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Giveaway: DecoArt prize package #2!

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In honor of National Craft Month, the wonderful folks at DecoArt have offered this fun prize package to one lucky reader! This prize package includes:

2 8-oz bottles of Americana paint
8 oz bottle of Weathered Wood crackle medium
8 oz bottle of Glazing Medium

HOW TO ENTER
Simply leave a comment on this post and tell us which DecoArt products are your favorites, and which ones you are dying to try! Tell us all about it before March 30th at midnight CST!

ELIGIBILITY
As much as we would love to include our Canadian and international friends I’m afraid this giveaway is restricted to those with a U.S. mailing address. If you live outside of the U.S. but have an address within the U.S. that we can ship to then you’re in! Otherwise, we truly apologize. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winner will be randomly selected on March 31st and notified via email. Winner will have 72 hours to respond with their shipping address, otherwise an alternate winner will be drawn. Good luck!

Please note, all prizes will be shipped at the conclusion of our National Craft Month celebration. Winners should allow 4-6 weeks for delivery after April 1, 2011.

Comments

  3. Oh my I’d jump up&down&wreck what’s left of my right knee to win this pack! I have used,and love, the glaze medium,but I am probly the only crafter who’s never crackld anything! And I lovelovelove acrylic paint–so many projects so little energy (arthur itis& larry lupus) I have the old window from my little girl bedroom that was replaced,and I so want to paint it &backlight it. THIS IS ALL I NEED to git’er done! Oh my….literally praying for this-think wud make folks smile, daddy’s facing dialysis&kidney failure@88, and all I want to do is make them happy. That window oughta do it! 😀

  4. I’d love to try some of their newer ones. I have a few old ones and would love to replace them. Paint is something I use a lot of.
    Great giveaway, thanks.

  5. I would be happy to win this deco Art package!!!! Me and my son are painting a lot, therefore we would be proud when we will the one which win it.

  9. This is a great giveaway. I use the paint all the time and LOVE it! I have never used the crackle and would love to get my paws on that stuff! 🙂

  10. The weathered paint is the one i would look forward to getting.. Thanks for thr chaance to win this most excellent prize.

  11. I love their paints. Would love to try their glazes and crackle medium. I have an old pallet that is destined to make a couple of signs – the first being a ‘fresh eggs’ sign for the farmers market. I need to make it look old and weathered – this package would do the trick. Thanks for the give-away!

  12. I got the most gorgous dresser delivered yesterday for my bedroom…unfortunatly it does not go with my white painted headboard.
    I have a beautiful picture in the room called “Goddess of Prosperity” which gives me the inspiration to repaint the headboard…now what color…I would love to use the glazes to do the headboard and since I have gone past my decorating budget, I would be so thrilled to win these products…wow!

  16. I really want to try the crackle. I have a few projects that could benifit from it 🙂

  17. Hmmm I think the weathered paint sounds intreging. I’ve used the regular paint before. Nice and creamy to work with.

  18. I would love to try the glazing medium. Also, I have always wanted to be able to use the crackle.

  20. I love the paints and would love to try the crackle medium. Thanks for the chance to win.

  21. I love their Americana paint. It’s a great, basic paint. I’d love to try the crackle paint.

  23. I love the Americana paints, but would love to try the crackle. My friends and I work on many crafts for a local church fair and this would be a wonderful prize to win.

  25. I love using Patio Paints on terra cotta pots & outside wood stuff. They are awesome & I’ve been using them for years. I would really love to try the Crackle Medium & Glazing Medium. These products would take me to the next level & I would love to try.

  26. I love using the regular acrylics on all of my plaster projects I do for Christmas time. The coverage is outstanding and the variety of color is unbelievable. I have never used crackle medium and would love to try that out. Thanks so much for the chance! Take care!

  29. I have used their paints and they are nice and smooth to work with.
    I have used a different crackle brand, but would love to try theirs, they are fun to age products with.

    Debbie

  32. Wow I’ve used the paints for painting peg dolls, glass and terracotta. My children use it for the school science projects. I’d love to try using the weathered wood crackle for projects! How fun!! Thanks for the chance to win one! ~Awilda

  34. Another great giveaway. Would love to try the crackle paint, have never tried it and have the perfect window sitting in the basement just waiting to be used in a project.

