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Giveaway: 6 pack Krylon spray paint 4!

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We’re nearing the end of National Craft Month which means this is the fourth and final giveaway pack from our friends at Krylon. We have given away three 6-packs of their fabulous spray paint so far. This week, we are giving away the fourth of the four gift packs.

HOW TO ENTER
Enter to win by leaving a comment on this post telling me either what type of Krylon paint you’ve been itching to try, or tell me your favorite Krylon paint. Tell us all about it before March 31st 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 April 1st and notified via email. Winner will have 72 hours to respond with their shipping address, otherwise an alternate winner will be drawn. Winner will be provided with a catalog and allowed to choose 6 favorites. Prizes will be shipped at the conclusion of our National Craft Month celebration (early April). Good luck!

Comments

  3. Have lots of ideas to use with the Krylon Blackboard Spray Paint….would love to win lots of new paints!

  5. hi there i am new to crafting only started four weeks ago starting as a personal project for my children i created trinket tooth boxes in which i prep prime and paint decorate and seal with gloss, i extended this into any wood works i can get my hands on, i so far only have spray primer and gloss and the krylon gloss paints and pearl pains would be excellent for my newest projects and to start me off on my craft supplies. 🙂

  6. I’ve been itching to try the chalkboard paint to make a space on my wall for doodle ideas and to-do priority lists.

    edie

  7. would love to try the blackboard paint – i have some projects just started – and will need some spray paint:)
    thanks!

  12. My favorite is the Indoor/Outdoor spray paint.
    Krylon has come through for me in soooo many projects! Thank you!!
    Donna

  15. Oh please pic me pick me, not heard of the fussions and that sounds fun but would love to try the pearl

  18. I REALLY want to try some of the mirrored glass and antiqued metal paint, I haven’t tried those before. However, I always have at least one can of black and white on the paint shelf.

  24. I would like to try all of them. I have so many projects they could be used to make lovely

  26. I used the stone paint for an art project a few years ago and it was awesome. LOVE krylon!!

  28. I would love to try the stained glass paint. I have some windows that I would like to paint so that I could take down the dreaded mini blinds and still let the light in even while I get privacy.

  32. This is my new fav jewelry and craft website. So many great projects. And such generosity! Your giving away some real treasures like the Krylon Stone spray paint I really, really want to see if I can disguise wicker as faux stone–funky but chic, I say.

    Peace & Higher Consciousness to All,

    Maryellen

    {edited to remove personal phone number]

  36. Have several cans of paints on the standby..love them all, the glass stain–perfect, the chalkboard, very handy in the garage with a husband who doesn’t always have paper! The hammered metals are through out my house in updating the hardware…way cheaper for a coat of paint instead of purchasing new hardware! The frosted finish is on the bottom half of my bathroom windows..now no concerns about the slits in the blinds or forgetting to close the blinds! woo-hoo! The Stone Finish looks very appealing, already thinking of cigar box, planterbox, couple concrete yard statues that would look fantastic…hmmm!?!

  39. I would love to paint some plastic planters with the Stone paint. Thanks so much for the chance to win!!

  44. I’ve really been wanting to try the chalkboard paint. So many possibilities! Thanks for the giveaway!

  45. KRYLON ROCKS!
    Been working in the yard and I’d LOVE to try the Make it Stone!! Thank You!

  52. I’ve been dying to try the chalkboard paint and have several ideas for it. Both my daughters are just now in their first homes, old and needing LOTS of work. Oh how I’d love to win this and give them the Krylon! You can’t fix up and old house without it! Thanks so much for this chance!!!

  53. I love trying out the different types of paint! Faux finishes and the new crafting line are great. Would love to try the whole line!

  55. I’m still trying to get the nerve to spray paint my refridgerator with the chalkboard paint!! So many great products, thank you!!

  56. I would love to try the Chalkboard paint and also re-do some furniture in my kids rooms. Any paint would be a great gift and truly appreciated. Fingers crossed and hoping for the win!!

  62. I have so many ideas in my head for Magnetic Paint…and a wall section waiting for an application! Would love to have some to try!

  63. I would be happy to try any of them! I have so many ideas in mind. I’m interested in a range of colors.

  67. I have been interested in trying the stained glass paint. I love your products because they cover so well with fewer coats. And the colors to choose from are fantastic.

