DIY Terra Cotta Lamp

After moving to Nicaragua, I realized that fashionable lamps were in short supply. The best option was to DIY a lamp, as hardware stores and terra cotta pots are plentiful and cheap. The entire project cost us under $10 for two lamps.

Supplies Needed :: Terra Cotta Pot, Light Bulb, Lamp Kit (includes socket and cord with plug), Electrical Tape, Knife or Razer Blade, Rocks or Fireproof material (lava rock or pea gravel work well)

Step One :: Gather all of your supplies in one place.

Step Two ::  Carve into the bottom of the pot to create a niche that will prevent the pot from wobbling once the cord is ran through the bottom. Make sure the hole in the bottom is large enough to fit your cord through.

Step Three :: Take the cord with the plug and strip the ends of rubber, using the knife or razer blade. Feed the cord through the bottom of the terra cotta pot.

Step Four :: Strip the ends off the socket (this is typically done for you with removable caps). Match up the ends of the socket and the ends of the cord and twist the copper together. Take your electrical tape and wrap the ends, making sure to cover the copper in several layers.

Step Five :: Add the rocks around the base, building up the socket to a level that is satisfactory. Screw in the bulb, and plug in!

Disclosure :: The material used to build up the lamp base HAS to be fireproof. The light bulb and terra cotta pot will get very hot. It would help to cut a wire mesh screen to place on top of the lamp to prevent dust and other objects from falling in the lamp. We do not have children, and the lamps are in a place where we can easily check for foreign material before plugging in. Flood lamps such as these are a great alternative to regular light bulbs.