  38. I do decorative painting and would love to win this great package! I have never tried the glazing product and would enjoy the chance to try it out.

  40. What WONDERFUL goodies you’re giving away!!!!! I like decoupage! And I’d LOVE to try your snow products!!!! I could REALLY come up with some great Christmas projects with that!!!!!!!! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!!! 🙂

  42. I would love to try the crackle paint! I’ve seen it used so many times, it hard to believe I’ve never done it myself.

  43. I love all the DecoArt paints–always a great color to work with. I’d like to try the paint for metal. Thanks!

  45. I would love to try the crackle paint! I love how that looks!! I am a huge crafter and love trying new products!! I would love to win and try out this fab new brand!!

  48. I love the large variety of colors of the paint, but I’m really wanting to try the weathered wood on some picture frames for my nautical area =)

  50. 3D glass writers would be great to try! I love the gallery glass and the 3D writers would be a great addition to them.
    Deb

  52. The acrylic paints are used frequently in my house and I would love to try some of their other products!

  53. I do quite a lot of painting and I love DecoArt Americana paints!! Could always use more! Thanks for the opportunity!

  55. I’ve never tried the crackle paint and would love to give it a go. Thanks for the chance to win.

  56. I love using the paints for all of my craft projects! The Weathered Wood is one I have never seen or tried and it sounds right up my alley for all of my home decor! So cool!

  57. I love these paints and would love to try something new. I’ll cross my fingers for myself that I’ll win. Love this site.

  58. After a too LONG absence from crafting I am finally getting back to crafting as a form of stress relief. I have used DecoArt paints in the past but have never tried the Weathered Wood or the Crackle Paint. Would Love, Love to try these out. Hopefully the ‘randomizer’ will pick my name – lol.
    ;o)

  59. I would like to try the entire range- what I would be able to achieve would be beyond my wildest dreams

  60. I would love to receive this package. I already love the glaze; however, I have never used crackle on anything, so I would love to try that. I guess I’ve always been afraid I would mess up something if I used crackle but hey … there’s a first time for everything, right? Love this website. Love this paint. And would love to win the package.

  67. I have never used the DecoArt products brand before, but one quick look at the website and I know that I’d like to try the “AMERICANA CANVAS GEL” right off the bat. Thanks for the chance to win something new to try!

  72. I’m a mixed media artist and I use thier paints all the time! Thnak you for the chance to win!

  73. I am getting into recycle ‘crafting’…taking old picture frames and turning them into NEW and great pieces. This would be great to help me in that new venture!

  75. Being 21 and new to the world of crafting I am really eager to try both the crackle stuff and the glaze. Painting is one thing I have done for a while. No one had to teach me, now me and my sewing machine, that is a different story. It has not come quite as naturally.

  76. I love DecoArts acrylic paints – I probably use them on more surfaces than I should! I’ve eyed the glaze medium in the store a couple of times, so would be excited to give it a try!!

    Thanks for a great giveaway!

  79. I’d love to try them all. Especially through weathered one. I’m doing craft projects with kids and adults, so this will be a welcomed addition.

  80. I like aging things that I create.
    The Crackle Mediums are two of my
    favorite items by Decoart…
    Many thanks, Cindi

  84. I love the Americana paint, but I have never used crackle or glazing medium. I’m already thinking of new things to try them on!

  85. Sorry to say that I don’t ever remember using this brand of paint. I have never tried any paint to weather wood and I would love to try it as well as all the other types. Thanks for the opportunity to win these.

  86. So much goodness with all of this giveaway. I have tried the acrylics and would like to try anything that glitters.

  87. My fave decoart product is definitely decoupag but I have really been itching to try the glass stains in different colors.

  90. I use the acrylics for all sorts of crafts, but I’d really love to try some of the more specialized paints and mediums. Thanks!

