{As part of my partnership with GE, I received coupons for my GE light bulbs. All opinions posted about my GE Lighting experience are my own.}
The lamp in my oldest daughter’s room is really old and hasn’t been working properly. I decided a DIY lamp would be a fun project for her room and a great way to get something unique.
I’ve also been thinking about making more energy efficient lighting choices for our home and this seemed like a great time to implement some more changes.
Honestly, the whole light bulb choices thing just confuses me. Before I went project shopping, I went to the GE Lighting site and did a bit of research on the different types of energy efficient light bulbs …
… the cost and energy savings …
… and the new lighting legislation about what bulbs can be manufactured and sold. I felt like I had a much better handle on what I wanted in my house and what was available. And I was encouraged by the cost savings. Who doesn’t want to save a bit of money? My super frugal husband would love those stats.
To make the lamp, I bought a light kit and a fun dress form style decoration. I had been going in a whole different direction with my thoughts but when I saw this dress form, I knew it would be perfect for a lamp for Kennedy’s room.
Making a lamp with a kit is such a simple DIY and a really great way to introduce kids to simple wiring. I want my kids to grow up with at least a basic understanding of home repairs and basic DIY so I love to tackle these types of projects with them.
To make this lamp, I sawed the small ball from the top of the dress form, drilled a hole into the top, and seated the rod into the wood {I screwed it partway in and then we used a hammer to lightly tap it all the way}.
Following the instructions on the light kit, I attached the wires to the appropriate screws {tied my Underwriter’s Knot!}, and attached the light socket parts together.
That’s it! I inserted a GE energy-efficient soft white light bulb {the closest alternative to the traditional incandescent bulb} and plugged it in! Did you know it was that simple to make your own lamp from an everyday object?
I’m so happy with the final outcome and Kennedy really likes the way it looks in her room! We used the same thrifted tie shade idea that she had on her old lamp but I remade it with a smaller shade to better fit the new lamp.
It provides just the right amount of light for some bedtime reading and some super cute decor for daytime.
Over the next month or so, I’ll test some energy saving light bulbs shown in the chart above and report back in the new year to tell you about my experiences.
In the meantime, I’m curious: are you aware of the new lighting legislation? What type of light bulbs do you use in your house?
I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and GE Lighting. All photos and opinions are my own. #CBias #SocialFabric
Super cute! I love the mix of masculine and feminine with the lamp form and lampshade!
Very cool lamp! I need to get a new lampshade of some sort for my son’s bedroom!
Such a cute idea for a lamp! (I made a lamp once a gazillion years ago when I was at summer camp-that’s the last time I tried it.)
I can’t wait to hear what bulbs you like best!