One of my first projects when I got into this whole crafting business was a newspaper decorated lamp, inspired by a project in the fabulous Mark Montano's Big Ass Book of Crafts.
What you'll need:
- A lamp (you can find super cheap lamps at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army)
- Newspaper (preferably one with some colorful pictures)
- Elmer's glue
- Water
- A larger paintbrush (1-to-2 inch works best)
- Some sort of finish (I use spray-on acrylic from Michael's)
- Spray paint (optional, used for base and lamp shade)
Directions:
If you're planning on spray painting any part of the base, do so before beginning to apply the newspaper. My paint job dripped a bit, but it actually made the base look more interesting.
Make a 1:2 mixture of glue and water (1 part glue to 2 parts water) and stir well.
Cut out pictures/ads from the newspaper that are vivid or interesting. You'll want enough to cover the entire base of the lamp.
Use the paintbrush to brush a small portion (enough to cover one clipping) of the base with the glue mixture.
Attach a clipping on top of the glue-covered portion of the base. Apply another layer of glue mixture on top of the clipping.
Repeat until the base is covered with newspaper clippings.
Let dry until you can identify which portions of newspaper aren't stuck on well enough (it's easy to tell, they tend to peel). Apply another layer of glue to secure lose clippings.
Let dry completely.
Apply a few layers of finish/acrylic spray.
If you're spray painting the lamp shade, do so separately away from the base and let dry. Don't apply paint too heavily, though, otherwise light won't shine through.
Once everything is dry, reassemble and voila! You've got yourself an edgy, colorful new lamp.