  69. I so want to try the chalkboard paint! I would love to do the kid’s closet doors with it!

  70. I love the outdoor paint. I had some white plastic outdoor chairs and they started looking very dirty and would not come clean anymore. I painted them a dark green along with the table that matches. They now look like new and I have gotten so many compliments and people are asking where they can get some. When I tell them I did it with Krylon paint they can’t wait to go and buy some to use on their chairs. I keep looking for more things to paint since it was so easy and so much fun.

  72. Oh my, ALL the types of paint look like they’d be SUPER FUN to try!!! DO I HAVE TO NARROW IT DOWN???? That might prove IMPOSSIBLE!!!! 🙂

  73. I love the Crystal Clear Coat spray. Use it on everything. I cant wait to get my hands on the chalkboard spray!I think 5th time’s the charm for me on this giveaway!! Thanks!

  74. Since the giveaways started, I’ve tried the chalkboard paint and loved it. I’m on to pearl next! Would love to win.

  75. I love Krylon spray paint but I have yet to use the chalkboard paint. I am excited to finally use it.

  76. Wow . . . stained glass paint. Have I been living under a rock? How did I not know it existed?!? Excellent give away.

  79. Who knew there were so many different kinds of spray paint? I’d love to try the chalkboard paint.

  81. I’ve used the “make it stone” on a wooden table and it turned out BEAUTIFUL. Now, I’d love to try the “stained glass.”

  82. I really want to try the chalkboard paint. I’m
    Redoing my daughters room and would love to incorporate it somehow. Thanks!!

  85. I’m a big fan of the regular all-purpose paint. It has so many uses and comes in so many colors!

  88. I want to try the paint for plastic. I have a lot of yard stuff that needs some paint or in the trash.
    Thank you for this giveaway.

  91. I am dying to get my hands on some Chalkboard Paint! I’m creating a play space for my nieces, nephews and little sis! My home is pretty small, but it’s all about family.

  92. Love Krylon! There are so many different finishes you can get by using Krylon. I would love to try the faux stone effect! Thanks for giving us a chance on this give-away!

  94. We have used the Krylon outdoor paints, but would love to try the Stone look paints!!! It would definately give a whole new look to our outdoor furniture!!! Can’t wait to try it out!!!

  96. I would love to try the chalkboard or the magnet one but hubby would probably still coupons for the krylon fusion black flat camo to paint his guns and stuff with.

  99. Ok, it’s a toss up!!! The stone I’ve seen used before and it really does look good. I’m not sure though if it would look that good for ME! But, I’d love to try it. The chalkboard paint is probably what I’d pick if I had to choose..think of what you could do with it! Curious if it works as good as it’s promoted. Would love to win and find out 🙂

  101. As a long-time gourd crafter,the Krylon products are my first choice for my gourd creations.

    I’m really looking forward to trying the Stained Glass or the Pearl Paints to give my gourds a new and interesting effect.

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  103. I have used Krylon for ages, but until I saw the photo, I didn’t know about the stained glass paint. I was going to say the chalkboard paint, but now I’m going out to buy a can of the stained glass. I need to go to the Hardware store anyway, but this encouraged me togo right now.

  106. I like to try the chalkboard paint on the insides of my kitchen cabinets. I could write recipes and comments there.

  107. I’ve been wanting to try the chalkboard paint for awhile but now i’m also eyeing the stained glass paint…so many choices!

  110. Tsssssh (that’s me spray painting). I love the metallics – b-ling – and I am curious to try the stained glass paints, I have never even seen those in stores

  111. I’ve just my first can – Blue Ocean Breeze, such a pretty color! But there’s soooo many different products to choose from and so many projects floating in my head. The chalkboard paint sounds fun!

  112. I love the Gloss Watermelon but am dying to try the frosted glass spray…so many ideas for that one!!

  117. I have wanting to try the blackboard paint, that would be fun to do on old cabinets. I also would love to try the gloss, I have a table that sorely needs refinishing.

    Debbie

  119. Krylon is so multi purpose,and now more options than ever! From home improvement to crafts,I’m covered Thanx guys! I love the clear Shine and am itching to try the blackboard paint as well the stone

  122. Thank you for this giveaway! I’ve been wanting to try the chalkboard paint for quite a while now. And I would love to get my hands on a soft pastel spray paint for a few items around the house.

  123. I’ve tried the outdoor Krylon, but I have been itching to try the Chalkboard Krylon. Goodluck everyone and Thanks Krylon and CraftGossip.

  125. I’ve wanted to try the chalkboard paint, my people would love to be allowed to color on the wall!

  127. I’ve been dying to try the pearl paint! And then the stone, and then the chalkboard. i’ve used the brush on chalkboard and it really worked out great.

