Doghouse Nightlight

Here's a fun and unique night light that you can make from recycled and upcycled items. It's also a fun project to do with kids, assuming that an adult handles the cutting. You'll need these items:

+ Pint-sized carton
+ Permanent marker
+ Craft knife
+ Glue
+ Collage papers
+ Figurines
+ Foam brush
+ Tissue paper
+ Scrap wood
+ Lamp kit

This project originally appeared in the August 2008 issue of The Satellite, North Central Florida's finest arts and entertainment magazine and also on my blog, http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com. Thanks to John D. Richards, formerly of The Temple of Great Art No Spitting in St. Augustine for the inspiration.

Step 1: Prepare the carton

Open the top of a pint-sized carton, use a craft knife to cut between the upper flaps, and wash the inside of the carton. Use a permanent marker to draw the doghouse door and then cut it out with a craft knife. Also cut a small triangular opening above the door.

Comments

[maxwelltub]

This is awesome, I was thinking of a cool lamp for my hallway. One of these mounted on the wall would be cool. I also might use LEDs instead of a lamp kit. thanks for the idea.

[mcbrownfield]

I'm gonna make one with solar cells on it.

[rc jedi]

neat idea and well done. not too hard for public education grads like me. Get the kids honey, here is a project they can do.

[rc jedi]

careful with the light, heat may build up too hot. Led's would be good to light up this project.

[chuckr44]

The stores do sell 2 flickering candle lamps based on yellow LEDs. The shorter one uses a button battery (expensive to replace the battery), the taller ones uses 2 AA batteries I believe (cheaper batteries). LEDs are a good idea with so much paper around a potential heat source.

[sassycrafter]

I used a nightlight bulb, which is pretty low wattage. I leave my lamp on all the time and have never had problems. But yeah, LEDs would be even safer.

[Transquesta]

This is TOO cute! And hey, it gives me a great idea on how to build a 'niche-type' display case.

[sassycrafter]

Hey, I like the way you think! A milk carton would make a great niche for other artsy assemblage.