If you like “natural style” decorative objects, here is a suggestion for making a lamp, with something of a sculpture about it, from a tree branch.
The materials you will need include:
a tree branch with a few offshoots, like the one in the photograph, so that it can serve as a base,
a cable with a plug and a metal E27 lampholder that can accept and support a lampshade,
a lampshade, sized to suit the branch and the lamp you want to make,
a screw clamp to fix the lampholder to the branch,
cable clips or small metal staples to fasten the cable along the length of the branch.
To prepare the branch you will need:
Sandpaper
Wood preservative
Varnish or paint, and a paintbrush
Other tools you should have to hand:
pliers
a screwdriver and a hammer
Step 1: Prepare your branch
Check your branch for any parts that have rotted or been worn down by wind or rain. Clean off any moss and mud, and remove the bark and any mouldy sections. It is a good idea to leave the branch to dry for a few hours somewhere warm (e.g. next to a fireplace, a stove, a radiator, etc.). After that, you can rub it down with sandpaper to smooth the surface.
When you have finished sanding, cut the ends of the branches where necessary so that the base of your lamp can stand upright, set up exactly the way you want it.
Step 2: Paint the wood
Using the brush, apply one coat of preservative to protect the wood. Leave it to dry for 24 hours, then paint it.
Step 3: Assemble the electrical parts for your lamp
Assemble the lampholder as shown in the pictures.
Step 4: Fit the lampholder to the branch
Screw the lampholder to the top of the branch using the clamp.
Step 5: Fit the lampshade to the base
Attach the lampshade, whether bought or homemade, to the lampholder.
Step 6: Secure the cable
To secure the cable along the length of the branch, use the cable clips or the small metal staples. As you will appreciate, it makes sense for the colour of the cable you have chosen to relate to the colour you paint the branch, because otherwise the result will look rather unattractive.
Tip! Before you start securing the cable, think about how the lamp will normally sit in relation to the wall and the socket, given the angle and shape of the branch. That way you can choose the fixing points more wisely, so that they are as inconspicuous as possible.
Enjoy your new floor lamp!
Put in a bulb, plug it in and you’re ready to go!
Photographs: Anna Laurent
Source: www.gardendesign.com
Text: Natasa Lianopoulou