    Hugs XX
    Barbara

  129. I want to use ALL of them, even on my altered clothing (chalkboard pants, how cool and useful would that be!?).

  130. Hmmm..oh the inspirations! i’ve used the 2 step crackle in the past on a dresser…would love to try the fusions,pearls,ah heck,I have ideas for them all!

    Crossin my paint splattered fingers!! ;]

  131. The chalk board paint! I’m actually hoping to start a painting project soon so this would really help! Thanks for the chance!!

  135. I have made one project with the chalkboard paint, and I love it. I have been wanting to try the Make it Stone paint!

  138. I can’t wait to try the Looking Glass paint!!! I’ve got a lamp that’s needing a new look…and the Looking Glass paint will be perfect for it!

  139. I really would like to try the stone one, used the chalkboard application already and it rocks!

  143. Chalkboard Paint! We have an easel that has a chalkboard on one side and a dry erase board on the other. As you might expect over the years (the girls are now 13 and 15) the dry erase markers have been used on the chalkboard side. I would like to refurbish so the grandkids can enjoy someday.

  147. I would love to try the frosted glass spray or the chalkboard spray. Currently my favorite is good old white. Been using it to spray paint picture frames for spring!

  151. I would love to turn the pantry door into a message center with the chalkboard paint. Thanks for your generous giveaways.

  152. I’ve been itching to try the stained glass paint. I’ve been interested in trying a lot of projects with glass but the lack of color has been bothering me.

  154. any paint would be great; the stained glass would be something neat to try … all are awesome … darlene

  155. I love using Krylon paints on both plastic and wood because of the bold colors and even spray. I’ve been wanting to try out the “Make it Stone” paint a while. It looks quite interesting. Brigitta

  156. I really want to try the outdoor/everything paint -and- the chalkboard! I have used Krylon acrylic clear&frosted as sealers on *everything* for yrs (makes my wreaths&goodies WaterProof for doors&porches) but there are soooo many things I want to paint&try and I REALLY TRUST KRYLON! Hey I grew up with it in Medina OH! Love u Krylon 😉

  158. Your stone paint is fantastic….but, I need to start expanding….a toss-up between pearl or chalkboard paint….oh, decisions!!

  167. I love the blackboard paint and the paint that adheres to plastic…makes old toys look new! Thanks for the giveaway!

  170. I am a decorative painter and go through oodles of the Krylon matte sealer. I do all kinds of crafts so any new product would interest me! Great giveaway!

  171. I love the Krylon Stain Glass paint, but I think it would be neat to try the pearl paint or the stone paint, too! Definitely need to check those out! Thanks for the great giveaway!

  173. Make it stone!!!!!! I have been remodeling my kitchen..going with a Tuscan theme and would love to try the make it stone on some items to place in my new kitchen!! Exciting!!

  174. I’d like to try the Chalkboard paint on one of my kitchen walls. It would be great for messages.

  178. The camoflage fusion or the chalkboard paint both sound interesting. But I really honestly can’t choose just one.

  181. I have quite a collection of clear glass vases sitting in my garage that have great potential. I want to try the glass paint to see what I can create.

  185. I use the matte finish black as a base coat for steampunking squirtguns. I also once used the stone to create a paper mache gargoyle.

  189. THE STAINED GLASS sounds interesting. Also have always wanted to try the “stone” as well. Thanks for the give-away!!

  192. I would love to try out the Pearls and
    Chalkboard paints on a few projects that I haven’t touched yet. Thanks for the chance to
    win!

  193. I would like to try the stone paint, the glass paint and the chalk board paint. All look interesting.

  196. It would be hard to choose just one to try. I would love to work with the Frosted Glass Finish and the Glitter spray. Fun!

  199. umm chalkboard, only the most awesome thing to happen to paint since i dont know, its invention!!

  203. I don’t have a favorite – I love them ALL! Most recently, some gray primer on some silk flowers to make an arrangement for the play “Blithe Spirit”. Worked great! In fact, we’ll paint just about anything with Krylon.
    Thank you for an opportunity to win.

  204. I’d love to try the Make It Pearl! Pearlescent Paint and the Make It Last! Clear Sealer. 🙂

  208. I JUST picked up a little shelf at the thrift store that I was planning to spray paint, so winning the paint would be even better! It’s for my daughter’s room, so trying the pearly paint could make a lovely finish.

  210. There are so many I want to try, I think one’s called hammered metal, and I know one’s called Mirror Like Paint, and the last webbing spray, oh and the Make it acid free!! I LOVE Krylon!

