Have a Bottle? Make a Lamp!

If you come across an interesting old bottle or jug and you want to keep it but you don't know what to do with it, why not turn it into a lamp! It's easy to do. You can buy a kit that is designed for use with a bottle at any home improvement center.Wash your bottle and allow it to dry completely. Figure out which cork adapter fits into your bottle (the kit will come with small medium and large adaptors). Thread the small metal rod that comes with the kit through the bottom of the adapter until it extends a quarter inch. Then twist the small lock nut into place. Insert the adapter into the bottle opening and then slide the base ring and socket cap over the rod. Thread the lamp cord through the socket cap and pull it out so you have at least a few inches of wire. Split the cord wires in two. To anchor the wires in the lamp, you need an underwriters knot. To do this turn each wire downward to form two loops, then insert the ends of each of those wires through the opposite loop. Connect the wires to the terminal screws on the socket. Wrap the wire with smooth insulation clockwise around the brass screw; then wrap the wire with the ribbed insulation clockwise around the silver screw, and tighten them both down. Check the directions that come with your kit if you have any questions. Push the socket shell and cardboard insulation over the wiring until you hear a faint click so you know it's secure. Put a bulb in, plug it in, and then test your lamp. Lamptastic! It's just that simple!