Post #573934 by djwirk on Sun, Jan 30, 2011 9:20 PM

Just finished my latest project, kind of a diversion from the jade carving, but I had an idea and just ran with it to get it where I wanted.

Made some banana paper from yard trimmings in small sheets (6x9) and used a wood glue solution to veneer several into one giant sheet.

Cut out some frames with a old busted jig saw, mitered the corners with an angle grinder, I'm surprised they came out as uniform as they did with the crappy tools I had on hand!

Quick mockup to make sure the paper fits!

Starting to glue the bamboo infield in to the bottom, getting it all in and locked down first then cut the tops all uniform.

An old cord and light socket I'm cannibalizing for this project. Put a switch on the cord (Had to break down and go to Home Depot for that.)

Broke the terminals off the socket and soldered the cord direct, used a roll of plumbing solder from (No kidding) the 1960's I got at a rummage here. (Is that even safe?)

Mounted the socket to the base.

Testing the electrical out with the flicker bulb I am using, pretty much at this point just making sure it doesn't catch on fire or the solder get hot and melt out, never soldered any 120V before, in theory it seems like it will work?

Glued and braced upside down w/skewers, really looking like a bad idea at this point.

Flipped back over and hit w/a coat of stain, at long last I'm starting to think it won't be a total disaster!

Paper shade glued in and cut out, super glue and razors made that part pretty quick at least! Kept getting so impatient up to this point waiting for the wood glue to dry.

Finished at last and in its new home in our bedroom! Need to get a better shot with our real camera, phone doesn't work so well in low lighting!

Bonus shot of the doghouse in progress. Too much time on my hand has at least been fun!