  212. I love the chalkboard paint! I’v done several projects with it. Would love to try the Frosted Glass Finish.

  214. I don’t use anything but Krylon paints. But I haven’t had the chance to use the chalkboard paint. I really need it as my son just loves coloring the walls, with chalk. Thanks for the chance to win.

  217. I would love to try the stone paint. I have backsplash that multiple previous tenants have tried to paint and it’s chipping off all over. This sounds like a good solution.

  218. As a crafter I’ve tried many paints, none have been of the quality of Krylon. I can’t wait for the rainy weather to stop as I plan on putting up a mural on my concrete walls. My choice of paints KRYLON OF COURSE!
    Thank You,
    Luiza

  219. We’ve used the silver and gold paints to paint shields for LARP: Live Action Role Playing.

    I’d like to experiment with the magnet and chalkboard paint to make a combo family bulletin board and invite others to make them with me.

    thnx

  222. I love the make it stone textured paints. It’s great for taking inexpensive plastic garden pieces and making them look beautiful!
    Thanks for this giveaway!

  223. I would love to try any of them! I’m just now starting to build my paint stash, and Krylon satin and flat are in there so far.

  224. I would really put these to good use. I use your products all the time. I especially like the Fusion paint for my outside furniture.

  225. I have always wanted to try the make it stone spray paint.. I think that would be just terrific to use on my cheap plastic flower pots out in my garden. Krylon really out does themselves , and there products really are great! Thank You for the chance to win! XXX’s

  226. Love the Stone – I re-purposed 2 lamps a while back and they looked fantastic! So easy to use!!! AJ

  228. I would LOVE to try the Looking GLass…Saw an episode on a show today that made mirrors out of picture frames and LOVED IT!! Also want to try the chalkboard spray.we are moving this summer and want to give my daughter a place to use her chalk without buying one of those big bulky chalkboards!

  230. i just seen your “Looking Glass” paint on the Nate BUrkus show and now I am inspired to try it. I have many items that need updated and freshened up and can’t wait to try some of the projects featured on his show.
    thanks so much,
    Janice

  231. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THE PEARL SPRAY TO USE OVER MY PROJECTS WOULD BE PERFECT! a LADAY AT A CERAMIC PLACE WAS SPRAYING A PROJECT AND IT WAS REALLY COOL!

  232. i just seen your “Looking Glass” paint on the Nate Berkus show and now I am inspired to try it. I have many items that need updated and freshened up and can’t wait to try some of the projects featured on his show.
    thanks so much,
    Janice

  235. I am really looking forward to trying the ‘Looking Glass Spray’ and the ‘Stained Glass’ spray. I have a few ideas waiting to use products.

  236. I would love to try the Chalkboard spray paint we could have message boards everywhere. After looking at the picture I would like to try the stained glass spray paint too

  237. between my mom and i we have probably used about 50 cans of krylon paint in the last 6 months, my favorite is the Blue Ocean Breeze but black is always good too!!

  238. i cant wait to try the chalkboard kind and some new colors. i live in a small town and our selection us very limited!!!! please pick me

  239. I have several projects coming up with the use of chalkboard paint. I am just dying to use the chalkboard paint!!!!

  240. I have a million projects in mind, so I’d try anything Krylon can throw at me. Perhaps a new take on my “fruit ingocnito” with a metallic finish on every mustache.
    (It’s pretty much a still life of fruit with crazy mustaches.) How many things in life can’t you pant a mustache on?

  241. I really want to try Krylon’s texture paints. I especially like the look of their stone paints. I would love to try their Plastic Fusion spray paint as well, as there are many plastic things that I own that I would love to change the color of! Thank you so much for the chance!

  242. I’ve been itching to try the stone and the glass. Both would be helpful in utilizing the piles of refuse I have. Although I would jump at trying the pearl too since my bike is in need of a paint job. its a pearly blue that i can’t seem to match.

    My fave is the basic indoor/outdoor and the Triple Thick ClearGlaze. I use both a lot.

  245. Where to begin… I LOVE the Krylon products!!
    I have used the indoor/outdoor paint for everything from craft to re-finishing furniture! My husband is in the Air- Force, So on a “military” budget there nothing better than being able to take something old and ugly, and give it new life for just a few dollars! Keep making the great products krylon! Oh, I would love to use the chalkboard paint. I’ve got a ton of ideas….

  246. The stone paint is great. I’ve used it for many different little wooden things, such as candlesticks.

  252. i would love to try the mirror paint. I have an old mirror i would love to give it a new shine!

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.