  91. Would love to try them all ! Just getting back into crafting and need to use some of the new things out now.

  92. I love americana paints! I’m dreaming of projects now for the weathering paint- hope I win!!

  96. Would LOVE! I would use this on my hairbow holders that have been sitting in the closet because I need more paint! ha ha

  100. I like the acrylics, but am anxious to try some different things with the crackle medium and the glazing medium.
    Thank you for offering this candy 😀

  103. I currently use a range of colors in Americana paints, and love them. I’m eager to try the crackle medium, and to upgrade from the 2 oz bottles I have a huge collection of. 🙂
    Brigitta

  110. What an incredible package !! I wouldn’t know where to start 🙂

    Karen Gonyea
    ktgonyea at gmail.com

  111. I really like the weathered wood finish. I have yet to use it, and have stuck to the poor mans version of painting over wet elmers glue.

  113. What isn’t there to love? I really want to get my hands on their fabric paint and brushes. 😀

  115. I’ve used Americana paints with great success. I have never tried the crackly wood or glazes. Would be fun to try them.

  116. I would love to win a package like this. so much can be done with all of this. the projects are countless.

  118. Thanks for the opportunity to win this paints! I have used this brand before, on some birdhouses, they really looked great?

  120. wow thank you for great give aways i know i be happy to win any of this from DecoArt
    happy craft month

  122. I wake up early to do crafts! I would wake up even earlier to start a project with DecoArt!!I would have so much fun with this package that I would start my girls in on the projects possible to decorate their rooms!!! WOW!!!! The fun I would have on home decor!!!

  123. I’ve used most of the products and love them but I really like the gel stains and would LOVE to try Texture Fierro, I think that’s the only one I haven’t tried!

  124. I love using the patio paints and would love to try the weathered wood crackle medium. Thanks!

  127. I have long loved all of your paints! It would be awesome to win this pack, as I would love to try the weathered wood! Thanks for the chance to win!!
    debpaint16 @ aol . com

  129. I have used the deco art paint for years and I love it. It flow on so nicely and covers good. I would like to try the Weathered Wood crackle medium. Oh I love the glaze I use it with my polymer clay.

  131. I love metalic paints but would like to try the weathered wood and crackling.

  132. i would love to get some serious painting on. im dying to try the weathered medium.

  133. Love their acrylics, and could really use that crackle medium right now for a project!

  135. I love DA products and use them all the time in my woodcrafting!! I’m always on the lookout for new products so I guess all of them are my favorite. But if you make me chose I’d say the crackle medium is my favorite!! Thanks for a chance to win!!

  140. I’ve never tried anything by them, BUT I just bought a few canvases and would love some new paint to help me(: Ahah.

  141. The paint is creamy and very color true. I use it all the time. I paint windows , I paint furniture and murals, signs and ceramics…wood items, oh I paint everything I can, including canvas. I have lots of favorite colors. I love the deep dark greens, and, asphaltum is so yummy, I could eat it. Love the colors, the red stays red all Christmas season. I really could go on. I use a lot of butter. I use all the colors, and usually buy the large size in multiples. Keep up the great work, Americana.

  143. I’m new to crafting of all sorts. I’m excited to try out the acrylic paints. I saw some great projects I can’t wait to get my hands on.
    Thanks for a great giveaway!

  144. This gift package would make a great addition to my decorative painting supplies! I use DecoArt products exclusively for my painting projects!!

  145. I love DecoArt products and especially Americana Acrylics and have used them for many years with all the different projects I design. My husband and I make characters out of gourds. He designs the gourds using 5 to 8 gourds and then I use Americana acrylic paints making our characters represent all ways of life. I also make jewely, bird houses, etc. out of gourds and using American Acrylic paints, sprays, etc. The DecoArt products are the best of all acrylics and sprays on the market.

  146. I would love to try out some of their textile stencils. Specifically Art Nouveau Medallions! Thanks!

  149. I would love to win this I have three things I need to refinish right now. One of them is a wooden toy box my father made when I was a little girl. I have moved it from place to place over the years as my daughter wanted to keep it for sentimental value. It would mean alot as my father is not well.

  150. I use the Americana paints already for my mini wood craft projects & on some of my scrapbooking embellishments. I would love to try the Weathered Wood crackle medium. What a great prize..

  151. I love their stencil paint. It’s thicker than other paints and turns out great. I’d love to get some of their books. They look like they have some good ones.

