With the holiday season upon us, it's time for giving and receiving gifts. Not all of us are made of money or crafting skills, but with a little of both, it's possible to make gifts for everyone on your list.
Take it from Colin Lecher, who has been taking a crash course in mantastic crafting with Patrick Murillo. (Lecher and Murillo have already made Bobblehead dolls and Christmas ornaments.)
We wanted to make something that was simple, inexpensive and customizable so we went to local artist John Goodson. The ASU student and craftsman makes a variety of home décor pieces ranging from wall art to lighting.
We love lamp. We love lamp and we're not just saying that because we had Goodson teach us how to make a sweet hanging one out of a mason jar.
Find out how to make your own jar light in seven easy steps, after the jump...
You will need:
Materials:
- Mason jar
- Light kit (can be found at Urban Outfitters, Ikea, and hardware stores)
- (CFL) lightbulb
- Hammer
- Utility knife
- Tape -- electrical and masking
- Nail
- Scissors
- Marker
- Optional supplies: glue gun, newspaper, white spray paint, yarn, ceiling hooks, and Polyurethane paint
1. Using the light cord as a guide, trace a circle onto the lid of the mason jar.
2. With the hammer and nail poke holes along the outline of the circle approximately ½ inch apart.
3. Use the utility knife to "connect the dots" and cut out the inside.
4. Line the inside of the lid with electrical tape. Be careful, the edges will be very sharp.
5. Use masking tape and newspaper to section of part of the jar. The portion that you leave uncovered will be
spray-painted. Goodson recommends that you let the paint dry for at least 24 hours before
proceeding.
Step 5 is optional but it's highly suggested. You can do the lamp without adding any paint, but adding paint breaks the light up so it's not direct light from a light bulb. If you decide to paint the jar, consider adding a coat of Polyurethane spray paint for a nice finish.
6. Use hot glue to attach the yarn to the jar. Wrap it around as much as you want.
This step is also optional.
That's it! You did it. Now you can gift this cool lamp to family or friends or keep it for yourself. This lamp is best for indoors (you don't want to get the cord wet) so don't forget ceiling hooks.
Goodson's work is currently being sold at the new GROWop boutique, 902 N. 6th Street in Phoenix. He also does custom orders. If you're interested in working with Goodson on a project, send him an email.