DIY Network

Hat Lamp A floor lamp gets a new look with old hats. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-308

Host Samantha Gleisten creates unique lighting by adding vintage hats to a floor lamp.

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Materials:

blowtorch
rotary tool with wire brush attachment
pipe cutter
drill press
fluxing agent
bronze brazing rod
light sockets
wire
wire nuts
3/8" bit
3/8" copper tubing
bulbs

1. Using a pipe cutter, cut six pieces of 3/8 inch copper tubing to three foot lengths (figure A).

2. Bend the copper lengths into curved shapes, taking care not to kink the tubing.

3. Hold an armature up to the lamp to determine proper placement (figure B). Once satisfied, mark its entry with a marker.

Figure A

Figure B

4. Repeat this procedure for each of the six entry points.

5. Twist off the lamp socket counter clockwise. Once the socket is removed, slip off all of the components.

Figure C

6. Place the center upright on the drill press. With a 3/8 inch bit, drill holes on the marked areas (figure C).

7. Sand the ends of the copper tube armatures and edges of the drilled holes using a rotary tool and wire brush attachment. Clean off any debris after sanding.

8. Brush a fluxing agent onto the sanded surfaces of the tubes and lamp upright.

9. Carefully put one of the copper tube armature into one of the 3/8 inch holes.

Figure D

10. Using a torch with a fine tip attachment and a bronze brazing rod, carefully heat and braze the armature to the lamp (figure D).

11. Repeat this process for each of the six armatures.

12. Run wire through each armature tube and down to the base of the lamp. Make sure to leave enough excess for securing a fixture.

13. Connect a light socket to each of the wires coming out of the armatures.

14. Thread the lamp sockets directly into the ends of the copper tube (figure E). Once threaded, use epoxy glue to ensure a strong bond.

15. Reassemble the lamp, and then screw in the top lamp socket.

16. Connect all wires to a plug at the plug at the base of the lamp.

17. Attach each hat to a small lampshades using hook-and-loop tape (figure F).

Figure E

Figure F

Tip: To line up the hook-and-loop tape sides perfectly, stick the rough side to the lampshade with the soft side attached. Peel off the tape liner from the soft side, and then slide the hat over the shade.

18. Cut down any visible portion of the lampshades to hide them under the hats. Attach the finished hat lampshades to the fixtures.

Tip: If any of the hat lampshades look dim when plugged in, holes may be cut in the lampshade underneath to allow more light to shine through.

Project Cost:

Copper tubing: $35
Lamp: Free
Hats: $24
Electrics, materials: $52

Total: $111

RESOURCES :

Wacky Cats
Website: www.wackycats.com

The Yellow Jacket
Website: www.yellowjacketvintageclothing.com/get_yellow.swf