Looking for a fun and profitable project to do at home? Consider making lamps--functional and decorative items that you can sell to friends and relatives, rent out to party planners for theme weddings or children's parties, consign to bazaars and boutiques, or even sell through e-commerce sites such as www.filgifts.com and www.divisoria.com.

Lamps are an attractive alternative to the usual centerpieces since the design becomes even more eye-catching once you turn the light on. Don't let all the electrical equipment scare you--this one is very easy to make.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• lamp mechanism
• socket, P20
• flat wire, P10 per meter
• plug, P18
• 25-watt bulb, P35
• switch, P35 to P50 depending on the brand
• cooking pot trays as lamp frame, P15 each 
• lamp cover
• acetate, P5 per piece
• ribbon
• wire
• handmade paper, P25
• a pair of scissors, P50
• ruler
• pencil, P6
• pliers with wire cutter, P150
• cutter, P50
• one-hole punch
• double-sided tape, P45
• accent materials such as fake fur
  

These materials are available at your local bookstore, crafts store, electrical shop and hardware store. You may also use beads, sequins, fur trimmings, leather, fabric, abaca cloth and other materials as accent. In fact, you may also use recycled materials like old fabric or leather from a worn-out bag or chair. 

You'll need P3,000 to P5,000 to make 25 to 50 pieces of handmade lamps--and perhaps a little extra to cover your mistakes while perfecting your craft.

PROCEDURE:

Step 1: Ask someone from the electrical or hardware store to assemble the socket, flat wire, plug, and switch (optional but recommended, and you may have to pay a minimal fee). Next, place the light mechanism in the middle of the pot tray and then attach it using wire. Set aside.

Step 2: Cut the handmade paper as well as the acetate to measure 9.25 inches by 12.75 inches, and four strips of wire (two pieces measuring 9.25 inches long, and two pieces measuring 12.75 inches long). Using double-sided tape, attach the acetate to the back of the handmade paper. Next, tape the wires unto the acetate, making two horizontal and two vertical lines.

Step 3: Next, punch holes evenly (about a half inch apart) around the lamp cover about half an inch from the edge. 

Step 4: Using the ribbon, sew the two sides together through the punched holes to form a cylinder. Leave a 12-inch strip of ribbon at the bottom.  

Step 5: Attach the cover to the frame by sewing through the punched holes, then tie up the loose ends.

Step 6: Add your accents and trimmings, such as the fake fur accent. Finally, put the bulb on the light mechanism. Now you have your first handmade lamp!

Handy tips before buckling down to work on your lamps:

• Organize your workspace. Make sure it's clean, well-lit, and accident-proof.
• Make prototypes before producing large quantities to avoid wasting your time and money.
• Take photographs of each prototype and make a portfolio or catalogue.
• Be patient and enjoy what you're doing.
  

Jhoanna O. Gan is president and head of research and design at the Businessmaker Academy. She develops business and livelihood programs for entrepreneurs and business owners and designs corporate skills-training programs for the Top 1,000 clients of Businessmaker Academy. For more information, contact the Businessmaker Academy at (02) 687-4445, 687-4645 or 687-3416. You may also visit www.businessmaker-academy.com.