Literary Lamp
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Add a bookish charm to your desk or library table with this easy to make lamp made with stacked and folded books. Customize it yourself by folding the individual book components into any unique, three-dimentional form you choose: basic columns or cones, complex faceted shapes. Make them tall or short, skinny or fat. Experiment a little. After all, the basic parts can be collected at any thrift store for under $10.
Posted by Tess Wolfe-Stelzer
Add a bookish charm to your desk or library table with this easy to make lamp made with stacked and folded books.Skill Level
Easy
Active Time
Weekend
Cost
$
- 3 small books or 1 big book cut into thirds on a table saw
- basic lamp parts (base with shaft and socket) from thrift store
- lamp shade
- glue
- bulb
Materials
- measuring tape
- straight edge
- scissors
Tools
Measure the circumference of the shaft leading up to the bulb. You will need to find books of this thickness. Select hardcover books with quality binding. (Paperback books will fall apart too easily.)
To create the bottom two diamond-shaped forms, fold each corner of the book inward to the spine creating an arrow shaped page. Continue through the entire book.
Trace the folded page on the inside front and back cover.
Use strong scissors (or poultry shears) to cut away the parts of the cover still sticking out.
To create the bottom form fold the page inward once then fold the two corners inward.
Wrap book around shaft and glue the covers together with carpenters glue or epoxy. Clamp while drying with clothes pins.
Enjoy!
