What would you do with a crumpled bunch of wire sheep fencing and a pile of used graffiti cans that you salvaged from the wild?

I made a one-of-a-kind lamp, of course!

So first things first. We've entered this lamp in the Lighting contest...be kind and vote for it if you like this project. It gives us a chance to win some much-needed tools!

Step 1: How To

Here's how I did it.

1. First wrap the wire into whatever circular (barrel) shape you want. I chose a pretty wide oversized shape...'cause that's how I roll.

2. Take those graffiti cans and empty the of all paint - and gas! That means you gotta find yourself a scrap sheet of wood, head outdoors, and press that cap down until you don't hear the 'hiss' of the gas anymore. It can take 3-5 minutes per can.

3. Put a puncture hole in the can - just to make sure that all gas has been released. This can be done with a sharp pointed tool of any kind...and a hammer. Alternatively you can use a metal borr.

4. Here's where I nearly lost a finger! I hand cut each and every panel out with heavy duty scissors. It worked, but caused my finger to really swell up bad since it took so much pressure to do the cutting. I cut off the top of the can...and the bottom of the can. Next time I think I'll use some kind of metal saw and see how that works.

What's left are these beautiful....

Step 2: OOAK Art

...little panels of one-of-a-kind art!

You see, when you open the graffiti spray cans you never know what you're going to get inside. Those little balls that you hear when you shake a can? Sometime they leave the most incredible patterns on the inside of the can! I was in love with each can that I opened.

I punched a hole (can also use drill) in each corner of each little panel. Then found a simple silver wire to 'hang' them in open spaces around the wire fencing.

I then used a thin twisted wire in three points around the form to hang from a hook in the ceiling. The inner round lamp was purchased at a thrift store.

Step 3: Honoring the Material

I also like honoring the material when repurposing...so I always try to leave traces of the original. In this case it was to leave the outsides of the cans untreated - and now they are the insides of the lamp. That way you see the labels when you look up and into the lamp.

I left the metal wire hanging down at the bottom...it reminds me of little tassles.

Step 4: Hop to It

Time to hop to it and make one for yourself! Be adventurous with your shapes...and be careful with your fingers!

This project doesn't cost much, but it definitely takes time. All good art does!

If you want to see more of our stuff, hop over to our website:
www.recreatedesigncompany.com

Reuse - Repurpose - Relove