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DIY Table Lamp – Make Your Own Lamp

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DIY Table LampOnce in a while I have to step away from the home remodeling work that goes on and on for months and months without looking like any progress is being made …and make something that I can start and finish in one day.  For sanity sake!  After finishing three weeks of back breaking demolition on Calderwood Cottage, I needed a sanity project. So I made this fun, DIY table lamp with Krazy Glue.  And guess what?  I’m going to show you how to make your own lamp too!

This project is sponsored by Krazy Glue. Project idea, process and opinions are my own.

How to Make your Own Lamp

What you’ll need:

Prepare Base

The mannequin I referenced in my “materials list” comes as a kit with a long bolt and small mdf base (which has a threaded insert nut).  If you want to, very carefully, try to remove that metal insert nut so you can re-use it.  I used a band saw and cut notches and was able to remove mine.  It was a bit precarious AND then I lost that insert nut anyway.  Had to run to the hardware store to buy one anyway…  So you might just pick one up to begin with.  Base with threaded insert nut

Drill a hole for the M6 threaded insert nut with a 6mm drill bit.

Since I lost my metal threaded insert nut, had to go buy a new one.  The hardware store only had a plastic one in the size I needed.  Whether using plastic or metal, it’s always a good idea to add glue if you want your insert nut to be permanently installed.  With threaded inserts, you drive them in – like a screw.  These plastic ones were meant to be glued in are just pressed in.  Those definitely need to be glued!  I squeezed in a couple drops of Krazy glue and pressed my insert nut in place.  A rubber mallet was required because my thumbs are seriously wimpy.  Despite my daily thumb workouts.

Give the glue ample time to set up.

Just in case you think your brand new bottle of Krazy Glue bottle is dried up because nothing comes out when you squeeze…you have to remove the nozzle and break the seal.  The top of the cap has a handy point made for this purpose.

Attach Mannequin to DIY Lamp Base

Now you can secure the long bolt to the base.  Screw the bolt into the base and then tighten with one of the included nuts.  Make sure both nuts are on the bolt before you secure the mannequin.

Next secure the mannequin to the bolt and tighten the second nut.

DIY Table Lamp Cord Management.

This step was the solution to a problem I discovered after setting my DIY lamp on the table.  The cord was all over the place.  It would definitely be easier to do this before attaching the mannequin.  I used my table saw to cut a small notch in the back of my base.

The notch is large enough for the cord to go in and out, with whatever portion of cord not needed to reach the receptacle left IN the box.

Secure Cord Kit to Mannequin

My lamp does not weigh 2000 pounds so I wasn’t able to test out the “krazy strong” claim that a single drop of Krazy Glue can hold up to 2,000 pounds. That’s a lot of weight!  A couple drops did secure the light cord to my mannequin’s hand.  (It dries very quickly so you have to watch where you put your fingers!)  I pressed the cord firmly into the glue for 30 seconds and that was that.

Since the mannequin’s joints articulate, I intended to use some glue to keep him permanently positioned how I wanted him.  However, the tension in his joint was tight enough to hold his position.  Also, it’s fun to change up his position.

I had so much fun making my DIY table lamp that I want to share the fun!  I’m giving away a $100 Visa gift card to one lucky winner –so you can make your own lamp too!

Enter for a chance to win $100 Visa GC

  • Leave a comment on this post AND
  • Click in the Rafflecopter Giveaway box below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Krazy Glue for sponsoring this post.  Good luck y’all!

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Comments

  4. So cool! This could go with different home decors. I have a little mannequin and a small bulb I may try making a miniature too!

  9. that is unique looking and if it was possible cutting a piece out on the bottom and making it a small draw for hiding jewerly if it would work might not

  15. If one were adept at making mall clothes, it might be a fun thing to make them for holidays. events. or just for a fun display. So many possibilities for going farther but as it is, it is still a very good looking lamp.

  19. This is pretty cool. I need to get back to making fun things like this. It can’t be all reno all the time!!! Wish I had someone to make this for. Great tutorial.

  21. Such a fun project! I’m doing over my 15 year old son’s room and something like this would be really cute in there!

  22. It is nice to have a few quick projects on the back burner and handy for when you need to pause and have a brain break on a bigger project! I find little projects to do with the Grandkids and the lamp looks like a perfect one! Thanks

  27. Really a nice idea, and simple to make. You could
    even make a lamp with three mannequins holding
    up a light. Gets my creativity going! Thank you.

  30. Amazon is sold out of that mannequin but I know I can find it elsewhere. I see it made with a tiny tutu, a simple rose crown on its head and ballet slippers for my 11-year-old granddaughter. She’s been in training with the Houston Ballet since she was 5! Super cute!

  38. What a wonderful imagination you have! I love the mannequin lamp!!! I can think of so many fun things to do with it Thank you for sharing!!! ♥

  49. I NEVER would have thought to do this with an artist’s mannequin! Your project is incredibly creative.

  53. My daughter had one of these mannequins for drawing when she was in school. I’d love to make this lamp for her new home. Fun to change the pose too.

  62. Hey Sawdust Girl!! Your lamp is clever and charming. What I want to know, tho’, is about that wrap-around headboard in the pic. I can do the tufted upholstery. Is the frame YOUR build- or bought? Thanks.

    • I bought it. When pricing out linen fabric and foam, it wasn’t cost effective for me to build my own. I searched online for the best price I could find and ordered it. Don’t even remember from where.

      • Well, drat. That angled headboard wing would be a good way to stop my pillows from shifting off-kilter when I’m reading in bed. Still, thank you kindly for responding so quickly and have a blessed weekend.

  69. Thank you for sharing. I LOVE this idea. My daughter has a mannequin…think we can do this project together.

  75. Wouldn’t it be fun to make a “his” and “hers” for the master bedroom?!
    And my grandson would love one of these as well!

  77. I’ve got a thing for unique lamps, clocks, and chairs, made from unexpected, preferably free (or close to it) stuff, and always off the wall. Except for the clocks. Sometimes they’re on the wall. Cool idea — and the challenge begins! >:-D

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Although it is my intention to provide accurate plans and clear instructions, not all plans have been tried and tested. Using plans or information found on SawdustGirl.com indicates that you agree with the Terms of Use policy and will accept full responsibility for the process and outcome of any project you attempt. All plans are for private use only. Plans and information published on SawdustGirl.com may not be reproduced, republished or distributed in any manner without written permission from Sandra Powell, Sawdust Girl. Actual projects built using Sawdust Girl plans may be published on your own site without instructions or "tutorial" as long as you provide a link to my original post with full post title or "SawdustGirl.com" as link title.