How to Make Rustic Lamps

Rustic decor is often too expensive to purchase. Many homeowners who want the look and feel of a country home or cabin in the woods turn to making rustic items themselves. Old milk pails become lamp shades, as do fishing hats complete with lures and old campfire toasters.
Homemade rustic lamps are an inexpensive way to add a rustic element in a room. You can create rustic lamps from things you find in the yard or during nature walks on your favorite trails. Rustic lamps incorporate wood, wire and cloth in primitive patterns. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Log Rustic Lamp

1

Select a round log 5 inches in diameter. Look for a log that is relatively straight and seasoned. The bark on seasoned wood falls off with little effort. Inspect the log for beetles, grubs and other insects. Wood that has rotted isn't suitable for making lamps.

2

Drill a hole in the bottom of the lamp with a 3-inch hole saw. Drill through the center of the top of the lamp with a 5/8-inch paddle bit. Drill the hole to the bottom 3-inch hole. The wiring for the lamp will pass through this hole.

3

Sand the log using 120-grit sandpaper. Rub the wood with a blunt metal object like a spoon or butter knife to seal the pores and achieve "planers glaze." Planers glaze is a term used to describe the shiny patina of wood that has passed through a sander fine enough to seal it.

4

Insert the planter lamp kit wire through the hole and out the top of the lamp. Install the wiring using the manufacturer's instructions that came with the kit. Place a plain lamp shade on top.

Mason Jar Rustic Lamp

5

Cut a fabric square big enough to cover a mason jar. Select fabric with a rustic look like checked cotton or plain linen. Fabric with roosters, fish or other nature scenes are good for theme rooms.

6

Lay out the fabric piece. Place the mason jar in the center. Gather the edges of the fabric and bring them to the top of the jar. Tie a bow around the fabric to secure it in place. Use twine, lace, or raffia to complement the fabric. Screw the mason jar lid lamp kit onto the mason jar.

7

Glue different buttons at random over the surface of the lampshade. Thread a spare needle with a complementary thread color. Insert the needle into the lamp like you are going to make a stitch. Leave it there as the final touch. Cap the sharp end of the needle with a small cork.