DIY Concrete Lamp - LED String Light

For this instructable, I will be making a Concrete Lamp.

I will use these lights for an end table. What's nice about these lights is that all the electronics are hidden.

This is a simple project that requires very little tools, and it can enhance any space. You can go as big or as small as you like.

Just take the same concept I used in this project, and you'll be on you way!

See below for a complete list of what I used to make this project:

Here are the materials I used:

- Litom Led String Lights http://amzn.to/2bKHt8V
- Glass Vase 10 1/2 Inch http://amzn.to/2bnAiPJ

-1 inch Weather strip foam http://amzn.to/2bF9vUw

- PVC Pipe

- Concrete

Types of Tools I used

- Miter Saw http://amzn.to/2bOKP9z

- Hand shovel http://amzn.to/2bTDfca

- Hot Glue Gun http://amzn.to/2bTDfca

- Palm Sander - http://amzn.to/2bTDfca

- Drill http://amzn.to/2bTDfca

- Masonry bit sit - http://amzn.to/2bTDfca

- Oscillating tool http://amzn.to/2bTDfca

I cut the PVC first to create a straight edge. Then I set my stop block to make a 5-inch cut on the miter saw.

Make as many as you like! I made two.

Since the piece of PVC was outside collecting dirt, I gave a quick wipe-down so that dirt didn't transfer to the form.

The inside of form needs to be hollow in order to hold the LED controller.

You can use whatever you come up with for this. I used two water bottles as a placeholder.

(Note: the water needs to me centered in the form.)

I made the water bottles 1.5-inches below the rim of the PVC.

The top of the form needs to be small enough at the top for the vase to cover it. I used a foam weather strip to prevent the cement from filling this area. (1 inch Weather strip foam http://amzn.to/2bF9vUw)

To cover the bottom of the PVC I used a Plastic warp . Then, I used masking tape to hold it in place.

Take a bucket. Add concrete. Then add water. Mix the concrete with a small shovel.

Place the bottle in the center. Then pour the cement mix. Add a small amount, and then use a mallet or a hammer to tap the outside of the PVC. This will help the cement fall to the bottom. Keep an eye on the bottle. (When I was tapping the PVC, I noticed the bottle was attempting to rise to the top.)

Now vibrate the bottle, using the sander. During the vibrating process I used a nail to hold the bottle down.

I let the form sit for a few days to cure. The bottom was completely covered with concrete. Not a big deal -- I just took a hammer and broke the thin layer.

Now I normally use some kind of oil to help with the release process. However I forgot to add oil. To remove the PVC, I made two cuts 2 to 3 inches apart. I made sure to not go all the way through the PVC while using a hack saw. Try not damage the form. Then I pulled the cut section out.

The PVC will release easily.

I didn't sand the body of the form. It was very smooth. The top, however, required some work because the vase didn't fit. This was something I knew I would have to address before I started.

To sand the body, I used a 60-grit sandpaper.

Next, I drilled out the top with a masonry bit http://amzn.to/2bTDfca . The bit pressed the plastic bottles down, so I was forced to remove it. My intention was to keep it in the form. However, it was not a big deal.

Then, I notched out a channel for the power wire to pass through.

Pass the string lights through the hole. Then pass the IR receiver through the hole, as well. Connect the light to the controller, then the transformer to the control. Now place inside the concrete.

Apply hot glue to the channel then place the wire in the channel. Add a little more glue on top. I didn't show it, but I also added hot glue to hold the IR in place.

Now install the wire in the vase and place the vase on the concrete base. Plug it in and you are ready to go!

If you like this project, please consider giving it a vote for the Lamp and Lighting Contest:

https://www.instructables.com/contest/lamps2016/

Thank you!

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/c/DIYCreators

Instagram: https://instagram.com/diycreators2015/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diycreators

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Diycreators

Pinterest : https://www.pinterest.com/diycreators/