Introduction: Wonder Woman Inspired: El Wire Cement Lamp

About: We're Mother Daughter Projects, sharing our DIY adventures as we learn to maintain, improve, decorate, and use tech in our homes.

I (steph) went to see the movie Wonder Woman a few weeks ago with my family. I didn't know much about the superhero going in, so the first time I saw the glowing rope I didn't know what it was, but it looked cool! Wonder Woman has this glowing yellow/gold rope that is called a magic lasso or lasso of truth. The first time I saw it in the movie, I thought it looked like el wire. Electroluminescent wire (el wire) produces 360 degrees of light and is often used in costumes. I have been wanting to use it in a DIY project. During the movie I came up with an idea of making a lamp out of it- inspired by the Wonder Woman film!

Step 1: Watch the Video

Step 2: Prep El Wire for Base

To make the base of the lamp we used a one liter lifewater bottle and an optional 24 ounce bottle. Start by wrapping the El wire around the smaller bottle.

Step 3: Mix Cement for Base

Carefully place the bottle into the larger one. Then remove the smaller bottle. We placed two paint sticks on the sides to try to keep the El wire as close to the sides as possible. We secured them in place with clothes pins then we mixed up the concrete. We are using Rapid Set cement that sets in one hour. We though this would be a good idea so the el wire wouldn’t have to sit in the mold for 24 hours like traditional concrete.

Step 4: Remove From Mold and Break Cement to Expose Wire

With a hammer, carefully expose the el wire. As we did this, we checked periodically that the wire still worked.

Step 5: Make Cement Shade

We used glue dots to secure the el wire to the 8”pot. Then we mixed up more rapid set cement and added it into the bigger pot.

Add the smaller pot inside and finish filling the mold.

Continue to fill the mold with cement, making sure to distribute it on all sides.

Step 6: Expose El Wire and Secure Battery Pack

Step 7: Done!

We are both really happy with how this lamp turned out! The look is way cooler than I imagined! I really like the rough look we were able to achieve and how the el wire looks like it's part of the 'rock.' One of my favorite things is finding inspiration when I least expect it. Without fail, whenever I let myself take some time for fun or vacation, I get the best ideas!

For more details and materials list, please visit MotherDaughterProjects.com!