Library Lamp Made of Books

Need a light? Have a bunch of old books laying around that you're not interested in reading? Make a library lamp! This unusual and functional work of art is sure to get great reviews from friends.

Supplies:

• lamp kit from a craft store or pieces from an old lamp
• wooden base if a base is not included in the kit
• sack of hardcover books that you'll never read
• drill bit a little larger than the diameter of your lamp kit pole, and a drill
• clamp
• lampshade (the one in the photo is painted and recycled)
• light bulb
• ruler
• marker

Instructions:

1. With a ruler, mark the center of each of the books.
2. Clamp the books closed, then drill a hole in the center of each book. Go slowly!
3. Assemble the lamp kit (or recycled lamp parts) using the books as the body of the lamp.
4. Insert the pole through the drilled holes and stack the books on the base.
5. If you are creating your own base, paint a piece of wood that measures larger than the bottom book, and drill a center hole in it.
6. For a frosted look, like that of the lamp in the photo, you can lightly spray paint the lamp with a tan or gray paint.
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7. For a shiny look, varnish the books. Add your light bulb and lamp shade as the final touches and voila! Another bright idea for Thrifty Fun lovers.