How to Make a Candle Lamp
Candle lamps come in many different varieties, from commercially made candle holders with lampshades to a simple glass with a shade on top. Lampshades for candle lamps can be made from fabric, velum or paper, so long as the design keeps the candle flame out of contact. Most candle lamps use tea lights or votive candles because they are short and keep the flame out of harm's way. Candle lamps are most often found in restaurants and cafes as an atmosphere-creating table lamp. Candle lamps are also a novel way of lighting tables at a wedding or other special function.
Instructions
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1
Draw the arc of a quarter circle onto a sheet of velum. The best use of space is to start the circle at the bottom left corner, finishing at the top right corner or vice versa.
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2
Draw a second, smaller quarter circle arc. Make the distance between the two circle arcs the height that you want the lamp shade to be.
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3
Cut out the pattern with scissors. Place a line of glue on one end of the arc, and curve the velum around so that the other end slightly overlaps the line of glue. This forms the lamp shade. Make sure the diameter of the top of the lamp shade is smaller than the diameter of the top of the wine glass. Let it dry completely.
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4
Place a tea light or votive candle into the wine glass, letting it sit on the bottom. Light the candle.
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5
Place the velum lamp shade over the wine glass so that it sits atop evenly.
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Tips & Warnings
Use decorative-blade scissors for a more interesting edging.
Use a decorative-paper punch to punch in designs into the edges of the velum lamp shades.
Wrap velum around the sides of a high-ball glass or a simple cylinder glass for an alternative candle lamp effect.
Only hold the candle lamp by the glass stem, as it can burn the fingers otherwise.
Make sure you use heat-tolerant, non-toxic glue.
References
- Photo Credit glowing candle lamp image by dwags from Fotolia.com
