Ubiquitous as they are around here, I can't seem to shake globes from my affections. And don't lie, your inner nerd knows deep down just how cool they are too. For all who emailed or commented on my house tour asking for a tutorial, this post's for you.
Before I totally get it from you all, I have to say that, yes, I know how stupid easy this project is. But stupid easy makes for a very satisfying DIY for those of us short on patience or low on funds, right? This one takes about 10 minutes and can cost under $15.
Materials and Tools:
• pendant light kit (find them at any home center in the lighting sections. I got a cheap discontinued brassy one which I intend to spray paint yellow in the near future) or for a less permanent fixture requiring no electrician, use a plug in cord kit from Ikea.
• globe (I found this broken one on the side of the road)
• paint
• some sort of writing material (I used chalk)
• exacto blade or box cutter
Instructions:
• using your exacto blade, carefully cut the globe in half along the equator (most old globes are only joined here with glue or tape anyway, so this takes about two seconds)
• hold the light socket of your pendant light on the top of your globe (north or south pole depending on which half you're using) and use it as a stencil as you trace around it to mark the spot where it will be inserted
• using your exacto blade, cut around the circle you just marked (the lip of the pendant light should cover this area once it's assembled so this doesn't have to be a perfectly clean cut). Some globes that were previously one rotating stands, like mine, have a metal washer-like disk glued on at either pole, so be careful as you cut around it and remove it. If your blade doesn't cut through the globe easily, it probably means that you do have one of these metal disks (sorry no picture of that part).
• paint the inside of your globe. I was toying with the idea of adding a decorative finish like decoupaging it with book pages (super nerd!) to cover up the seam lines or painting it a cool color for another surprise element, but for now I just went with white paint.
• install the pendant light into the ceiling (use an electrician or go with the plug in version if you don't know how to switch out the existing feature yourself)
• fit the light socket through the hole at the top of your globe, screw on the cap, pop in the bulb, and tada!
Other thoughts: If I don't end up going for the spray paint, I'm toying with the idea of wrapping the cord, canopy, and cover in hemp twine for added texture. Which would you do?
(Images: Leah Moss)
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Leah....Love the pendant Globe Lights! I sell them at my shop and they always seem to fly out the door! I just looked at your house tour....amazing crazy talent you have! Beautiful home....
Kelly Tyree
www.MadisonAndMabel.com
I wrapped some curtain dowel poles in hemp twine. The one I placed in the living room was fine with an occassional vacuuming but the one in the kitchen didn't do very well and I was forced to replace it. So if you cook quite a bit, soups, stews, etc., or fry, saute alot I would suggest that you don't use hemp twine in the kitchen unless you go over it with something that will make impervious to moisture. I really like your idea about books pages but I think I will go with postcards when I make my version of your globe lamp. I will use both the north and south halves. The movers broke the glass on my torch and I haven't replaced it yet. So the southern hemisphere should work perfectly there. Thank you so much for the tutorial and the great idea!
I wonder how the other half of the globe would look as a lampshade...
It would look nifty with silver or gold leaf inside rather than paint.
Alas, once again the Southern Hemisphere gets short shrift!
;-)
This is such a fantastic idea that can be used as a lamp shade on a night stand too! I'm going to have fun with this idea... just gotta find a cute/cheap globe.
Awesome idea! This might be something for my living room..
I always do the installing myself, though. It's very easy and save if you remember to switch of the power. XD
I would leave the brass as it is. It looks lovely.
The inside cries out for a star map....
Oops hit submit too soon.
This is lovely and a lot of fun. I'm going to use it as reminder to find/make something to replace an outdated hanging lamp that came with the house and recently got damaged (AWWW SHUCKS!) by something I was carrying through that hallway.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/89921714/amazing-pair-of-pendant-lights-made-from?ref=sr_gallery_13&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=world+globe+light&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=
I just made one of these using items I had on hand in about 15 minutes. LOVE IT. Spray painted the inside and cord silver and it looks fabulous. And P.S. we share the same first name! :)
thanks for including a tutorial, it was one of my favorite things in your house tour!
I had pinned the pic of the globe from the original article I loved it so much. Thanks for putting up the instructions. i wouldn't have thought about painting the inside.
Very cool. I saw the same thing done in Bachman's Idea House. It would look swell with my son's globes & maps collection.
Mine's gonna have glitter paint inside :)
love this idea and love your house tour so much!
My SIL did this in the 70s. She used the other hemisphere as a giant salad bowl.
My husband is going to love this! I can't wait to make him one. :)
Wow.