Upcycled Tiki Torch Craft
Revamp an old lampshade and set your garden aglow with a curvy torch.
Materials:
- 3/8-in. piece of soft copper tubing (length of your choosing)
- Glass light shade
- Glass jar with metal lid
- Torch fuel
- Wick
- Metal awl, hole punch or big nail
- Hammer
- Hacksaw, manual pipe cutter, or bolt cutters
- Spray sealer (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1
Gently bend one end of copper tubing into a circle, so that the glass light shade rests in it securely. Continue to bend remaining length of copper tubing to form a curvy “stem.” Leave the bottom third of the tubing straight.
Step 2
Flatten the bottom end of tubing with a hammer. Push tubing into the ground. Make adjustments as needed to ensure light shade will remain upright and stable when placed.
Step 3
If desired, coat with a spray lacquer or clear acrylic enamel spray paint to keep copper shiny. Or leave it as is, and over time it will form a natural green patina.
Step 4
Punch a hole slightly smaller than diameter of wick into center of jar lid. Feed wick through lid, leaving no more than 1 1/4 in. at top. The wick should be no more than 2 in. longer than jar. Fill jar with torch fuel and screw lid on.
Step 5
Re-stake finished torch where desired. Nestle light shade in tubing circle, place jar in center of light shade and light the wick.