Ceramic Table Lamp

This INSTRUCTABLE explains how to make a decorative and functioning Ceramic Table Lamp.

Kiln, Clay, texture mats, rolling pin, 4"X16.5" paper template, clay tools, underglaze, glaze, brushes, sponge, water bucket, wooden plaque, wine bottle, masking tape, cardboard scrap, wooden stick to mix epoxy, epoxy, bottle lamp fixture, polyurathane

Roll clay large enough to cut the template size. the roll texture mat into the clay, once texture s embedded in clay be sure to lift the clay before cutting to be sure it is not stuck to the table. Next cut the slab and turn it into a cylinder shape. Do this process 3 times, making sure the overlap in the back is consistent with each cylinder.

On the bottom of one of the cylinders cut a small mouse hole. this will eventually allow the electric cord to come out of the bottom of the lamp.

roll extra clay (add matching texture) large enough to cut a circle shape to place on top cylinder. I used a yogurt cup that is the same dimensions as the top of my lamp base cylinders to cut the shape and a smaller cup to cut the center piece out. If you save the center piece and turn up the edges slightly you can make a tiny ring dish or a tea bag holder.

When the clay pieces have dried throughly and been bisqued in the kiln, Paint the pieces. Using underglaze, I chose deep blue (the brand of underglaze I use looks mauveish in the jar, but once glazed and fired it is a beautiful deep blue) Paint each section of the lamp base, when dry, sponge the excess underglaze off each piece leaving the paint in the textured areas. (Same with the tiny dish if you kept it.) Then glaze the ceramics and re-fire. Although my glaze looks green it is actually a clear gloss glaze. I like it because I do a lot of ceramics with children and when they gaze their work it is easy for them to see with the bright green glaze if they missed any spots.

When glazed I stack my cylinders (matching seams in the back) I fire the 3 pieces together. The glaze acts as glue in the kiln.

Prepare your wood for the base of the lamp. I bought a wooden plaque to use and coated it with polyurethane.

Assemble the lamp fixture in the wine bottle, taping the cord down the side of the bottle. Using epoxy (according to directions) glue bottle to base. I like epoxy because it dries rather quickly but any glue of your choice is fine.

Mix more epoxy and apply it to the bottom of the base. Then ease the ceramic base over the bottle making sure the cord goes under the "mouse hole". apply more glue to the top of the base and attach the ring. Add a bulb and your lamp is done.

and so is your tea bag holder!

enjoy