Light up your life—and your rooms—with this 30-minute lamp project. Find a vase you love, then let Shopgirl Leslie Segrete show you how to transform it.

PROJECT PROFILE
Cost: $110  
Time: 30 minutes, from start to finish
Supplies: vase, lamp parts (visit lampshop.com or call 603/224-1603 for help assembling what you need), three-way lightbulb, lampshade, finial
Tools: Phillips screwdriver, drill, masonry bit, tape measure, pencil, safety glasses

THE PROJECT
The specific dimensions and what your lamp base is made from will affect the lamp kit and drill bit you’ll need. Our lamp is made from earthenware, so we included a masonry bit in our tool list; however, your project might be different. Adapt your materials and supplies accordingly.

MAKE IT
1. Choose a vase and a wood lamp base. Figure the length of rod your lamp will require by adding the height of your vase and the height of your base, then order your lamp kit.
2. Mark the center of the bottom of the vase using a pencil and tape measure.
3. Drill the hole. To choose the right drill bit, see Drilling Tips, below. The hole will need to be the same diameter as the rod, shown right.
4. Secure the locking nut onto the lower portion of the rod and slide the rod through it and the base, starting at the top. Secure the base to the vase by screwing a hex nut onto the rod.
5. The remainder of the rod will be visible through the top of the vase. Place the threaded neck onto the rod and tighten carefully.
6. Add the harp bottom and secure with a locking nut.
7. Add the socket; tighten.
8. Run the cord through the base, up the rod, and out the top. Wire the three-way socket to the electrical cord, wrapping 1 wire around each screw in the direction that the screw turns. Tighten with a screwdriver.
9. Cover the socket with the socket cover; lock into place.
10. Add harp, lightbulb, shade, and finial.

DRILLING TIPS
Here’s the drill on bits.
Glass Use a glass/tile bit, which provides smooth drilling in ceramic, mirror, marble tile, glass, and china. It has a spade-shape carbide tip and no turns on the shaft.
Wood Use a carbon steel Forstner bit. It creates clean-sided holes that are perfect for the lamp components.
Metal Use a sharp standard twist bit. If you are drilling through thick metal, place a drop of oil on the tip of the bit to aid in lubrication. Use your drill on a slower speed.