  154. Wonderful products, thank you for the opportunity!! Have not tried the weathered wood yet!!

  158. I’d love to try the Crystal Gloss Enamels Transparent Glass Paint. They sound beautiful.

  161. I love wood crackle and I would love to try the glaze to see how it works I love to paint wood different colors and make them fun

    Thanks,
    Teri

  164. As a tole painter I love the Americana acrylic paints. It’s the closest to oil paint in a water based formula. I love the sealer too….

  165. I use an assortment of these paints already and love to send care packages full of them to my nieces in Alaska to get them through winter. I’d love to try the crackle paint on some Holiday crafts this year!

  167. I particular like the metallic paints effects. I have not used the crackle or glazing and would love to try those; the glazing esp. for polymer clay pieces 🙂

  168. I like Magikote…great for kids projects! Gloss enamels look interesting, I would love to try them.

  169. I love painting. I work a lot with fun frames and I could really use the Weathered Wood crackle medium. I have used the paints before and would be tickled and honored to win this package

  170. I love DecoArt! I have used their Americana Acrylic paints for years. What I would love to try is their “Sandstone” product. Every time I go to buy it at Michael’s, it’s dried up. It would look so neat on my dollhouse projects! Thanks for the chance to win!

  171. I have wanted to try crackle and glaze for a very long time and never felt like I had the funds to “waste” learning how.

  172. I’ve mostly only used acrylics of various brands, would love to try a new technique! thanks for the chance at these!

  173. I had to repaint a wooden horse that i had gotten when I had my daughter..She is having a boy and I wanted it blue not pink. It took one coat and just alittle touch up to cover it. It cut my time down alot.

  175. Oh I could use that paint for so many things. Most of the crafts that I have been doing need some color now. This would would work perfectly.

  178. I just love the paints- all those beautiful rich colors! I would love to try the Weathered Wood product; I’m betting it would make some incredibly beautiful distressed pieces!

  179. pick me pick me!! i’d love to try the weathered wood crackle, my sister and i have an old desk that we’re trying to figure out something to do with….

  180. I love these paints and have been using them for years….they stay stored pretty well too. I want to try a piece this time that is crackled. Thanks for the chance to win this!!

  182. I love that we are given the opportunity to win products and try them ou before buying them!

  185. I really like the crackle medium on furniture & picture frames. I would like to try your brand of glazing. Hopefully Im the lucky winner!

  186. I don’t know how I missed this giveaway before tonight, but looks as though I’m here just in the nic-o’-time! 😀 I love using the acrylic paints for our repurposed/recycled “prim” wood crafts, and would LOVE to get my hands on the Weathered Wood Crackle Medium, since I’ve never tried crackling yet! Oh, and the Glazing Medium is another “never tried before” that I’ve truly wanted to give a go! Thanks for the opportunity and best wishes to all! 🙂

  187. I love your product cause it’s so easy to use and the finished results are great looking too.

  188. I love all the DecoArt products but my favorites are the metal paints and the gloss enamels.

  191. I’d love to enter and I would like to try out the weathered wood products 🙂
    Thanks!

Have you read?

DIY Teacup Lamp: How to Drill China Without Cracking It

Vintage teacups have a terrible habit of following me home from op shops.

One pretty floral cup becomes three, three becomes an entire shelf, and before long you are wondering whether anyone genuinely needs fourteen mismatched saucers. The answer is probably no—but they do make a rather gorgeous DIY teacup lamp.

This upcycled lamp project turns mismatched cups, saucers, small bowls and plates into a decorative stacked lamp base. The trickiest part is drilling the china without cracking it, and that is where a little patience makes all the difference.

Unlike drilling wood, you cannot simply push harder when the drill bit is taking its sweet time. Porcelain and ceramic need to remain wet and cool while a diamond-coated bit gradually grinds through the surface.

Once you understand that, the process becomes far less intimidating.

Can You Drill Through a China Teacup?

Yes, you can drill through most china, porcelain and ceramic teacups using a diamond-coated hole saw or diamond drill bit.

However, not every piece of vintage china will behave in exactly the same way. Some pieces are thicker, some have harder glaze, and occasionally one will crack despite your best efforts. Start with inexpensive or imperfect thrifted china rather than drilling Grandma’s irreplaceable wedding set on your first attempt.

