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Tuesday, September 2, 2014

DIY Pendant Lights from Chimney Caps

junk picking, DIY, pendant lights


A few weeks ago, I went picking at one of my favorite spots.  I came across these galvanized chimney caps.  I thought they would make great pendant lights.

After a trip to my local Home Depot, I came back with the 12 feet of silver lamp cord, 2 switches, and 2 easy plugs.

lamp cord switch from homedepot.com
DIY lamp kit from homedepot.com
Now, the above photo is a kit.  I had a few parts already so I just needed the cord and plugs.  Since the chimney caps were galvanized steel, I didn't want to use a brass bulb base  so I recycled 2 black bases from old broken lamps.  Also, if you've never rewired a lamp, it's super easy.  Ask the guys in Home Depot's lighting department.  You'll be surprised how easy it is and then you'll want to make lamps from everything! ;)



I drilled a hole into the top of the cap and used a threaded stem and nut to put the lamp cord through.


I didn't want the threaded stem to be exposed so I found a couple of springs in my junk stash that fit perfectly.




Since the black bulb bases had exposed wires that I didn't want touching the metal of the chimney cap, I ran back to the hardware store to find something that would insulate the bases.  Solution:  two rubber tips (stoppers, I call them) that are used on the bottom of chair legs.  Perfect!

Ready to try them out!  Quickly hung one in the garage and plugged it in.





It works!  Yes, I'm always surprised when things I attempt actually work, lol!  I made a matching pair and they both worked great.


Here's a little teaser of how I used them for Wednesday's Fall Tablescape post.  Be sure to check back tomorrow to see the full post.

Have you made lamps out of found objects?  Let me know!  I hope you were inspired to try.  Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie

Note:  The two images of lamp switches and lamp kit are from HomeDepot.com but are not linked.  The Home Depot sidebar ad is an affiliate link.  

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2 comments:

  1. Eleanor RoyOctober 28, 2014 at 8:06 AM

    Oh my! That DIY pendant cap is absolutely amazing. The unpainted and rusty look is just what I've been looking for. Thank you for sharing that detailed DIY feat, as well as those lovely photographs! Wishing everyone a happy Halloween!

    Eleanor Roy @ Douthit Electrical

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angie ForteOctober 28, 2014 at 8:16 AM

      Thanks Eleanor! These are actually going in my guest bedroom as pendant lights on each side of the bed :)

      Delete

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