RM100: Literary Lamp

Print

52
Twitter

Craft  
book contest finalist fold lamp light make paper rm100 winner
10 Comments  ·  12 Saves  ·  5 Likes :) I like this
  • 01_lamps_800
    Fold the book components into any three-dimensional form: columns, cones, or complex faceted shapes. Experiment—the basic parts can be collected at thrift stores for less than $10 and you can have colored paper bound at Fedex Office.
ReadyMade

Posted by ReadyMade  
Patricia Heal, Styling by Rational Beauty

Announcing the Main Maker, who shed some light on RM100.

Tess Wolfe Stelzer
Seattle, Washington
“I work in a hematopathology lab by day and make arts and crafts by night. I have my late grandmother’s contempt for waste, so I make every effort to repurpose, reuse, and recycle.”

Judges’ Grand Prize Winner: “I love a good project for recycling discarded books, and this one is attractive, easy to follow, and speaks to my inner bookworm.” —Julie Schneider

For Wolfe Stelzer's original entry, click here.

To see the rest of the 2011 ReadyMade 100, click here.

To check out an interview with Wolfe Stelzer, click here.

Skill Level

Moderate

Active Time

Half a day

Cost

$

    Materials

  • Small hardcover books (or 1 big book cut into pieces with a table saw)
  • Basic lamp parts (base with shaft and socket) from thrift store
  • Carpenter’s glue or epoxy
  • Bulb
  • Lampshade

    Tools

  • Measuring tape
  • Straightedge
  • Pencil
  • Table saw
  • Clothespins
 
1

Measure the circumference of the shaft leading up to the bulb, and look for books (with quality binding) of approximately this thickness.

2

Find the middle of one of the books and lay it open. Take the upper corner of the left-hand page and fold it inward to the spine. Repeat with right-hand page to create an arrow-shape. Continue with all the rest of the pages.

3

Trace the folded page onto the inside front and back covers.

4

Use a table saw (or strong scissors) to cut away the parts of the cover that are sticking out.

5

Create the other forms, varying the folding as you like (and dotting with glue for security); roll the pages inward as teardrops or cut half circles.

6

Wrap book around shaft and glue the covers together. Clamp with clothespins while drying. Add a book base, if desired, a bulb, and a shade (paint a plain shade for a custom color).