Elegant Lighting

Whoever would have thought that this pretty lamp could have had such humble beginnings?

Several years ago, my husband bought me a bottle of Galliano Liqueur for a Christmas present. The bottle was too pretty to throw away. It kind of reminds me of a genie's bottle for some reason. Anyhow, I held on to it because "I can make something out of that". (My answer to "Can we throw this away?") I thought it would make a very pretty lamp. I love the color blue so I filled the base of the bottle with blue flat marbles that I bought at the Dollar Tree. I used almost 2 bags in the bottle, keeping out just enough to decorate the base. For the base, I found a clear glass plate at a thrift store that fit the base of the bottle perfectly. Since this plate is scalloped around the edges, I glued some of the flat marbles onto each scallop using Super Glue. I also Super Glued the base to the plate.

I purchased a lamp-making kit at a local hardware store. I'm not going to provide instructions for wiring for safety reasons, but the kit comes with easy to follow instructions. (Also, I'm not endorsing a particular brand.  This was the brand available.)  I did have to make some modifications to the kit, as the adapters provided were either too large or too small for the bottle opening, as you have to set the adapter and threaded nipple into the throat of the bottle. I used a wine bottle cork that I had saved (naturally!).  I won't share the "discussion" I had with the cork and the bottle. Let's just say it took me a while to get it fitted properly.

The bottle adapter kit I purchased did not come with an the harp bottom and, because my lampshade is the type requiring a harp, I did have to find that separately. As I make cut and pierce lampshades I had many lamp parts in my stash and was able to find both the harp and the bottom.  I believe, though, that they are not too expensive.  I found the lampshade at a thrift store and think it adds the touch of elegance that this lamp needs. The cost of this lamp was low, relatively speaking. The bottle was recycled, the base plate was about a dollar, 2 bags of flat marbles were $2, the shade was about $3, and the adapter kit was the most expensive piece at around $12. So, it cost me less than $20 to make this lamp. Maybe a bit more than I spend on an upcycled project, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. And it is a one-of-a kind!

What do you think? This lamp will be going in my living room for accent lighting. I used a low wattage bulb (40W) in it and it gives off a very pretty glow.  (Sorry about the wrinkles in the background.  I'm always too anxious to get my pictures taken and posted!)

Kathy