A practice saucer with a small chip is perfect for learning how the drill bit feels.

Supplies for a DIY Teacup Lamp

You will need:

  • Vintage or thrifted teacups
  • Matching or mismatched saucers
  • Small china plates or shallow bowls
  • A heavier bowl or plate for the base
  • Electric drill
  • Diamond-coated hole saw or diamond drill bit
  • Lamp-making kit with threaded lamp rod
  • Lamp socket suitable for your local electrical standards
  • Lamp cord with plug
  • Rubber or fibre washers
  • Metal washers and nuts
  • Lamp harp and lampshade
  • Masking or painter’s tape
  • Permanent marker
  • Plastic tub or shallow tray
  • Old folded towel
  • Water
  • Scrap piece of timber
  • Non-slip mat
  • Safety glasses
  • Dust mask
  • Waterproof gloves, if preferred
  • Clear two-part epoxy suitable for ceramic, optional

Diamond hole saw sets are readily available on Amazon and usually include several sizes. Choose a bit slightly larger than your threaded lamp rod so the rod passes through without rubbing against the china.

A complete lamp-making kit is often easier for beginners because the socket, threaded rod, washers, cord and fittings are designed to work together. You can also salvage the hardware from an old lamp, but take plenty of photos as you dismantle it. Lamp fittings have a sneaky habit of looking obvious until they are scattered across the craft table.

Important Electrical Safety Note

This tutorial explains how to construct the decorative china base of the lamp.

Lamp wiring requirements vary between countries. Use a lamp kit approved for your location and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In Australia, fixed or altered electrical wiring must be completed by a licensed electrician.

Do not use damaged cords, cracked sockets, improvised fittings or hardware that allows the electrical cable to rub against a sharp ceramic edge. When in doubt, have the finished lamp inspected by a qualified electrician before plugging it in.

Choosing China for a Stacked Teacup Lamp

A good teacup lamp needs more than a random tower of cups.

Look for a combination of:

  • A broad, heavy piece for the bottom
  • Flat saucers that stack without wobbling
  • Teacups with stable bases
  • Pieces with similar centre points
  • A mixture of heights and shapes
  • Colours or patterns that work together

You can use a coordinated tea set for a polished vintage look or mix florals for a cheerful cottage-style lamp.

Before drilling anything, build a temporary stack on the table. Rearrange the pieces until the proportions look balanced from every angle.

Photograph the final arrangement so you remember the order later.

Do not make the stack excessively tall or top-heavy. A wide, weighty base is important because the finished lamp must remain stable when the shade is attached.

Readers who enjoy giving old household pieces another life may also like browsing the recycled craft ideas on CraftGossip, where plenty of slightly forgotten objects are given another chance to shine.

How to Find the Centre of a Saucer or Plate

Finding the centre accurately is important because poorly aligned holes can make the finished lamp lean.

For a round saucer:

  1. Place the saucer upside down on a sheet of paper.
  2. Trace around the outside edge.
  3. Cut out the paper circle.
  4. Fold the circle in half.
  5. Fold it in half again.
  6. Unfold the paper and mark where the fold lines cross.
  7. Position the template on the saucer and transfer the centre mark.

You can also use a ruler to measure the widest point in several directions. Mark the midpoint of each measurement and confirm that the marks meet in the same place.

Place two strips of masking tape across the centre in an X. The tape makes the mark easier to see and may help prevent the bit from skating during the first few seconds of drilling.

How to Drill a Hole in China Without Cracking It

1. Set Up a Safe Drilling Area

Place a folded old towel inside a shallow plastic tub or tray.

The towel cushions the china and helps prevent it from spinning. Add enough water to keep the drilling point covered or continuously wet.

Place the tub on a sturdy workbench over a non-slip mat. Keep electrical connections, power boards and extension plugs well away from the water.

Wear safety glasses and secure loose hair and clothing.

2. Support the China Properly

Place the china on the folded towel with the drilling point facing upward.

Support curved cups carefully so they cannot rock. You can nest the cup into a rolled towel or use small wedges of soft rubber around it.

