Candy Jar Lamp

My wife just happened to have an old candy jar that was missing a lid.  With all the facets molded into the jar, she thought it might make for an interesting lamp, so I decided to give it a try.

Step 1: Materials required

The first thing required, of course, is a candy jar that is missing a lid.  Well, I suppose if your jar still has a lid, you could use it if you're willing to ignore the lid.....

You also need a lamp socket, switch, and lamp cord.  I found a candelabra cord at a building center that had all three items included.

The base for the lamp I built is the decorative cap from a ceiling light fixture. 

You will need to cut a plywood disk that fits inside the ceiling light fixture cap.  And, you will need two L-shaped screws (photo 3).  I made my own screws by bending a 1/8th inch diameter copper rod and threading the long end for 6-32 threads.  You will also need a couple of nuts to screw onto these L-shaped screws.

For an adhesive, I used high temp hot glue, but epoxy would work just fine as well.

The tools I used were a hot glue gun, soldering iron, drill and bits, and a rotary tool with grinding stones.

The candy jar will be inverted and placed on top of the ceiling light fixture part, and attached by using the two L-shaped screws to pull the inside shoulder of the jar against the base.  I suppose you could just glue these parts together, but that would make it rather difficult to replace the light bulb in the future.  By using the screws, everything can come apart with ease.

Comments

[Diane056]

Knife141, I love this project. I am going to try it though my jars are not faceted like your lovely jar is. My idea is to do a paint wash inside the glass- translucent look-so its not a bare bulb thing going on.

[knife141]

I think a paint wash wold look really good! Thanks for your comment.

[verdastel]

Beautiful! Looks so warm and elegant. Thanks for sharing

[knife141]

Thank you for the kind words!

[Winged Fist]

Simple. elegant and outstanding! The light in the jar gives a "snowflake" effect, great for the holidays! (Also love the retro clock & radio in the last few photos;-) 5 stars!

[knife141]

Thank you for your comments, and thank you for the rating!

[tbroviak]

That is beautiful,great idea,keep them coming, you do great work.

[knife141]

Thanks very much for the kind words!

[ChrysN]

Pretty! That would also make a nice ceiling lamp or wall sconce.

[knife141]

Thanks! If I had 4 or 5 more of these jars I think I would make a new light fixture for our patio.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

That is gorgeous! Great idea.

[knife141]

Thanks for your comment!