Glowing Copper Wire Lamp

This instructable is an updated version of a project that I've done this year. The first lamp had some problems: the wire used to make the ball was easily unwrapping, it didn't have a base and the power cord wasn't suitable for it.

PLEASE CONSIDER VOTING ON THIS INTRUCTABLE FOR THE "MAKE IT GLOW" CONTEST!

The main parts are two kinds of copper wire, a thinner one to cover the sphere and a thicker one to make the its structure and of course a light bulb and a power cord. I used a microwave lamp and a power cord with a switch. The base was made using wood from an old planter (but pallet can also work fine), a thin mdf square and some wood pieces.

The base of the lamp is basically a box. There are several ways to make it but, I did by gluing the wood blocks on the corners and then the mdf square on top. I also made some holes to fix the lamp holder and pass the power cord.

The main problem with te first version of the lamp was the copper wire sphere. To keep its shape and from unwrapping, I made a "cage" using a thicker wire and some solder to form some circles and join them. A can served as a mold to make the circles. Using a cd pen I marked where the wire would join and then soldered.

The sphere has to connect to the base, but how? This little piece was made using the same wire from the structure and the same technique of soldering. After making it solder it to the structure and you're almost done!

That can be the most stressful step but using the structure can help a lot. You don't need to make it at once, you can wrap some wire and when it starts coming off shape just stop, cut it and use some short pieces of it to fasten the wire to the structure and keep doing it until the sphere is covered.

Almost done! Power cord connects to the lamp holder, screws go on the bottom of the sphere. Align the screws with the holes from the base and there you have it!

ENJOY YOUR NEW LAMP AND DON'T FORGET TO VOTE ON THIS INSTRUCTABLE!