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Make an interesting lamp out of old books

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You will need

  • lamp stand with a thin shaft and flat base
  • old books in different sizes
  • power drill with a wood drill bit (slightly thicker than the shaft)
  • G-clamps or bench vice
  • 2 small planks (similar in size to the books)
  • wood glue and paintbrush
  • craft knife, pencil and ruler

To make

1 Remove the light bulb and socket, and the lampshade. Set them aside. The shaft of the lamp stand should be completely open at the top, with the wiring protruding.

2 Stack the books on top of each other in the order you prefer. Place the largest one at the bottom so you can use it to conceal the base of the lamp stand. Mark the centre point of each book with a small cross on the cover and number the books on the inside.

3 Drill a hole through the centre of one of the small planks. Place the plank on top of the first book, with the hole directly over the cross on the cover. Slide the second plank under the book and clamp, then drill a hole through the book.

Read more: 4 vintage DIY decor ideas to create that personal feel

TIP Use a wooden block as a support for your drill bit.

4 Remove the clamp. Repeat with each book, except the largest one. Make sure the cavity is large enough for the base of the lamp stand. Mark the centre point on the inside of the cover and drill a hole through it from that side.

5 Put the base in the cavity and mark with a pencil where the wiring must come through on the ‘open’ side of the book. Using this mark as your guide, cut through the pages to make a secret compartment.

6 Apply wood glue over the base and cavity. Thread the shaft through the hole in the cover and replace the electric cord, then ‘close’ the book. Clamp and leave to dry.

7 Remove the clamps and thread the remaining books onto the shaft.

8 To complete, replace the light bulb and its socket, and the lampshade.

Text: Ideas

Here's a video with a slightly different take on this project:

Read more:

- 4 ideas to turn your front door into a piece of art

- You can build a bookcase with these 8 tools

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