How to make a DIY table lamp from twigs
Make your own rustic woodland-inspired table lamp with twigs. Find out how to make it in our DIY guide.
18.07.2024
Make a DIY table lamp from twigs: choosing wood
The DIY table lamp we have designed uses straight twigs and branches of different thicknesses. Your own homemade table lamp could use more consistent pieces of wood if you prefer. You can find the right kind of twigs in your garden or local woodland but before you cut pieces from trees outside your own property, make sure you are allowed to. Alternatively, look for twigs that are already on the ground. River banks and beaches are often good places to find interesting pieces of driftwood that are great for craft projects.
Preparing your twigs
Remove any insects and creatures from the twigs and branches as you gather them. Leave the wood to dry out in open air or in the sun before you make your homemade table lamp.
Committed to your safety: protective equipment
Working with power tools helps you get the job done quicker but always make sure you are wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while using them. The correct PPE to wear is always listed in the instruction manuals.
Please also refer to the operating instructions for your product for details about correct usage. Before you use any tool for the first time, you should familiarise yourself thoroughly with it and make sure it is in flawless condition. On request, your STIHL Approved Dealer will be happy to prepare your tool for its first use, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for safe working techniques.
How to make a DIY table lamp from twigs
Making your own table lamp means you can decide how big to make it and what colour undercoat will best suit your home. Once you’ve settled on the design details, gather together the things you’ll need for your DIY table lamp.
Materials and tools you will need
Simple glass table lamp with light source (including cables and electronic accessories)
- Twigs and branches of varying diameters
- Strap (1-2 cm wide)
- Paint (wall paint, acrylic paint or wood varnish, we have used white and grey)
- Small saw (e.g. GTA 26 garden pruner)
- Paintbrush
- Utility knife
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Glue gun
- Personal protective equipment
- Folding rule or ruler
Make a table lamp from twigs: step-by-step instructions
With your design in mind and your tools and materials ready, it's time to get started.
Secure a branch onto your workbench before you saw it. Use your garden pruner or saw to cut the branches to your desired length, taking the height of the glass lamp into account as a guide. Think about whether you want the twigs to completely hide the glass, or if you prefer the upper part to be on show.
As an optional step that really adds a rustic note to your table lamp, you can use your garden pruner to scrape off the outside of the wood in places. Just pass the tool lightly over the bark. You can use the same technique to create dramatic patterns and effects.
Now, paint the branches in your preferred colour, and lean them against a longer branch to dry.
As soon as the paint is dry, apply a coat of white on top. When that’s dry, use the sandpaper gently in places so that the first paint colour peeps through.
Measure the circumference of your glass lamp and cut a piece of strap to fit. Stick your prepared and painted pieces of wood to the strap using a glue gun. Make sure they all line up at one end (this will be the bottom of the lamp), and glue them close together.
Finally, use your hot glue gun to stick the strap to the lamp so the branches stand up vertically. Glue in thinner twigs to fill any gaps.
Add a light bulb and your Scandi stylish table lamp is ready to light up your home!
Summary: how to make a DIY table lamp from twigs
- Collect branches in your garden or in the woods. Driftwood is also great for crafting.
- Carefully remove any creatures from the branches while outside. Leave the branches out in the open to dry, preferably in the sun.
- Always wear personal protective equipment while you work. You will find details of what you should wear in the instruction manual for your tool.
- Decide how big to make your table lamp and cut the branches to varying lengths.
- Scrape the bark a little to create a rustic, natural effect. Paint the branches in a colour; when dry, apply a coat of white paint over the top.
- Use sandpaper in places on the dry white paint to reveal the colour underneath.
- Glue the finished branches to the strap and then attach it to the glass lamp.
