I can’t have lamps in my home. With four young kids in the house, a lamp would just be another thing for me to clean up after it’s broken. Trust me, I speak from experience. I do love the soft light from a lamp in the evening, though, so I decided to play around with an idea that had been in my head for a while. Here is my (almost) unbreakable lamp, made from simple, inexpensive foam core board.
Project estimate:
- Foam core board, $1
- Craft knife, on hand
- Candle holder, on hand or $1
- String lights, $2
Total: $3 and up
Step one: Use a craft knife to cut the foam core board to the desired height of the lamp. Mine is approximately 7 inches tall.
Step two: Divide the board into four sections. Use the craft knife to cut through the top layer, but do not pierce the paper backing.
Step three: Draw your design in pencil (you can use a stencil, like I did).
Step four: Use the craft knife to cut on the lines. Be careful not to cut through the back layer of paper.
Step five: Remove the foam from the cut out shape, leaving the paper backing intact. When the design is complete, you can clean up the edges a bit with your craft knife.
Step six: Fold the board to make a square, and glue or tape the edge together.
Place battery operated string lights on the candle holder, and set the foam board lamp over the lights.
Isn’t it beautiful? I love the soft glow of the light through the custom “lamp shade”. It reminds me of rice paper lanterns. I think it looks like expensive lighting you’d find in a catalog, and not something you made from dollar foam core board!
4 Comments
Michelle L
Morena, today you totally win the internet. This is so beautiful!
Sherry
The lamp is lovely, but I feel compelled to say that I have never known anyone who had to forfeit “breakable” lamps because of their kids — other parents have managed to discipline their children and teach them to be careful, and so could you. Sorry. It had to be said.
Andy
Sherry: Accidents in the home happen even to the best of parents.
save your parenting tips for a blog that needs
advice from friendless cave trolls like you.
Great job Morena!