HOW TO MAKE HAND-MADE LAMPS

Lamps are an attractive alternative to the usual centerpieces since the design becomes even more eye-catching once you turn the light on. Don’t let all the electrical equipment scare you — this one is very easy to make.

Why this will click? Aside from selling to friends and relatives, you can also rent out your lamps to party planners for theme weddings or children’s parties, consign to bazaars and boutiques, or even sell through e-commerce (online) sites such as www.filgifts.com and www.divisoria.com.

Start-up capital is P85-P100 per lamp. Time to finish is 1 hour.

Materials Needed:

1. Lamp mechanism (socket, flat wire, plug, a 25-watt bulb, and a switch), P35-P50 depending on the brand. Light mechanisms are available at electrical shops or hardware store and are usually sold separately — but you can have the store electrician assemble one for you for a minimal fee.
2. Lamp frame (you may use either wood, metal or glass. You may have to commission a carpenter or latero to fabricate the frames for you. Alternatively, use metal potholders that cost around P12 each.
3. Lamp cover (acetate, ribbon, wire, and handmade paper). You may also use leather, fabric, abaca cloth, and other materials.
4. A pair of scissors
5. Ruler
6. Wire cutter
7. Pliers
8. Paper cutter
9. One-hole punch
10. Double-sided tape

Materials 4 to 10 are available at your local bookstore, and you’ll need to spend around P300 for a basic set. Use accent materials such as ribbons, beads, and sequins from any craft store or from discarded decorative items.

Getting Started

Make a prototype before producing large quantities to avoid wasting your time and money. Take photographs of each prototype and make a portfolio or catalog.

1. To make the lamp frame, have the electrical or hardware store assemble the socket, flat wire, plug, and switch (optional but recommended). Next, place the light mechanism in the middle of the potholder and then attach it using wire.
2. To make the lamp cover, use handmade paper measuring 9.25″ by 12.75″ long. Now make the cover by assembling together the acetate, wire, and handmade paper using double-sided tape to seal it.
3. Next, punch holes evenly (about half inch apart) around the lamp cover and then sew into the hole starting from the middle and completing it at the top. Leave a 12″ strip of ribbon at the bottom.
4. Attach the cover to the frame by sewing the two parts together through the punched holes, and then tie up the loose ends.
5. Finally, put the bulb on the light mechanism.
6. Now you have your first hand made lamp.

How Much Will You Make

Depending on your design, lamps can go as for as much P250 to P500 per piece.

source: Jhoanna O. Gan-So of Businessmaker Academy, www.entrepreneur.com.ph