Do not clamp delicate china directly with a metal clamp. Concentrated pressure can crack the piece before you even switch on the drill.

If the container moves across the bench from the vibration, secure the container rather than clamping the china.

3. Keep the Drill Out of Hammer Mode

Check the drill setting before beginning.

Hammer mode must be switched off. A hammer drill repeatedly strikes the surface and can quickly shatter a cup or saucer.

Use a normal rotary drilling setting at a slow speed.

4. Begin at a Slight Angle

Place the edge of the diamond hole saw against the marked centre at approximately a 30- to 45-degree angle.

Start the drill slowly and allow one edge of the bit to create a shallow crescent-shaped groove. This gives the bit something to sit in instead of skating across the glaze.

Once the groove has formed, gradually bring the drill upright until the entire circular edge of the bit is touching the china.

Do not rush this first stage. Getting the initial groove right is often the difference between a clean hole and a drill bit wandering halfway across your best rose-patterned saucer.

5. Use Light Pressure

Let the diamond coating grind through the ceramic.

Apply only gentle downward pressure. Pushing harder does not necessarily make the hole appear faster. It creates extra heat and increases the chance of cracking the piece.

Keep the drill as straight as possible once the groove is established.

Every 10 to 20 seconds:

  • Lift the bit slightly
  • Allow fresh water beneath it
  • Clear away ceramic residue
  • Check that the piece is still stable
  • Allow the drill and bit to cool if they feel hot

The water may become cloudy as the ceramic is ground away. That is normal.

6. Slow Down Near the End

As the bit approaches the underside of the china, reduce the pressure even further.

The final thin layer is the most likely part to chip. Let the drill bit work through it gently rather than forcing the plug out.

If both surfaces are accessible and the centre can be aligned accurately, you may drill most of the way through from one side and finish from the other. This can reduce breakout chipping, but alignment must be precise.

For a hidden hole inside a stacked lamp, a small amount of chipping around the underside is usually covered by a washer. Large cracks are not safe and that piece should not be used.

7. Smooth and Protect the Hole

Remove the china from the water and dry it completely.

Check the hole for loose chips or sharp edges. A diamond hand file can be used very gently to smooth minor roughness.

Fit a rubber grommet, fibre washer or protective lamp fitting wherever the electrical cord or metal rod passes through ceramic. The cable should never rest against a sharp drilled edge.

How Large Should the Hole Be?

The hole should be slightly larger than the threaded lamp rod.

Measure the outside diameter of the rod before selecting your drill bit. Do not guess based on the socket size.

A hole that is too small may tempt you to force the rod through, which can crack the china. A hole that is far too large can make alignment difficult and may allow the stack to shift.

For the lower base piece, you may also need a second hole near the back or side for the electrical cord. This depends on the design of your lamp kit.

Protect this cord opening with a rubber grommet made for the size of the hole.

Dry-Fit the Teacup Lamp Before Gluing

After all the pieces have been drilled and washed, thread them onto the lamp rod without glue.

A possible stacking order might be:

  1. Heavy shallow bowl
  2. Dinner or side plate
  3. Teacup
  4. Saucer
  5. Small bowl
  6. Saucer
  7. Second teacup
  8. Decorative plate
  9. Lamp socket base

Add rubber or fibre washers between hard surfaces where necessary. These help cushion the china and improve grip.

Check that:

  • The lamp sits flat
  • The rod remains vertical
  • The cups face the desired direction
  • The stack does not wobble
  • The socket is centred
  • The shade will clear the top cup
  • The cord exits without being pinched

Tighten the fittings gradually. Do not overtighten the nuts against the ceramic. The hardware needs to hold the stack securely, not squash it into submission.

Should You Glue the Teacups Together?

The threaded lamp rod and properly fitted washers should provide the main structural support.

A small amount of clear two-part epoxy can be used between selected pieces to stop them rotating, but adhesive should not replace proper lamp hardware.

Avoid filling large gaps with glue. If the stack needs a blob of adhesive the size of a biscuit to remain upright, the pieces probably do not fit together safely.

Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s curing instructions and allow it to cure fully before wiring or moving the lamp.

For another lighting project made from an unexpected container, have a look at this DIY terrarium lamp on CraftBits. It is a lovely example of turning an ordinary object into practical home décor.

