The Mark Cabal Team
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How to Make a Wall Lamp Out of a Metal Vase

A wall sconce is constructed from an old metal vase, a swag light kit and a bracket that is normally used for hanging plants.

TOOLS

  • drill and 3/8" drill bit
  • wire strippers
  • pliers
  • screwdriver
  • knife

MATERIALS

  • swag light kit (should include electrical wire with plug at one end, inline switch, metal chain, socket)
  • black electrical tape
  • plant hanger
  • vase

Sconce Made From a Vase

INTRODUCTION

Plug-in bedside lamps are convenient because you don't have to be hard-wired into a wall. This is an
accent light, so use a low-wattage bulb so heat does not build up inside the vase.

STEP 1

Drill Bottom of Vase

We used a silver-plated vase. Drill a hole in the center to accommodate the wire, then drill smaller holes around
the center for heat venting. Make a minimum of three venting holes.

STEP 2

Cut the Wire

Cut wire to the length you need — it is going to be plugged into a wall, so a little longer is better. 

Attach the wire to the plant hanger using twist ties or electrical tape that is the same color as hanger.
Leave enough wire to go through the vase and some extra to work with.

STEP 3

 Original_Sconce-attaching-chain-to-wire_s4x3

Add Chain Links

Determine the number of chain links you need to connect the plant hanger to the vase. Use one chain
as the anchor inside the vase by bending it with the pliers. 

STEP 4

Add Wiring

Attach the wire to the socket. Strip both ends of the socket wires. Connect the neutral wire — the one
with the ridge in its insulation — to the silver socket terminal and the other wire to the brass socket terminal.
Place the socket in the lamp, feeding the wire through the socket cap. Reinstall the socket's insulating sleeve
and shell, pushing on the shell until it snaps in place. Once the socket is in, place the switch near the edge
of the bed on the wire. Follow instructions on the switch package to install.

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