Introduction: Concrete Light Bulb Lamp

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

We decided to make a light bulb lamp utilizing an Edison bulb we got at Ikea and a silicone bundt pan we found at a yard sale for .25!

We couldn't find the concrete we wanted locally, so we went with the basic Quikrete Ready-to-Use Concrete Mix with the intention of making it work by sifting out the larger rocks. At $5 for an 80lb bag, the price can’t be beat!

Step 1: Watch the Video

Step 2: Gather Materials

Materials/Tools:

  • Quikrete Concrete Mix
  • Water
  • Trowel (we got the smallest trowel available and it worked very well to mix up small batches of concrete)
  • Disposable plastic bowls (we used one to mix in, and a couple to sift into and another to hold the rocks we sifted out)
  • Sifter (we used an old basket fryer)
  • Drop cloth/plastic garbage bags
  • Plastic wrap
  • Paper towel cardboard tube
  • Hot glue (optional)
  • X-acto knife
  • Something to scoop concrete with (we used a tuna can after our plastic cup fell apart)
  • Sander or other tool that vibrates
  • Cooking spray like Pam
  • Gloves/face mask
  • Silicone bundt pan
  • Bean bag
  • Large diameter drinking straw Lamp Cord
  • Lamp socket
  • Self-stick felt
  • Edison LED bulb

Step 3: Prep Mold

Cut a small hole in the mold and paper towel roll for the straw. This will be the channel the lamp wire will run through.

Step 4: Mix Concrete

Add just enough water to make a stiff batter like consistency—kind of like brownies. Don’t add too much water. Use the trowel to mix.

Spray the inside of the bundt pan with cooking spray. This will help the mold slip right off when the concrete is cured.

Step 5: Fill Mold and Let Cure

Using the trowel, start filling the mold, patting it down as you go. Be careful around the straw so it stays on place. Mix up additional concrete as needed and continue to fill.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave undisturbed for 20 hours.

Step 6: Remove Mold and Sand Rough Spots

Use 60 grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges. Clean up the straw ends so the outside part is flush with the side of the concrete.

Step 7: Wire Lamp

If you need help wiring a lamp, instructables has a great class all about it!

Step 8: Secure With Felt and Done!

We found the socket would not stand up straight in the center so we added some stick-on felt to the bottom of the socket to add some thickness. We also added a piece of felt to the bottom to keep it from scratching the surface it's placed on.

This is a great unique lamp for a night stand!

Want to learn more about concrete? Instructables has a great class about it.

For more projects visit MotherDaughterProjects.com

Maker Olympics Contest 2016

Participated in the
Maker Olympics Contest 2016

Lamps and Lighting Contest 2016

Participated in the
Lamps and Lighting Contest 2016