DIY Absolut Vodka Bottle Lamp

Absolut Vodka bottles come in a variety of colors, and make for extremely easy lamps! Coordinate the color of your seed beads to the color of the bottle (i.e. orange for Mandarin, green for Pear, red or pink for Raspberry, etc.)

For this project, you will need:

- Absolut Vodka bottle

- Seed beads

- Lamp kit

- Hacksaw

- Wire stripper

To begin, take your bottle to a glass shop and have them cut a 1" hole in the bottom for the cord. Thread the lamp cord through the hole in the bottle, with the plug on the outside of the bottle.

Your lamp kit should include a lamp rod. Measure the rod and cut it with a hacksaw so that it is 1" above the height of the bottle. Thread the cord from the inside of the bottle through the rod. Set the rod in the center of the bottle, and pour enough seed beads into the bottle to hold the rod in place and fill the bottle.

Thread the locknut onto the lamp rod, and pull the cord through at least three inches. Screw the lamp neck onto the rod. Repeat with the harp bottom and socket cap, making sure all are tight.

Pull the cord apart two inches. Using a knife or wire stripper, remove 1/2" of insulation from the wire. Do not cut the wire itself. Hold the wire so that the pieces are in a "y" position. Following the shape of the "y", make a loop of each end of the wire, holding the end of one loop in front of the joined cord and the end of the other loop at the back of the joined cord. Slip each end through the loop formed by the opposing wire and tighten the knot. Pull on the plug end of the lamp cord at the base of the lamp so that the knot fits against the socket cap.

Using the directions that came with your lamp kit, find the neutral and hot wires. Connect the neutral wire to the silver screw on the socket. Connect the hot wire to the gold screw. Make sure both are tight.

Place the socket shell over the lamp socket. Pull the plug cord out from the bottle base until the cord is pulled back into the lamp, and stays in place. Make sure the shell is locked in place. Raise the sleeves on the harp and gently squeeze while inserting into the harp bottom. Lower the harp sleeves to secure.

Add a matching shade and enjoy!