How to Make a Clear Lamp Base That Won't Tip Over

Making your own clear glass lamp base usually entails drilling a hole in the base of a clear glass vase. The trouble with a glass vase is that it can easily be knocked over. To make a clear glass lamp base that is more difficult to topple, you need something with a lower center of gravity. Using clear glass blocks, you can create a unique lamp that won't tip over and is both functional and attractive.

Drill
Glass block, 8-by-8-by-4-inch block
Diamond drill bit, 1/2-inch
Spray bottle
Christmas lights, mini-bulb 50 count

Instructions

- 1
  Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the side of an 8-by-8-by-4-inch glass block. Center the hole on an 8-inch side, about 1 inch from the bottom of the block. Use an electric drill with a 1/2-inch diamond drill bit.
  
  While drilling, keep the cut set wet to keep the bit cool. Spray the drill bit and glass with a spray bottle of water while you work. The easiest way to accomplish this is to have someone spray while you drill.
- 2
  Pour water into the cut hole to fill the block halfway. Slosh the water around to clean out the glass dust. Pour the water out of the hole. Refill and slosh again. Empty the water and turn the block on the side with the hole. Let the block sit for 24 hours or longer until it is completely dry.
- 3
  Insert the male end of a 50-count strand of Christmas lights into the hole you made. Use cool mini-bulbs with no plug on one end. Choose either colors or white lights, depending on what you prefer for the finished lamp. Pass the lights through the hole until you have just the unlighted end of the wire exposed.
- 4
  Plug the Christmas lights on to turn on the lamp.

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