Empty aluminum cans are easily recycled into quirky, sytlish lamps.
Almost anything can be made into a lamp with a basic lamp kit. These kits are available at most hardware and home improvement stores and are usually inexpensive. Aluminum cans, with their wide variety of patterns and colors, make fun, attractive lamp bases.
Instructions
Preparing the Can
1. Fill the can with water and seal it shut with a wine cork. This will help the can retain its shape and make drilling easier.
2. Drill a fairly large hole near the bottom of the can, on the side that will be the back of the lamp.
3. Drain the can and dry well.
4. Smooth any rough edges around the hole with a file.
Wiring the Lamp
5. Feed the wire in through the drilled hole and fish it out through the mouth of the can.
6. Attach the end of the wiring to the light bulb socket as directed in the instructions that came with the lamp kit. Attach the socket at the top of the can.
7. Attach the plug to the other end of the wiring.
8. Fill the can with small stones to add weight to the base of the lamp and make it more stable.
9. Pull the cord gently from the bottom end of the can to get rid of any slack in the wiring. Tie a simple knot in the cord as close to the can as possible to secure into place.
Finishing the Lamp
10. Screw a light bulb into the socket and plug in to test. If the bulb does not light up, try another bulb. If it still doesn't light up, something is wired incorrectly, Disassemble the lamp wiring and try again.
11. Install a lampshade. If the shade sits too low on the map, it can be raised up by installing a tall lamp harp, which will hold the shade higher above the bulb.
12. Paint the can to decorate it, or leave it as it is to showcase an interesting label. Use sandblasting, decoupage, and a variety of other methods to alter the appearance of the can if desired.
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