How to Make a DIY Pendant Lamp: DIY TUTORIAL: Thrift Diving

BUY THE LAMP KIT (affiliate link): amzn.to/1BW5mCP .
For a materials list: thriftdiving.com/tutorial-how-...
Have you always wanted to make your own DIY pendant lamp but didn't know where to start? This video will show you how to wire a DIY pendant lamp. All you need is a lamp kit, some basic tools, and a creative idea. You can turn anything into pendent lamp. In this video, I turned my old (but pretty and broken!) wired fruit basket into a lamp.
To buy the lamp kit:
amzn.to/1BW5mCP
Skip Around
0:45 - Materials
1:57 - Threading the wires through
4:04 - Connecting the wires
5:32 - Pulling the wires through
5:49 - Attaching the chain
6:35 - The "AFTER"
6:43 - Leave a comment and subscribe
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Mailing Address: P.O. Box 463, Spencerville, MD 20868
Thanks for watching!

[@Sullysfiddle]

When you are working with the lamp cord, there are two sides to that cable. One side is ribbed, one is not. The ribbed side goes to the silver screw. It is the neutral and should be lined up with the wider blade of your plug end of the cord. The other side is not ribbed and goes to the brass screw. I’m an electrician and that’s the correct way to wire it. Good job by the way. God bless you.

[@daniellefleagle3134]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@alwaysathome]

Super helpful, Thank you!!

[@m1y00t00b]

Just found this vid. Loved my original lamps but they overpowered my small nightstands. Went to Home Depot, bought my lamp wiring kits and followed your instructions. The best part is that I was able to use my original lamp shades! I'm so impressed with myself that I might turn into a lamp making fool!

[@sweetestsunflowers590]

I love this idea they have pre wired light kits for us lazy non mechanical folks that's gorgeous❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@InterlockStyles]

WOW I don't believe it's that easy. OMG. Thank you

[@kkbronson]

The smooth wire insulation is hot and goes to the brass colored screw. leaving the ribbed wire insulation for the neutral, silver screw. You can feel the difference by rubbing the wires with your finger or fingernail. I'm in the U.S., so I don't know if it's different in other parts of the world. I just learned this three days ago when I was putting on a on/off switch on the cord for the first time. I was so tickled, that I'd done it myself you would have thought I'd invented the wheel!

[@galemonterio5261]

Just FYI you could buy all the components separately so you don't waste the "harp" and you could buy clear wire that would not show so much as the dark one and you could weave a matching color ribbon, (or contrast) through the grid of your basket shade to sort of hide the business part above the bulb. You also could just hang it from the cord without the chain and wrap the cord with the aforementioned ribbon, too.

[@countrygalinthecity]

My son has a Birthday February 17th ..I want to make him a lamp from an old acoustic guitar someone gave me...have a lamp kit also, just been affraid... lol. You helped give me confidence, thank you.

[@eugeniapitts3296]

You are the first person who makes it look easy

[@4elevendyno]

I love the reflection of the lamp once it's done. Very nice

[@sandybeach368]

love the shadows this upcycled lampshade makes on the ceiling.

[@diannealstonmoore4886]

Now that my children are growing up and moving out, I can get to my projects and plans that I could not stay focused on due to family demands! Thanks for your tutorial and for breaking it down so clearly.

[@brittanymahoney1498]

That shadow it creates is perfectttttttttt

[@galemonterio5261]

I'm going to be making three of these: two for above the bed headboard to get lamps off the side tables and have good light for reading in bed; and one to hang over my work room sewing machines and craft area (hmm maybe two, lol) Thanks for getting me thinking in that direction!

[@crystalsomekat7172]

I searched "lamp kit" on YT, of course you've got a video on this! 😊 I love your videos, they're always so helpful! 💖

[@katkatisattic1654]

What a great idea!

[@abbiebyrom6121]

Love this! It was exactly what I was looking for! I have a part of a standing lamp that doesn't work, & I'm planning on making a pendant lamp out of it! I knew it could be easy, & you showed me just how easy! Thanks!

[@ThriftDiving]

+Abbie Byrom Yep, it's super easy, Abbie! Just get the lamp kit from Amazon and you're good. Glad you enjoyed the video! Would you do me a huge favor?? I've just been selected as a finalist for the Home + Garden 2016 Trendsetter award! This is HUGE! Would you please vote for me? You can vote daily until March 16th! I would appreciate it! Vote here: thriftdiving.com/vote Thank you!!!

[@schoolahardknocks52]

Love your upcycle. What a wonderful pattern it casts on the walls and ceilings. Great Job!

[@daniellefleagle3134]

So glad I found your channel! I love your video and the speed at which you explain things. I get bored of they go too slowly and lost if they go too quickly. Finally! The porridge is perfect! And your voice is very calming too. Thank you 🌻

[@BrendaPatten1977]

I loved how it looked with the light on. Nice job.

