Can't find a lamp you like? Try making your own.

Tools needed:
  • geometric compass
  • drill
  • saber saw
  • sandpaper
  • blue painters tape
  • 5/16" drill bit
  • tape measure
  • scrap wood
  • 1/8" drill bit
  • screwdriver
  • hammer
  • hot glue gun
  • utility knife

Materials needed:

  • 3/4" mdf board
  • four drawer pulls
  • surface mounted porcelain lamp holder
  • lamp cord set
  • two 5/16x48" wood dowels cut into four dowels at 22 1/4"
  • 40 watt tube appliance bulb
  • 23" wide matchstick roman shade
  • two hose clamps to fit 7" diameter
  • in-line off/on swtich (optional)

Step 1: cut the frame
using compass draw a 6 3/4" diamaters circle on two of the pieces of mdf. Draw another circle, 5 3/4" in diameter inside the other circle. On one of the pieces of mdf, drill a hole inside the smaller circle to accomadate the saber saw blade.Insert the ssaw blade and cut around the perimeter of the larger circle so you end up with a ring 6 3/4 inches in diameter. Cut around the perimeter of the 6 3/4" circle on the second piece of MDF. Sand the cut edges if needed to smooth and even them out.

Step 2: Drill holes in the fiberboard.
Wrap blue painters tape around the 5/14" drill bit to gauge a drill depth of 1/2" thick. check depth by drilling into a piece of scrap wood. Drill 1/2" deep holes in the MDF ring at four equidistant points. Drill corresponding 1/2" deep holes in the solid MDF circle.

Step 3: Attatch feet.
With the 1/2" bit drill four holes equally spread 1" in from the edge of t he circle and attatch drawer pulls as feet.

Step 4:Wire the lamp.
Mount the porcelain lamp holder in the center of  the solid circle. Drill a 5/16" hole just to the outside of the lamp holder to feed the lamp wire through. Knot the lamp wire to prevent it from being pulled back through the hole. Attach the wire ends to the lamp holder contact screws,

Step 5: Reattach the lamp top.

Step 6: Resize the wood dowels.
Cut two 5/16x48" wood dowels to four dowels at 22 1/4" each.


Step 7: Secure dowels in holes.
Insert each dowel into the previously drilled 1/2" deep holes. Set the ring on top of the dowels and match them to the holes in it.Tap with hammer to fit evenly. screw in lightbulb.
Step 8: Glue lamp shade.Unroll the shade and remove the drawstring and any hardware that will be in the way. Hold the shade up and stretch it around the lamp frame to determine where to cut (there shouldn't be any overlap). Dab hot glue on the binding strings on matchsticks on each side of where you plan to cut. Flip the shade over and do the same on the back.

Step 9: Glue shade to frame.

Step 10: Secure the shade.
Attach the hose clamp at the bottom edge and tighten with a screwdriver. Next attach the second hose clamp at the top of the lamp.



EXTRA TIP:
If you already have a working lamp and want to enhance it with a new shade or base? Paint is an easy and simple enhancement. Use a paint stamp of stencil a design on to the existing shade or base with a paint pens. If you like a more industrial look add gromets to shade.