How to Build or Make a Lamp out of Craft Sticks

Save the sticks from ice pops to make crafts.

Keep those ice pop sticks once the sweets have been eaten, and over time you will have enough to make a craft stick lamp. Alternatively, buy craft sticks from any craft store or in the craft section of department stores. Packages are low cost and have plenty to make a lamp or two. Craft stick lamps can be simple or elaborate. Make just the lampshade or the entire lamp. For the beginner lamp maker, a simple square lamp is a good start.

Things You'll Need

• Craft sticks
• Glue
• 6-inch square paperboard
• Socket (with wire and plug)
• Light bulb
• Pencil
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Locate the center of the paperboard by drawing a diagonal line from corner to corner with the ruler and pencil. Draw a line between the opposite corners to make an X. Center is where the lines meet.

2. Coat the bottom of the socket with glue and press it to the center of the paperboard. Hold the socket in place for at least 30 seconds before letting go. Screw the lightbulb into the socket.

3. Place a dab of glue at each end of one side of a craft stick. Place the stick glue side down on the edge of one side of the paperboard. Glue a second stick to the opposite side the of the board.

4. Glue a third stick on the third side of the paper board. The ends of the stick will sit on one end of each of the already glued sticks. Glue the last stick to the opposite side, making sure the stick sits on top of the socket cord. This makes one square with the sticks.

5. Continue gluing the sticks until the bulb is completely covered.

6. Glue another square of sticks at the top, but move the sticks closer to the middle. The left edge of one stick will rest just above the right edge of the stick below. Make smaller and smaller squares until they meet in the middle. The ends of the sticks will stick out.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have a standing socket, but one with a clip, cut a hole in the paperboard just big enough for the socket to fit through. Turn the lamp upside down and hang it from the ceiling.

• Use rice paper for the walls of the lamp and make the frame of the lamp out of the craft sticks. The rice paper creates a subtle glow perfect for nightlights.

• Paint or decorate the lamp once complete.

• The lamp must have open areas between the sticks to let light, and heat, out.

• The bulb must be small enough that it does not burn the sticks. Make sure the bulb is in the middle and not close to any sticks.