Here is a step by step video to make this lamp.
by Glen
DIY Concrete Lamp - Led String Light
11 Materials
$35
2 Days
Medium
I used these lights for an end table. What's nice about these lights is that all the electronics are hidden. It's a simple project that requires very little tools and can enhance any space. For more awesome DIY be sure to check out my youtube channel www.youtube.com/c/DIYCreators
It's a simple project that requires very little tools and can enhance any space.
I cut the PVC first to create a straight edge. Then I set my stop block to make a 5 inch cut on the miter saw. You can make as many as you'd like, but I made two. Since the piece of pvc was outside collecting dirt, I gave them a quick wash down so no dirt transfer to the form. Since the piece of pvc was outside collecting dirt, I gave them a quick wash down so no dirt transfer to the form.
The form needs to be hollow on the inside to hold the LED controller. You can use what ever you come up with. I used two water bottles as a place holder.
Keep in mind the water needs to me centered in the form. I made the water bottles 1.5 in below the rim of the PVC.
The top of the form need to be small enough at the top for the vase to cover. I used a (1 inch) foam weather strip to prevent the cement from filling this area.
To cover the bottom of the PVC I used plastic wrap . Then used masking tape to hold it in place.
Then I took a bucket, added concrete then water. I mixed the concrete with a small shovel.
I placed the bottle in the center then poured the cement mix. I added a small amount then used a mallet or a hammer to tap the outside of the PVC.
This helped the cement fall to the bottom. When I was tapping the PVC I noticed the bottle was attempting to rise to the top, so I kept an eye on the bottle.
Then I used the sander. During the vibrating process I used a nail to hold the bottle down.
I let the form sit for a few days to cure. The bottom was completely covered with concrete. Not a big deal I took a hammer and broke the thin layer. Now I normally use some kind of oil to help with the release process. However I forgot to add oil. To remove the PVC I made two cuts 2 to 3 inch apart. I made sure to not go all the way through the PVC while using a hack saw. Try not damage the form. Then I pulled and cut the section out. The PVC released easily.
I didn't sand the body of the form. It was very smooth. The top however required some work because the vase didn't fit. This was something I knew I would have to address before I started. To sand the I used a 60 grit sand paper. Then I drilled out the top with a masonry bit . The bit pressed down on the plastic bottles so I was forced to remove it. My intention was to keep it in the form. Not a big deal though. Next I notched out a channel for the power wire to pass through.
Then I passed the string lights through the hole. I connected the light to the controller and then the transformer to the control. Then I placed it inside the concrete. I applied hot glue to the channel then placed the wire in the channel. Add a little more glue on top. I didn't show it, but I also added hot glue to hold the IR in place.
I installed the wire in the vase and placed the vase on the concrete base. Plugged it in and was ready to go!
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Trayon Feb 28, 2020I love the idea and the finished project. You are very talented. I would never have thought of anything like that!
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Stanleylwrighton Apr 23, 2020I don't have a question, but I wanted to tell you that was an O.M.G. moment that I think I can do myself! Thank-You for the share!
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Really nice and creative Glen! Thanks for the video. Now how much for two lamps? No seriously!
Thank you, My pleasure. I'm going to make plans to sell them in the new year. If your interested I could get you a two. I just have to do some research to find a fair value.
Well i'll be glad to accept 2 as a Christmas gift! And help you promote! 😜 Really, I would like two of them, lemme know.
great looking. do you have any for sale?
Not yet, I will come the new year.
Is there any way you could do a full tutorial on mortar and concrete? I am very timid about it, and I don't know what all the different types of bags are for. I'd be relectant to buy a bag, for fear it would be the wrong one. Just thought I'd ask, because this video was so well done, and encourages me to try it. Thanks!
Sure I could totally do one. Its on my to do list now.
Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you so much, I'll be waiting for that. I'm very enthusiastic to learn about it, so many projects are possible! :-) This will be fun. Thanks Glen!
Yay, me too!
great work, video was very helpful, I am curious, how much did this cost?
Thank you . Some of the items I used I had on hand It would cost around $30
If you HAD oiled the pvc pipe for easy release, it would have stained the concrete. It's a good look but not anything like your matte finished ones. There are mold release sprays available, or one can use oil, petroleum jelly, etc. if you don't mind the oiled cement look.Cornstarch works well, too in some molds. Then you can skip the step of sawing through the pvc. I think next time, for clarity's sake, you can edit out your bad steps and re-shoot photos of the right thing to do. Save the pvc molds intact for more lanterns! Very cool project!
He WAS cool in my mind🎄🎄🎄
Thank you. You make some good points take them into consideration for future projects.
To M.M.. Hey sounds like you have all of the right answers to making this project-Can't wait for your post on how great your projects turned out!!!
I personally like it when people leave in their mistakes. Helps me to avoid those, when I think I might have a shortcut, but then I get to see how it might not work. Thank you. Beautiful project.
Great idea..thanks for the details.. I just cant believe someone would be so rude and obsessive as to suggest you edit the mistakes (ways of learning and improving) out of a post...i would put creativity and invention above perfection any day....
This is such a cool project and I appreciate when someone shows their "errors" it is a learning tool in my eyes.
Do you live in Missouri? I need help with concrete/cement projects! 😬 Hahaha!
Lol no I live in Florida. What kind of help do you need?
I saw him first, Cfriender, lolol, get in line, haha! That's ok, he's nowhere near me either!
Glen that was a great project. I'm going to pass it around. Wished you were in my area too.😍NY
how do you have this stuff lying around the house, could you use anything ese?
I'm a woman who rarely makes things like this. I bet if I looked in the garage and shed I could come up with the stuff to make these.
Pretty sure he had a plan
Just like shopping at Michaels or a Home goods store for a project, except he shopped for his materials at a hardware store.
What was the cost if these?
I's guess about 8 dollars each for the supplies
It says ABOVE 101/2 inches!
You should be able to use a CEMENT mix as well for a smoother look (if you don't like the look of concrete with the stones/pebbles in it)
This is awesome!! Is there anyway you could paint the cement bottoms?
Paint them, cover with fabric or wide ribbon, cover with rhinestones or other "jewels", ideas are endless.
don't paint them, concrete is organically beautiful. Painting it would be like painting rocks.
You can add color to the mix before forming, if you want color throughout the base.
Could you use a 2lt plastic bottle instead of PVC?
I don't see why you can't. Just oil it so it comes out easier. Give it a shot. Do some thing small for a trial run.
Definitely could
My thought exactly! Much easier to remove and to acquire if you don't happen to already have some leftover pvc pipe.