Wiring Handmade Lamps

Lamp Wiring Is Easy

I have a question about drilling a whole into the mason jar [ for a mason jar lamp ].

When you drill a hole and put the cord through it, how do you attach it to the light fixture that is supposed to be in the jar?

I went to Stockade Supply to look at the different types of fixtures to maybe try and figure it out but their website expired.

Help, I really want to make one but I don't understand what type of fixture to buy and how to attach the cord to the actual light in the jar. Instructions and a picture would be really helpful.

Please help me.

Rilana

Stockade Supply is still in business, but apparently changes Web addresses frequently. For the latest address do a search.

When I last looked, they're only carrying three- and five-inch gel candle lamp kits. I hope one of these will meet your needs.

Do you have a man around the house? They know how to do all that electrical wiring stuff! If not, don't be deterred. It's quite simple; and the fixture should even come with detailed instructions.

On most models, the cord will come separate from the lamp's base. If so, you need to strip about a half inch of the insulation from the end of the cord to uncover enough of the two copper electrical wire ends to connect them to the lamp's base. Use a sharp knife, craft knife or wire stripping tool to cut through the insulation but not through the copper wire.

Thread the stripped cord into the mason jar through the hole you drilled. On the base of the light fixture, you will find two screws.

Loosen them. Wind one bare copper wire end around each screw and tighten the screws./p>

Make sure the stray strands of bare wire don't touch. That will cause a short circuit.

When you plug the cord into a wall socket and turn on the light, you will have a complete electrical circuit (circle).

Flip the switch and electricity from your local electric company will flow into one of the wall prongs, along the attached copper wire, through the metal screw, into the light bulb's coil which heats up and glows using some of the electricity.

I love decorating in a country style. I would love to know how to make a couple of little lamps out of regular hurricane lamps (minus kerosene!).

I want to know how to go about wiring the whole project!

Any ideas?

Thanks so much!!

Jacquie

Read my answer above for wiring instructions.

If you buy a kit for wiring your hurricane lamps, it should come with instructions as well. Supply Stockade has an excellent selection. Just browsing through their on-line catalog will probably give you a bunch more ideas for your country décor.