DIY Copper Lamp

I’m finally getting around to posting our November contribution to Drifter + the Gypsy!

Lighting is something I could always use more of! I used to think that making a lamp would be difficult but once I tried it, it turns out it is super easy. Especially if you use a lamp kit, but if you are feeling adventurous you can just buy an extension cord and a socket. And of course I think copper is gorgeous–who doesn’t? So choosing copper for my first foray into the DIY lamp world was a perfect choice.

Materials
• Small wood plaque (99 cents at most craft stores) //
• Lamp kit //
• Screwdriver //
• Drill //
• ½ inch drill bit //
• Light bulb //
• 10 foot, ½ inch copper pipe //
• Pipe cutter //
• Measuring tape //
• ½ inch 45 degree elbow //
• ½ inch copper pressure tee //
• Acrylic bumpers //
• Super glue //

1. Drill a hole in the corner of the wood plaque. Once the hole is drilled, you may need to trim around the edges a little bit to make sure the copper pipe will fit through. To do this, just take the drill bit and move it in a circular motion.

2. Measure and mark 16 inches on the copper pipe.

3. Use the pipe cutter to cut the pipe.

4. Take the pressure tee and place on top of one end of the pipe.

5. Next, measure 4 inches on the pipe and use the pipe cutter to cut.

6. Connect that piece to the pressure tee.

7. Connect the 45 degree elbow. It will look like the photo when all connected together.

8. Add a dab of super glue to the hole you drilled. This is just to ensure that the pipe is well secured.

9. Place the end of the pipe into the hole and hold it for about a minute.

10. Now we will wire the lamp. Start by taking end of the wire up through the bottom of the wood plaque.

11. Wiggle the wire all the up through your pipe structure. It may be easier to temporarily deconstruct the structure, which I did.

12. Pull the end of the wire out through the top of the elbow.

13. Place 4 bumpers on the bottom corners of the wood.

14. Take the socket in the lamp kit and use a screwdriver to loosen the screws.

15. Next, attach the wires to the screws. You will want to take the ribbed wire and wrap it clockwise around the silver screw. Repeat with the other wire on the bronze screw. Make sure that the cord is not plugged in!

16. Place the socket cover on top of the socket.

17. Screw in the light bulb

18. Plug in your new lamp!

I hope you enjoy this little lamp project. Think of all the fun possibilities with copper piping or other materials! I ended up spray painting the socket cover gray since I didn’t love how the bronze looked with the copper but think of how fun a bright color would be–say a turquoise!