[@ThriftDiving]

What an awesome tip!! I'm going to pay closer attention next time! Thanks for sharing!!! :)

[@natashawilliams8830]

Thank you so much for this. I was in Michael's the other day and found black pendants on sale for $3/each. Picked up 4 knowing that it would come in handy some day. So excited to see your post. Also, if you don't need the thing for the shade, Home Depot has the kit for just $10. You did a great job and explained this so thoroughly. Job well done!

[@ThriftDiving]

Thanks, Natasha!

[@jusmesuz]

Love your tutorial! Thorough and quick. I hate the ones that drag it out. I have subscribed and can't wait to see what other videos you have. And the lamp is so cute!

[@ThriftDiving]

+Jusmesue Johnson Glad you liked it!! :) Thanks so much!

[@heatherbarnes191]

Love this! I'm wanting to make some unique lighting and this is super easy. Thank you!

[@TheRenegadewoman]

Thank you!!! I just bought 4 matching baskets to turn into lights and am more comfortable doing it after watching you!!!!!!

[@ThriftDiving]

TheRenegadewoman Awesome! Glad you found it helpful! Let me know how it turns out for you! :)

[@vinylgirlflplasmatics9572]

Frame = harp Great video!

[@shannonlabaw5719]

Nice and easy! Thanks!

[@survivingthedetails671]

Thanks for the video. I am currently converting an antique swag lamp into a hardwired pendant lamp. I will post a video latter this week.

[@bernadettepesce773]

Very creative repurposing! Very helpful video.

[@craftingwithangie2021]

That is so cute Serena. I love that idea! :)

[@amybestbiz1204]

Thanks, love this!

[@sherrytevis7972]

Love this tutorial..nice and simple and your instructions are so clear! Thanks!

[@ThriftDiving]

+Sherry Tevis Thanks so much, Sherry! Glad you enjoyed the video! Would you do me a huge favor?? I've just been selected as a finalist for the Home + Garden 2016 Trendsetter award! This is HUGE! Would you please vote for me? You can vote daily! I would appreciate it! Vote here: thriftdiving.com/vote Thank you!!! I really appreciate it!

[@dagl.4423]

OMG i bought this swag lamp and i had no frigen clue how to assemble it ! Thank you so much !!!

[@ThriftDiving]

+Olga Lind Glad I could help!!! :)

[@OrganizeCreateDecorate]

Great tutorial video Serena. You're so relaxed in front of the camera. Becky

[@edmundosanchez3027]

nice watch somebody working like that thanks for that

[@biomedlib]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video....I have so many ideas...now, I have to get started;-)

[@NancyPerryRE]

This was a great video and super helpful!! I have never been very crafty but with the pandemic, I am really wanting to be so I decided to make a chandelier out of dollar tree stuff, but no one was telling me the important steps. So thank you! :)

[@retromodgirl]

Omg, you are so cute! I never knew making a lamp could be so simple. Now I can make those fabulous Ball jar lamps I see all over Pinterest! Thanks for the fun tutorial!

[@ThriftDiving]

Awwww....so glad you liked my tutorial on making a pendant lamp!! YAY! :) Good luck with your project!

[@sld9797]

Thanks for the great video! They are inspiring, easy to follow and empowering! Love seeing your little guy helping out in some of your videos. It's just so refreshing to see someone being so real, spending time with your child while teaching your viewers new skills! Great, great job! I just subscribed.

[@ThriftDiving]

Awww....thanks! You can usually hear them in the back of the video yelling and stuff! LOL

[@Rock-Steady-Music]

Nice! It will get me started. I feel confident that I can do this.

[@ThriftDiving]

+Elyse Douglas Awesome!! You totally can, Elyse! :)

[@ellebee3998]

Thank for making it so easy to follow. I can't wait to make my own.

[@ThriftDiving]

You're welcome! :)

[@jojohansen5778]

that is sooooo cool. thank you!

[@ThriftDiving]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching my video!

[@kristinaginorio1344]

Thank you!

[@johnnymay3805]

The rigid side of the cord goes to the silver screw and smooth side goes to the gold screw 😎

[@Manoucherie27]

You're becoming my favorite person on you

[@ThriftDiving]

Awww.....thank you! That's so sweet! I'm just now seeing your comment. LOVE!

[@scottdtuckersoehl1537]

im doing like this always good to check in with some else scott t

[@Gabriela111moneysolutions]

Beautiful base to work with. It would have looked even better with a coat of paint maybe in silver or gold or any color and some garlands hanging here and there. Also you could paint the cord white so it doesn't stand out. A lot can still be done to make it even more beautiful.

[@detalbo99]

This is only useful when and if you can easily access the lamp switch to turn it on. If you're trying to use an egg shaped or otherwise odd shaped object as the pendant shade, you would need a bulb socket that is wired to a cord switch instead of a direct switch.

[@patriciaalley1562]

nice!

[@ronyerke5339]

The wire the comes from the wide blade of the plug goes on the brass colored screw. The lamp is so simple that it will operate no matter which way it's wired. By the way, you wrapped your "hooks" the wrong way around. That way, the wires don't come loose when you tighten the screws. 😉

[@daniellefleagle3134]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@culturepopauctions148]

If you go to Ikea, they have a preassembled pendant light kit. you don't have to mess with wires & all that.

