How can I make this into a lamp?

Annie
by Annie

I have this rooster and hen statue that I would like to make into a desk lamp. I have never made anything like this before. I need lots of advice on how to make it and what to use for making it. The measurements are: 12 1/2 " high on the rooster side. 8" wide and 5 1/2" deep at the base. 5 1/2" high in the middle where I think the lamp probably should go. See last pic. I have a drill and basic tools. Please keep instructions simple as I have never made anything like this before. The statue is hollow and made of resin, but is quite heavy.

I think this is where the lamp hardware should go?

  6 answers
  • Emily Emily on Sep 28, 2019

    Take it to a professional. There is a lot to making a lamp and since you require "simple" that adds to the difficulty of giving advice. How much straight (and how wide is it) separation between the two?

  • Annie Annie on Sep 28, 2019

    The area where I think the hole would be drilled is about 1 1/2" wide. On the rooster side it is about 3" high. The hen is about 1" high.

  • Rene Williams Rene Williams on Sep 29, 2019

    You will definitely have to drill a hole large enough between the 2 figures through which to pass the 'rod' that will hold the light. (If this is ceramic, I don't think I would try because if you hit a weak spot or flaw the entire piece could break apart!). Also if the piece is hollow you will have to decide how/where to 'anchor' the hardware inside the base-in which case you will also have to decide where/how to place a hole for the cord that plugs in. I would not use a regular drill if the piece is hollow but instead something like a Dremel with a fine bit and also check on crafting sites to see if there is something that you can apply to the area to stabilize it before you drill.

    If this is a solid figurine you could drill through to the bottom and attach a wooden base to hold the fixture, eliminating the need for a 2nd hole in your piece.

  • Sharon Farris Sharon Farris on Sep 29, 2019

    I would use a diamond bit to drill a hole through the middle for a metal rod to go through. This rod should have your electric cord already threaded through it when you insert the rod. You will need an extension long enough for the drill bit to go all the way through. I'm not sure on where to get that. Also the drill bit you might need to use a small diameter first and then one the diameter of the metal rod. This is to prevent it from cracking. Also go slow and keep water running over the bit to keep it cool. Good luck.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Sep 29, 2019

    I would either find a lamp you like and work to place the statuary around it as you don't have lots of tools or skill. Otherwise, you can make a simple lamp using a wood base and a tube of PVC (painted your choice of color). Glue the PVC on the wood vertically and drill a hole through it at the bottom. You can buy a lamp kit where you mount the bulb on top of the PVC, feed the cord through the PVC and out the back to plug in.

  • William William on Oct 08, 2019

    Trying to drill through irregular ceramic figurine will crack/shatter it. Robyn's idea is the best and simplest. Wood base, lamp kit, lamp pipe, wire.