Thursday 5 November 2009

DIY: Moon Rock Lamp

Materials

  • Recycled coffee jar
  • Glow-in-the-dark fabric paint
  • 2 packets, 25mm polyfoam balls
  • Clear cellophane sheet
  • Egg carton
  • Dress makers pins
  • Paint brush

Steps
  1. Skewer each ball with dress makers pins. This helps to hold the ball whilst coating it in paint. Then using a paint brush coat each foam ball in paint. You can use any paint stroke that you feel comfortable with. For me I squirt some of the paint on to the ball, then dab at it with the brush to create a rough texture. 
  2. With the pins still inserted, float the balls in an egg carton and allow 24 hours to dry. If however, you are the impatient type (like me), then wip out the hair dryer and use on each ball for about a minute. Be careful that you do not burn your fingers in the process, as the pins do get quite hot — perhaps try wrapping some scrap calico or tissue around one of the pins you are holding when you using the dryer. Remove the pins from each ball once these are dry.
  3. Take the cellophane and cut into roughly 30 cm squares. Scrunch the squares individually and layer in the jar with the balls in between — just as you would when preparing lasagne. Altogether you will need no more than 4 or 5 squares to fill out the jar. Then place the lid on the jar.

Final Step: Let it glow…
Now all you need to do is place the jar beneath a bright light source for about 5 minutes. Then turn out the lights and watch those moon rocks glow.



Afterthought: If you are wanting a stronger glow effect, I suggest applying a second and possibly a third layer of paint after the first coat has dried on the balls.