Brass-Bowl Pendant Lamp

With a metal cutting tool, a plug-in pendant light-cord, and a brass bowl of your choice, this project is a cost-effective way to craft your own home lighting. Nibblers and shears are two of the most common power tools available for cutting metal, both providing a fast and less fatiguing alternative to hand tools. Either tool can be used in this project, depending on the material of your bowl. Take care when assembling your lamp: First, make sure the device is not connected to a power source and turn off the circuit breaker or remove the fuse, among other wiring tips. As a fixture option, you can anchor the lamp's power line to the wall by winding it around a piece of hardware.

(Also pictured: IKEA Gladom Tray Table, in Dark Green, $20, ikea.com. West Elm Pure White Ceramic Egg Vase, $12, westelm.com. Suite NY Morph Lounge Chair, price upon request, suiteny.com.)

For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of lamp projects and DIY home projects.