[@ThriftDiving]

Momsters twentythree Great to know, thanks!!

[@culturepopauctions148]

Watched your bathroom cabinet piece, loved it. Rustolium makes a great apoxy product to cover old bathtubs & showers. I used it & my shower looks brand new. It's all about the prep work. It's been 3 yrs and it still looks great. It's a DIY cost effective solution. Prep work is the key.

[@glendalynnejanacek7558]

I really liked that. however I was wondering if you could put some shear, or scarf like material over top. I was thinking that if you were to get two square peace of silky shear material, large enough to draped over top the lamp . then this would soften the light. ☺ thanks for sharing your ida.

[@pamelabaker1806]

It would have been better to use a socket that had a pull chair switch or a switch further down the wire itself. Either way it is a cute lamp.

[@zuzuspetals9281]

Pamela Baker I agree. I would have also used a kit with a white electric cord since she chose white chain for hanging.

[@TryRickPayton]

Nice

[@mariecheek362]

Cute lamp

[@ThriftDiving]

+Marie Cheek Thank you! :)

[@tushae88]

Great video and good instructions. Thanks for posting

[@marytomblin2059]

very instructional video! ty! I will be hunting something now to make a lamp out of :)

[@ThriftDiving]

Mary Tomblin Great, thanks!

[@2cents859]

Smart and cute you and the light ! 😊

[@ThriftDiving]

2 cents Awww...thank you!!

[@discusobscurum2194]

4:58 It does indeed matter which way the wires are connected, if you reverse polarity - you can get a shock and or fire. I also saw that the wires connecting to the terminals on the socket had crimps, now, I have no problem with the crimps, just be sure to use vinyl electrical tape to cover them up. Vinyl electrical tape can withstand high temperatures and will prevent possible arcing. I love this lamp, I really do as it has a great vibe!

[@ThriftDiving]

Great tips!!

[@OrganizeCreateDecorate]

You're very welcome Serena.

[@CGZG0065]

What kind of paint should I use if I wish to paint everything?. Thanks.

[@honeymonkey6105]

I believe there is a “hot” and “neutral” wire that could be connected incorrectly and possibly shock you if you touch the metal cup where the light bulb goes.

[@ThriftDiving]

@CGZG0065 Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, for sure! Order online from Robyn Story Designs. It's the cheapest online I have been able to find, and she ships super fast! Good luck!

[@hmh3808]

Ya it does matter which wire goes to which screw. On a flat wire when you separate the to sides there's a ribbed side and a smooth side-- the smooth side is HOT and goes to brass screw the ribbed side is neutral and goes to silver screw ...save your viewers the step of doing it wrong...

[@m1y00t00b]

Some wiring kits have identical wiring on both sides. I used the Westinghouse brand (Home Depot) so it didn't matter which side connected with silver -v- brass

[@daniellefleagle3134]

👍🏼 Thank you

[@blm397]

Be careful, the wires do matter, I am not an expert, but just got a mini lesson to do my lights, and if I I recall correctly, the ribbed is for ground return, and goes to the silver screw, and smooth is hot, and goes to the brass screw, that is why they are color coded, you can get electrocuted, the instructions with the kit should be followed. DO NOT TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS :D) Other than that I love love love your video!, the presentation, the idea, the sharing! thank you.

[@ThriftDiving]

Good point BL M ! Yes, people, read the instructions! :) Glad you enjoyed the video!! :) I'll be sure to post another lamp video soon!

[@carllouis1907]

Ya, I got electrocuted because I wanted to see if it worked b4 i put the base together, ouch! The wires or cord were not color coded nor did the directions say which was which.

[@martavelasquez5931]

Love the video!

[@ThriftDiving]

Marta velasquez Thank you so much! :)

[@futbol1972]

I have a pool table light that is wired. I wanted to move pool table a few feet to one side but then the wired pool table light will be off. can I use this kit to move pool table light too. I have an outlet in ceiling. How do I wire this kit to poool table?

[@prsguitars42]

It does matter which lead goes on which terminal and if you reverse them, you CAN get a nasty shock.

[@diymilf]

Thanks, Becky! It takes many "takes" to get there, though! LOL. If only I published all the mistakes. HA! Thanks for your comment!

[@havfaith56]

Get one of those Edison light bulbs. They come in LED. I would paint the whole thing one color.

[@ThriftDiving]

+havfaith S. Great idea, thanks!

[@saulgarcia7083]

that shit was cool yo

[@heatherlygillpatrick9414]

Did you not read your directions it’s very easy there’s writing on one side of the cord that’ll tell you which side that goes on and where is your underwriters knot

[@SCfanIam100]

The white chain doesn't look good with that green thingie whatever it is. As long as you like it tho that's all that matters.

[@lorettamurphy988]

As I'm watching, I'm thinking....this green light might look great over your husband's green desk

[@AShadeOfYou]

This could of been 6 min. Shorter.

[@DarylannCampbell]

You are very sweet. :)