DIY Network

Wood Scrap Lamp and Blocks B. Original with scrap wood to make a fun lamp base and one-of-a-kind building blocks. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-103

That box of wood scraps isn't full of junk, it's full of fun: Host Michele Beschen shows you how to B. Original with wood scraps to create a fun and funky lamp base with wood scraps and simple lighting hardware. She also gives her tips on crafting adorable wooden blocks that will become instant heirlooms.

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	Use scraps as "big kid" blocks to craft your own one-of-a-kind lamp.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Handcrafted scrap blocks will help any kid B. Original.

Wood Block Lamp

Materials:

blocks of scrap wood (various shapes and sizes)
paint
1/8" IP thread lamp pipe, 30" long
drill or drill press
7/16" spade bit and larger spade bit
sandpaper or power sander
light kit with a cord long enough to accommodate the lamp base height
paint and polyurethane sealer

• Drill a hole through the center of each block using a 7/16" spade bit (figure A). A drill press makes the job easier, but you can use a hand drill.

  Safety Alert: If you're using a hand drill, clamp the block securely to a larger piece of wood when drilling. This leaves both your hands free to control the drill. Also, remember to wear eye protection.

• Give the blocks more interesting shapes by sanding down the edges. This is the one project that looks better if you wear down the wood unevenly and sand for different textures.

• Paint your blocks with acrylic paints and seal with polyurethane (figure B).

• Decide which block will be at the bottom of your lamp base. Use the larger spade bit to widen the hole in the bottom of the bottom block so your threaded pipe and nut will fit up inside the base. Don't drill all the way through with the larger bit, just enough to accommodate the nut. Also, hollow out a shallow "trench" in the bottom of the bottom block so the lamp isn't resting on the cord (figure C).

• Stack the blocks onto a 1/8" IP thread lamp pipe. You can find these at home improvement stores, located near the light fixtures and lighting accessories. Don't glue the blocks together—leaving them loose lets you rearrange them later.

• Feed the wiring from your light kit through the pipe (figure D).

  Tip: Tape one end of your lamp wire to a stiff piece of wire to thread it through the pipe.

• Connect your light kit according to the manufacturer's instructions (figure E). Add a shade, and you're ready to shine!

Wood Scrap Blocks

It's easy to turn wood from the scrap box into blocks a child will cherish. Michele recommends that you:

• Leave the scraps in their original shapes—they're more interesting than just having rectangles and squares.

• Sand down rough surfaces and edges. Splinters are the opposite of fun.

• Have fun painting the blocks with bold colors and patterns. If the kids are old enough, invite them to help. They'll learn that making toys can be as fun as playing with them.