Upcycled Lamp with Rope And Paint

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Lamp base, cylindrical shape
• Lampshade, light color, fit to base
• Pencil
• Sewing tape measure
• Ruler
• Blue tape
• 1 coil white cotton twist rope, 1/4"
• Power Tac Industrial Grade Adhesive, 2.5oz
• Acrylic paint, to match lamp base
• Acrylic paint, choice for shade
• Palette
• Brushes, Artist's 1/2" flat, 1 1/2" chip
• Rag

DIRECTIONS:

LAMP BASE

1. Use rope to create arches on the lower 2/3 of the lamp base. The rope will be placed so there are no gaps between lengths. Each addition of rope will be double the finished height with a loop at the top. Do not pre-cut strands.
2. Measure the circumference of the lamp base. Determine the loop pattern. If the pattern needs to have slight adjustments to complete around the circumference of the lamp base, make changes to the pattern at the back by the cord.
3. Find the center of the front of the lamp base, directly opposite from the cord. With a pencil, mark a line 2/3 up from the bottom. With the lampshade on, determine if this height for rope coils will be at a desirable height. Adjust the height if necessary. Remove the lampshade.
4. Start with the widest coil pattern in the center of the front of the base. Mark a line on the center front of the base perpendicular to the bottom of the base up to the finished height of the center loop of the coil patterns. Place blue tape lining up one edge of the blue tape with the line. Place a small amount of glue to the cut end of rope to keep from fraying.
5. Lay the lamp base on its side with the tape side up. Place a small item under either side so the base does not roll. Apply a bead of glue on the lamp base next to the edge of blue tape up to the top line. Line up the cut end of rope with the bottom edge of the lamp base. Press the rope on to the glue up to the top mark. Remove the tape.
6. Place glue on the base next to the section of rope that has been glued. Loop the top end of rope and press the rope on to the second bead of glue. Cut the end flush with bottom edge of the base. Place a small bead of glue on the frayed ends as they are cut. Gently spin the glue into the ends the direction of the spiral of the rope. Add additional loops of rope around the first loop, one side at a time.
7. Start each loop pattern with the center loop of the pattern. Measure over 1/2 the loop pattern width to determine the center of the next loop pattern. Keep the rope lengths as straight and close to each other as possible. Roping is not consistent in diameter so some slight imperfections will occur. When the pattern has been completed to the back of the base the rope may be cut to continue above and below the cord outlet. Let dry for 24 hours.
8. Place blue tape around the electric cord, close to the base. This will keep the cord clean.
9. Paint the rope pattern with paint and primer in one. The cord will absorb the paint quickly. Spread an even coat of paint. A second coat of paint may be desired. Test on a scrap of rope.
10. Remove the tape from the cord. Let dry overnight.

LAMPSHADE

1. Use a chip brush to paint the lampshade with an even coat of the acrylic paint. Hold the shade so light comes through the shade while painting. Let dry.

JOANN HACKS:

• Place a soft cloth under lamp base while attaching rope.