Assemble the Lamp Hardware

Follow the instructions supplied with your approved lamp kit.

A typical assembly includes:

  • Threaded lamp rod
  • Base nut
  • Protective washers
  • China stack
  • Top washer and locknut
  • Socket base
  • Electrical cord
  • Socket
  • Harp saddle
  • Harp
  • Lampshade
  • Finial

The exact order varies between kits.

Run the cord through the intended route without twisting or pinching it. Make sure the cord is protected anywhere it passes through the drilled ceramic.

If you are using salvaged lamp components, inspect them carefully. Old wiring can become brittle, and an attractive vintage lamp base is not worth keeping if the cord looks as though it has survived three house moves and a small rodent attack.

Choosing a Lampshade

A simple lampshade usually works best because the stacked china is already the main feature.

Try:

  • Pleated cream shade for a traditional look
  • Plain linen shade for modern cottage style
  • Floral shade for maximalist décor
  • Soft pink or sage shade for romantic vintage style
  • Small empire shade for a bedside lamp

The shade should be wide enough to visually balance the base without making the lamp top-heavy.

Use a modern LED bulb within the wattage rating of the socket and shade. LED bulbs produce less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs, which is especially useful around decorative lamp projects.

Troubleshooting Drilling Problems

The drill bit keeps sliding

Begin with the bit at an angle and create a shallow groove before bringing the drill upright.

Masking tape can help you see the centre mark, but the angled start is what gives the hole saw a physical groove to follow.

A drill guide or scrap timber template with a pre-drilled hole can also help hold the bit in place.

The china cracked immediately

Possible causes include:

  • Hammer mode was switched on
  • Too much downward pressure
  • The piece was unsupported
  • The drill speed was too high
  • The china had an existing hairline crack
  • The piece became too hot
  • The clamp pressure was too strong

Drilling is taking forever

Some porcelain is extremely hard.

Check that you are using a diamond-coated bit in good condition. Keep the area wet, clear ceramic slurry regularly and allow the bit to grind rather than forcing it.

Depending on the thickness and hardness of the china, one hole may take several minutes.

If the bit has already drilled numerous pieces, the diamond coating may be worn.

The underside chipped

Minor breakout can happen when the bit exits.

Use less pressure near the end and make sure the piece is well supported. Where possible, drill most of the way from the first side and carefully complete the hole from the reverse side.

Cover minor edge chips with a broad fibre or rubber washer. Do not use a piece that has developed a structural crack.

The finished lamp leans

The holes may not be centred, the pieces may not sit flat or the stack may have been tightened unevenly.

Loosen the hardware and realign each piece. Add appropriate fibre washers where needed.

If one badly centred piece is creating the lean, replace it rather than trying to hide the problem with glue.

More Ways to Use Drilled Teacups and Saucers

Once you have mastered drilling china, you can use the same technique to make:

  • Teacup bird feeders
  • Tiered cake stands
  • Vintage china wind chimes
  • Hanging succulent planters
  • Teacup jewellery stands
  • Ceramic pendant lights
  • Cup and saucer garden ornaments
  • Decorative fountain features
  • Wall-mounted teacup storage
  • Hanging candle holders

You might also enjoy this upcycled coffee pod holder made with a teacup, especially when the china cupboard is multiplying faster than anyone is actually drinking tea.

DIY Teacup Lamp Safety Checklist

Before using the lamp, confirm that:

  • No china pieces have structural cracks
  • The base is broad and stable
  • The stack does not wobble
  • All holes have been smoothed
  • The electrical cord is protected from ceramic edges
  • The lamp rod is secure but not overtightened
  • The socket and cord comply with local standards
  • The lampshade does not touch the bulb
  • The bulb does not exceed the socket’s rated wattage
  • The lamp has been checked by a licensed electrician where required

This is one of those thrift-store crafts that looks wonderfully complicated once it is finished, even though most of the work comes down to careful measuring, slow drilling and resisting the urge to hurry.

And should you suddenly find yourself browsing op shops for china “for lamp-making purposes,” you are among friends. Just make sure there is still enough room in the cupboard for the tea.