned

Lamp cord kit: $4.97

Picture wire: $1.97

Ceiling canopy:  $4.98

for a grand total of: $15.90. 

As if that wasn’t enough inspiration to make your own, here’s another fabulous coffee filter light made by Nichole at Parlour. 

Have you attempted a DIY light fixture?  Seen any you want to attempt?  Maybe you’ve seen a designer light that you would love to recreate?  Spill.

http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/2010/11/11/cloud-light/

Globe Light Fixture

DIY Project, Lighting:  Vintage world globes have such wonderful charm and character, and while the geographical information may be completely outdated, the shape, colors, and textures can add beauty to any home.  This whimsical world globe pendant light would be a wonderful addition to a home office, a modern living room, or an explorer-themed child's room.

Skill Level:    

Project Cost:   Approximately $30

---

Materials:

1.  Vintage world globe, usually available at thrift stores;

2.  Hemma pendant light cord from IKEA (or similar cord, available where paper lamps are sold);

3.  White spray paint;

4.  Clear glossy spray paint;

5.  Double fold bias tape in color that coordinates with your globe;

6.  Compact fluorescent light bulb.

---

Tools & Supplies:

1.  Scissors;

2.  Painter's tape;

3.  Newspapers;

4.  High temp hot glue gun

5.  Very sharp small serrated knife (a quality steak knife will work well).

---

Instructions:

1.   Using your serrated knife, cut around the bottom axis of the globe so that you can remove the globe from the metal stand.  This cut line does not have to be straight or neat.  It's simply a means to remove the globe from the stand.

2.  Once the globe is removed from the stand, select a latitude line on the globe, and cut around the entire globe with your serrated knife.  Try to cut as straight and evenly as possible, as this will be the bottom edge of your light.

3.  Using the light socket on your pendant light cord as a template, trace around the socket on the top of the globe, and then use your serrated knife to cut the small hole for the cord.

4.  Using painter's tape and newspapers, tape around the bottom edge of the globe, and completely cover the outside of the globe.  Also use a bit of painter's tape to cover the small hole in the top of the globe.

5.  Using white spray paint, completely coat the inside of the globe.  You may choose to use a spray primer first, which helps with the coverage of the spray paint.  I always use a primer before using a spray paint.

6.  Once the paint is dry, use a glossy clear coat spray and completely coat the inside of your globe.

7.  Remove tape and paper from globe and spray the outside of the globe with two layers of clear glossy spray.

7.  When the paint is completely dry, use your hot glue gun to adhere the bias tape to the bottom edge of the globe.  Be sure to maintain a very straight line with the bias tape on the outside of the globe, and then wrap the tape to the inside of the globe and glue.

8.  Attach the pendant light cord through the top hole, add your compact fluorescent light bulb, hang your light, and enjoy!

---

Helpful Hints:

1.  Be certain to use only a compact fluorescent bulb with this light.  A regular incandescent bulb will get too hot.

2.  Be very careful when removing painter's tape from your globe.  Paint may lift color from very old globes.

http://www.addicted2decorating.com/diy-project-lighting-vintage-world-globe-pendant-light.html