We used a toddler toy to make our lamp, one that a child would insert a large ping-pong ball into the top of and watch it roll down. You can use almost any type of plastic, metal or wooden toy to make your own lamp.
To accommodate the wiring, drill two holes in the toy, one at the top (in our case, it's a chimney) and one at the back. Route the cable through the back and up through the top hole.
If you have extra space to fill, like we do in our fireplace, make a wooden plug to sit inside the hole to hold the threaded pipe. Measure the diameter of the hole, then cut the wooden plug to size. Drill a hole in the center to hold the threaded tube. Place the wooden plug with the threaded tube facing down over the wire and into the toy. Play it instead.
Cover the threaded tube with a copper sleeve. Leave 1/2" at the top to accommodate the jack and harp.
Place the harp in the tube.
Susan Teare
Connect the socket according to the lamp kit package. Add an energy efficient light bulb and an energy efficient lampshade.
